Recombinant Human GFPT2 Protein: Key Facts & FAQs

Recombinant Human GFPT2 Protein is a key enzyme of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway, enabling researchers to investigate O-GlcNAcylation, metabolic signaling, and disease-relevant glycosylation mechanisms in vitro.

Product Name

Recombinant Human GFPT2 Protein

SKU

rp372298

Gene / Protein Target

GFPT2 (Glutamine–Fructose-6-Phosphate Transaminase 2)

Biological Function

Catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP), converting fructose-6-phosphate and glutamine to glucosamine-6-phosphate

Primary Research Applications

Hexosamine biosynthesis studies, O-GlcNAcylation research, metabolic enzyme assays, drug target validation

Supplier

Aladdin Scientific

What Is GFPT2 and Why Is It Important in Research?

GFPT2 (Glutamine–Fructose-6-Phosphate Transaminase 2) is an enzyme that catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP). This pathway converts a fraction of cellular glucose flux into UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc), the obligate donor substrate for O-GlcNAcylation of intracellular proteins and N- and O-linked glycosylation in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus.

GFPT2 is a paralog of GFPT1 and is expressed predominantly in the brain and other neural tissues, though its expression is upregulated in various cancers and under conditions of metabolic stress. Research interest in GFPT2 has grown significantly due to its roles in tumor metabolism, neurological function, and the regulation of protein glycosylation states that influence signaling, proteostasis, and epigenetic programming.

By providing a recombinant, purified form of the human GFPT2 protein, Aladdin Scientific enables researchers to conduct reproducible biochemical assays without the variability associated with cell lysate preparations.

Research Applications of Recombinant Human GFPT2 Protein

Recombinant Human GFPT2 Protein (rp372298) is suitable for a range of in vitro biochemical and cell-biology research applications, including but not limited to:

• Enzyme Activity Assays: Direct measurement of GFPT2 transaminase activity using defined concentrations of fructose-6-phosphate and glutamine as substrates, enabling kinetic characterization (Km, Vmax, kcat).
• Inhibitor Screening: Use as a purified enzyme source for high-throughput or focused screening of small-molecule inhibitors targeting the HBP, relevant to oncology and metabolic disease drug discovery.
• Structural and Biophysical Studies: Suitable as an antigen for antibody development, as a standard in Western blotting, or as a binding partner in protein–protein interaction studies.
• O-GlcNAcylation Research: Investigation of the upstream regulatory inputs into cellular O-GlcNAc levels, complementing studies using OGT, OGA, and other HBP enzymes.
• Pathway Reconstitution: In vitro reconstitution of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway for mechanistic studies of metabolic flux and nutrient sensing.

Researchers are advised to consult the product datasheet for validated application-specific conditions, recommended buffer systems, and activity units.

Quality, Purity, and Storage Recommendations

Recombinant proteins used in quantitative biochemical research must meet rigorous quality standards to ensure reproducibility. While researchers should consult the current product datasheet (rp372298) for batch-specific certificates of analysis, the following general guidance applies to recombinant proteins of this class:

• Purity: Recombinant human GFPT2 protein is typically produced using a heterologous expression system (e.g., E. coli, baculovirus/insect cells, or mammalian cells) and purified by affinity chromatography. Purity is commonly assessed by SDS-PAGE and reported as a percentage. Specific purity values for rp372298 should be confirmed on the current datasheet.
• Endotoxin Level: For enzyme assays and cell-based work, low endotoxin levels are important. Confirm endotoxin specification on the product datasheet.
• Storage: Recombinant proteins are generally stored at -80°C for long-term stability. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided; aliquoting upon receipt is recommended.
• Reconstitution: If supplied lyophilized, reconstitute in the buffer specified in the datasheet. Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening.

Contact Aladdin Scientific technical support for batch-specific quality data or custom formulation inquiries.

Ordering and Procurement Information

Recombinant Human GFPT2 Protein is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU rp372298. Procurement teams and lab managers should note the following:

• SKU: rp372298
• Supplier Reference: absea#PP-6347
• Availability: Please check the Aladdin Scientific website or contact your regional sales representative for current stock status, lead times, and available quantities.
• Custom Quantities: For bulk orders or custom formulations, contact Aladdin Scientific sales or technical support directly.
• Documentation: Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Certificates of Analysis (CoA), and product datasheets are available upon request or via the product page on the Aladdin Scientific website.
• Export and Compliance: Certain recombinant proteins may be subject to export control regulations. Verify compliance requirements with your institution and Aladdin Scientific prior to ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What is GFPT2 and what does it do in human cells?

GFPT2 (Glutamine–Fructose-6-Phosphate Transaminase 2) is an enzyme that catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway, converting fructose-6-phosphate and glutamine into glucosamine-6-phosphate. This pathway regulates the cellular levels of UDP-GlcNAc, the sugar donor for O-GlcNAcylation and other forms of glycosylation, linking nutrient availability to downstream signaling and gene expression.

What expression system is used to produce Recombinant Human GFPT2 Protein (rp372298)?

The specific expression system and host organism used to produce rp372298 should be confirmed by consulting the current product datasheet or Certificate of Analysis available from Aladdin Scientific. Common systems for recombinant human metabolic enzymes include E. coli, baculovirus/insect cell, and mammalian cell expression. Contact Aladdin Scientific technical support for detailed manufacturing information.

How should Recombinant Human GFPT2 Protein be stored to maintain activity?

For long-term storage, recombinant proteins are generally recommended to be kept at -80°C. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be minimized by aliquoting the protein into single-use volumes upon receipt. If the protein is supplied in lyophilized form, reconstitute according to the instructions in the datasheet and allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening. Always refer to the specific storage conditions stated on the product datasheet for rp372298.

Can Recombinant Human GFPT2 Protein be used for inhibitor screening assays?

Yes, purified recombinant GFPT2 protein is well-suited for in vitro enzyme inhibitor screening assays, including both high-throughput screening formats and focused medicinal chemistry studies. As GFPT2 is a validated target in cancer metabolism and metabolic disease research, it is frequently used to identify and characterize small-molecule inhibitors of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway. Confirm assay compatibility and recommended enzyme concentrations with the product datasheet or Aladdin Scientific technical support.

What is the difference between GFPT1 and GFPT2?

GFPT1 and GFPT2 are paralogs that both catalyze the same rate-limiting reaction in the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway, but they differ in their tissue distribution and regulatory properties. GFPT1 is ubiquitously expressed, while GFPT2 is predominantly expressed in neural tissues and is upregulated in certain cancers and stress conditions. These differences make GFPT2 a distinct research and therapeutic target from GFPT1, particularly in oncology and neuroscience contexts.

References

1. Oki T, et al. Cloning and functional analysis of a new form of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthetase. Journal of Biochemistry. General reference for GFPT2 enzyme biology — specific volume and page details require verification.
2. Broschat KO, et al. Kinetic characterization of human glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase I. General reference for HBP enzyme kinetics — specific journal, volume, and page details require verification.
3. Taparra K, et al. O-GlcNAcylation is required for mutant KRAS-induced lung tumorigenesis. Journal of Clinical Investigation. General reference for GFPT2/HBP in cancer — specific details require verification.
4. Aladdin Scientific. Recombinant Human GFPT2 Protein, SKU rp372298, Product Datasheet. Aladdin Scientific website. URL and version date require verification.

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