Recombinant Human GAS2 Protein: Properties & Research Uses

Recombinant Human GAS2 Protein is a key research reagent enabling scientists to investigate cytoskeletal regulation, apoptotic signaling, and cell-cycle arrest mechanisms in human biology.

Protein Name

Growth Arrest-Specific Protein 2 (GAS2)

Species Origin

Human (Homo sapiens)

Protein Format

Recombinant protein produced in a heterologous expression system

Primary Research Areas

Apoptosis, cytoskeletal dynamics, cell-cycle regulation

Key Structural Feature

Contains a conserved CH (calponin homology) domain involved in actin binding

SKU

rp373690

What Is GAS2 and Why Does It Matter?

Growth Arrest-Specific Protein 2 (GAS2) is a member of the GAS2 family of proteins, originally identified in fibroblasts as a gene product upregulated during growth arrest. GAS2 plays a central role at the intersection of cytoskeletal organization, apoptotic signaling, and cell-cycle control. The protein contains a calponin homology (CH) domain that mediates direct interaction with actin microfilaments, and a GAS2-related (GAR) domain that associates with microtubules, positioning GAS2 as a dual cytoskeletal regulator.

During apoptosis, GAS2 is cleaved by caspase-3, generating a truncated fragment that induces actin reorganization and the characteristic morphological changes of apoptotic cells, including membrane blebbing and cell rounding. This caspase-mediated processing of GAS2 underscores its importance as both a substrate and a mediator of the apoptotic machinery.

Additionally, GAS2 has been linked to p53-dependent cell-cycle arrest pathways, with evidence suggesting it modulates microtubule stability and mitotic progression. Understanding GAS2 function is therefore relevant to cancer biology, developmental biology, and the study of programmed cell death.

Biochemical Properties of Recombinant Human GAS2 Protein

Recombinant Human GAS2 Protein is produced using established heterologous expression platforms designed to yield a properly folded and biologically relevant form of the protein. Recombinant production allows researchers to obtain defined quantities of pure protein, free from the variability associated with native tissue extraction.

The human GAS2 gene encodes a protein of approximately 314 amino acids. The recombinant form typically carries an affinity tag (such as His-tag or GST-tag, depending on lot specifications) to facilitate purification by affinity chromatography and to enable straightforward detection in downstream assays. Researchers should consult the specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for each lot to confirm molecular weight, purity grade, formulation buffer, and storage conditions.

Key biochemical attributes to verify in the CoA include: purity as assessed by SDS-PAGE or HPLC, endotoxin levels (critical for cell-based assays), protein concentration, and the recommended storage temperature (typically -20°C or -80°C with avoidance of repeated freeze-thaw cycles).

Research Applications

Recombinant Human GAS2 Protein is a versatile reagent suited to a range of in vitro and cell-based experimental formats:

• Apoptosis Studies: GAS2 can be used as a substrate in caspase-3 cleavage assays to validate protease activity and to study the downstream cytoskeletal consequences of caspase activation.
• Cytoskeletal Research: The recombinant protein is suitable for actin co-sedimentation assays and microtubule co-polymerization experiments to characterize GAS2–cytoskeleton interactions under defined biochemical conditions.
• Protein–Protein Interaction Studies: GAS2 can serve as bait or prey in pull-down assays, co-immunoprecipitation experiments, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) studies to map its interactome.
• Antibody Validation and Immunoassay Development: Recombinant GAS2 provides a reliable positive control antigen for ELISA development, Western blot antibody validation, and immunohistochemistry optimization.
• Structural and Biophysical Studies: Purified recombinant GAS2 can be employed in circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy or dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments to assess folding and oligomeric state.

Always titrate the protein concentration empirically for each application, as optimal conditions vary by experimental system.

Handling, Storage, and Quality Considerations

Proper handling of Recombinant Human GAS2 Protein is essential to maintain activity and reproducibility across experiments:

• Storage: Store at the temperature specified on the product datasheet and CoA, typically -20°C for short-term or -80°C for long-term storage. Prepare single-use aliquots upon first thaw to prevent activity loss from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Reconstitution: If supplied lyophilized, reconstitute in the buffer recommended by the manufacturer. Centrifuge briefly after reconstitution to collect any precipitate and allow the solution to equilibrate to working temperature before use.
• Quality Control: Each lot of Aladdin Scientific recombinant protein undergoes QC testing. Confirm purity (typically ≥85% or ≥95% by SDS-PAGE, per lot CoA), biological activity where applicable, and endotoxin content before use in sensitive cell-based assays.
• Working Conditions: Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 4°C during experimental setup. Use low-binding tubes to minimize protein adsorption losses at low concentrations.

If unexpected results are observed, review flag the lot number and contact Aladdin Scientific technical support for guidance.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biological function of GAS2 protein?

GAS2 (Growth Arrest-Specific Protein 2) is involved in regulating cytoskeletal dynamics, apoptotic signaling, and cell-cycle arrest. It binds both actin microfilaments via its CH domain and microtubules via its GAR domain, and is cleaved by caspase-3 during apoptosis to mediate characteristic morphological changes in dying cells.

What applications is Recombinant Human GAS2 Protein suitable for?

Recombinant Human GAS2 Protein is suitable for caspase-3 cleavage assays, actin co-sedimentation and microtubule co-polymerization experiments, protein–protein interaction studies (pull-down, co-IP, SPR), ELISA and Western blot antibody validation, and biophysical characterization studies such as CD spectroscopy.

How should Recombinant Human GAS2 Protein be stored to maintain stability?

Store the protein at the temperature specified on the product CoA, typically -80°C for long-term storage. Prepare single-use aliquots to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can reduce protein activity and integrity. Always consult the specific lot CoA for formulation and storage details.

Does Recombinant Human GAS2 Protein carry an affinity tag?

Recombinant human GAS2 protein preparations may carry an affinity tag such as a His-tag or GST-tag to facilitate purification. The specific tag type and position should be confirmed in the product datasheet or Certificate of Analysis for the lot being purchased.

What purity level can be expected for Recombinant Human GAS2 Protein?

Purity is confirmed per lot by SDS-PAGE analysis. Typical recombinant protein lots from Aladdin Scientific achieve ≥85% purity or higher, with exact values reported on the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis. Researchers requiring higher purity for biophysical studies should confirm specifications before ordering.

References

1. Brancolini C, Bottega S, Schneider C. Gas2, a growth arrest-specific protein, is a component of the microfilament network system. J Cell Biol. 1992.
2. Brancolini C, Benedetti M, Schneider C. Microfilament reorganization during apoptosis: the role of Gas2, a possible substrate for ICE-like proteases. EMBO J. 1995.
3. Ggas2 gene entry. UniProtKB / NCBI Gene. Human GAS2 protein reference sequence.

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.