Recombinant Human CACNA2D1 Protein: Key FAQs

Recombinant Human CACNA2D1 Protein is a research-grade auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, enabling scientists to investigate calcium signaling, channel modulation, and drug–target interactions in vitro.

Product Name

Recombinant Human CACNA2D1 Protein

SKU

rp366502

Gene / Protein Target

CACNA2D1 (Calcium channel, voltage-dependent, alpha-2/delta subunit 1)

Species

Human (Homo sapiens)

Protein Role

Auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels; modulates channel trafficking, gating kinetics, and pharmacological sensitivity

Notable Pharmacological Relevance

Target of gabapentinoid drugs (gabapentin, pregabalin) used in pain and epilepsy treatment

Content Type

FAQ

What Is CACNA2D1 and Why Is It Scientifically Important?

CACNA2D1 encodes the alpha-2/delta-1 subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). This auxiliary subunit is synthesized as a single precursor protein that is post-translationally cleaved into the alpha-2 and delta peptides, which remain disulfide-linked and associate non-covalently with the pore-forming alpha-1 subunit of the channel complex.

The alpha-2/delta-1 subunit plays several key roles: it enhances trafficking of the channel complex to the plasma membrane, modulates channel gating kinetics, and increases peak calcium current density. It is broadly expressed in neuronal tissues and is of particular interest in pain research, epilepsy biology, and cardiovascular physiology.

CACNA2D1 is the canonical high-affinity binding target of gabapentinoid drugs such as gabapentin and pregabalin, making the recombinant protein a valuable tool for drug-binding assays, structural studies, and mechanistic research.

Protein Specifications and Quality Information

Aladdin Scientific's Recombinant Human CACNA2D1 Protein (SKU: rp366502) is produced using recombinant expression technology to deliver a research-grade protein suitable for a range of biochemical and cell-based assays.

Researchers should consult the product datasheet for confirmed details on the following specifications, as these may vary by lot:

• Expression Host: Refer to product datasheet for confirmed host system (e.g., mammalian, insect, or E. coli)
• Tag Information: Refer to product datasheet for tag type and position
• Purity: Refer to product datasheet for purity grade and validation method
• Formulation and Buffer: Refer to product datasheet for buffer composition and protein concentration
• Endotoxin Level: Refer to product datasheet for endotoxin specification

For validated lot-specific data including SDS-PAGE and functional assay results, please download the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from the Aladdin Scientific product page or contact technical support.

Recommended Applications and Usage Guidelines

Recombinant Human CACNA2D1 Protein is suited for a variety of research applications in calcium channel biology, pharmacology, and neuroscience. Common uses include:

• Drug Binding Assays: As the primary binding target of gabapentinoids, CACNA2D1 protein is used in radioligand binding assays and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) studies to characterize compound affinity.
• Protein–Protein Interaction Studies: The recombinant protein can be used to investigate interactions between CACNA2D1 and other channel subunits or intracellular binding partners.
• Antibody Validation: Suitable as a positive control antigen in Western blotting and ELISA for antibodies targeting CACNA2D1.
• Structural Biology: Can be used as material for biophysical characterization methods including circular dichroism (CD) and thermal shift assays.
• Functional Reconstitution Studies: In appropriate experimental contexts, the subunit may be used to reconstitute partial channel complexes for electrophysiological studies.

Users should optimize assay conditions including protein concentration, buffer composition, and incubation conditions for each specific application.

Storage, Handling, and Stability Best Practices

Proper handling of Recombinant Human CACNA2D1 Protein is essential to maintain activity and integrity. Follow these general best practices unless the product datasheet specifies otherwise:

• Short-term Storage: Store at 4 °C for up to one week if the protein will be used promptly after receipt.
• Long-term Storage: Aliquot into single-use volumes and store at −20 °C or −80 °C to prevent repeated freeze–thaw cycles, which degrade protein activity.
• Freeze–Thaw Cycles: Minimize freeze–thaw cycles; repeated cycling can cause aggregation and loss of activity. Prepare working aliquots at first thaw.
• Carrier Protein: If the protein is supplied at low concentration, consider adding a carrier protein such as 0.1% BSA to improve stability during storage.
• Avoid Detergents: Unless the assay requires it, avoid adding non-ionic detergents that may disrupt subunit association.

Always verify storage conditions on the product-specific datasheet or CoA, as formulation may vary between lots or catalog versions.

Ordering, Technical Support, and Documentation

Recombinant Human CACNA2D1 Protein is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU rp366502. To place an order or obtain a quotation, visit the Aladdin Scientific website or contact your regional sales representative.

Documentation available:

• Product Datasheet — includes confirmed specifications, formulation, and validated quality data
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA) — lot-specific purity and activity data available on request or via the website
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — available for download from the product page

Technical Support: For application-specific guidance, troubleshooting, or custom protein requirements, contact Aladdin Scientific technical support. Our team can advise on optimal assay formats, storage conditions, and compatibility with downstream applications.

Returns and Quality Guarantee: If the product does not meet specifications upon receipt, contact customer service within the applicable window stated in Aladdin Scientific's returns and refund policy to arrange replacement or credit.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biological function of the CACNA2D1 protein?

CACNA2D1 encodes the alpha-2/delta-1 auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels. It promotes trafficking of the channel complex to the cell surface, modulates gating kinetics, and increases peak calcium current amplitude. It is also the principal binding site for gabapentinoid drugs used in neuropathic pain and epilepsy therapy.

What expression system is used to produce the Recombinant Human CACNA2D1 Protein (rp366502)?

Expression system details, including the host cell type and any affinity tags used, are specified in the product datasheet and Certificate of Analysis for SKU rp366502. Please download the datasheet from the Aladdin Scientific product page or contact technical support for confirmed lot-specific information.

How should I store Recombinant Human CACNA2D1 Protein to maintain its activity?

For short-term use, store the protein at 4 °C for up to one week. For long-term storage, aliquot into single-use volumes and store at −20 °C or −80 °C to avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles that can cause aggregation and activity loss. Always confirm storage conditions on the product-specific datasheet.

What research applications is the Recombinant Human CACNA2D1 Protein suitable for?

This protein is suitable for drug binding assays (especially gabapentinoid interaction studies), protein–protein interaction studies, antibody validation by Western blot or ELISA, biophysical characterization, and functional reconstitution experiments. Researchers should optimize assay conditions for each specific application.

Is a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) available for this product?

Yes. A lot-specific Certificate of Analysis for Recombinant Human CACNA2D1 Protein (rp366502) is available. You can download it from the Aladdin Scientific product page using your lot number, or request it directly from customer service or technical support.

Can CACNA2D1 recombinant protein be used in cell-based assays or electrophysiology studies?

CACNA2D1 recombinant protein may be used as a component in functional reconstitution studies alongside other calcium channel subunits. However, its suitability for specific electrophysiological formats depends on the expression system used and experimental design. Contact Aladdin Scientific technical support for guidance on your specific assay configuration.

References

1. Dolphin AC. Voltage-gated calcium channels and their auxiliary subunits: physiology and pathophysiology and pharmacology. J Physiol. 2016;594(19):5369-5390. doi:10.1113/JP272262
2. Gee NS, et al. The novel anticonvulsant drug, gabapentin (Neurontin), binds to the alpha2delta subunit of a calcium channel. J Biol Chem. 1996;271(10):5768-5776. doi:10.1074/jbc.271.10.5768
3. Catterall WA. Voltage-gated calcium channels. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2011;3(8):a003947. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a003947

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