Recombinant Human MED13 Protein: Key FAQs

Recombinant Human MED13 Protein is a key research reagent enabling scientists to investigate the structure, function, and regulatory roles of the MED13 subunit within the human Mediator transcriptional coactivator complex.

Product Name

Recombinant Human MED13 Protein

SKU

rp367414

Protein Family

Mediator complex subunit (MED13/THRAP1)

Biological Role

Component of the CDK8 kinase module of the Mediator complex; involved in transcriptional regulation of RNA polymerase II-dependent genes

Research Applications

Transcription regulation studies, protein-protein interaction assays, biochemical characterization, drug target research

Source

Recombinant, human origin

What Is MED13 and Why Is It Important?

MED13 (Mediator Complex Subunit 13), also known as THRAP1 (thyroid hormone receptor-associated protein 1), is a large subunit of the Mediator transcriptional coactivator complex. The Mediator complex serves as a molecular bridge between gene-specific transcription factors and the general RNA polymerase II transcriptional machinery, playing a central role in the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes.

MED13 is a core component of the CDK8 kinase module, which also includes CDK8, Cyclin C, and MED12. This module can associate reversibly with the main Mediator complex and modulates transcriptional activity both positively and negatively depending on cellular context. MED13 has been implicated in developmental signaling, metabolic regulation, and cell cycle control. Dysregulation of MED13 has been linked to cardiac hypertrophy, intellectual disability syndromes, and various cancers, making it a subject of active biomedical research.

What Research Applications Is This Protein Suitable For?

Recombinant Human MED13 Protein (rp367414) is designed to support a range of biochemical and cell biology research applications. Key uses include:

• Protein–protein interaction studies: MED13 interacts with multiple partners within the CDK8 module and broader Mediator complex. Recombinant MED13 can be used in pull-down assays, co-immunoprecipitation validation, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments to map these interactions.
• Biochemical characterization: Researchers can use this protein to study MED13 post-translational modifications, conformational properties, and binding affinities.
• Drug discovery and target validation: Given MED13's role in disease-relevant transcriptional programs, it is a potential target for small-molecule modulators. Recombinant MED13 is suitable for compound screening and binding assays.
• Structural biology: The purified recombinant protein may be used as a component in structural studies of the CDK8 module or Mediator complex.

Researchers are encouraged to validate the protein in their specific assay system prior to use in critical experiments.

How Should Recombinant Human MED13 Protein Be Stored and Handled?

Proper storage and handling are critical to maintaining the activity and integrity of recombinant proteins. While specific storage conditions for rp367414 should be confirmed from the official product datasheet, general best practices for recombinant proteins of this type include:

• Short-term storage: Store at 4°C if the protein will be used within a few days of receipt.
• Long-term storage: Aliquot the protein to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and store at −20°C or −80°C as indicated on the datasheet.
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles: Each freeze-thaw cycle can reduce protein activity. Prepare single-use aliquots upon first thaw.
• Carrier protein: If storing at low concentrations, consider supplementing with a carrier protein such as BSA (0.1%) to minimize adsorption losses.
• Sterile handling: Handle under aseptic conditions if the protein will be used in cell-based assays.

Always refer to the product-specific datasheet provided by Aladdin Scientific for authoritative storage instructions.

Quality, Purity, and What to Expect from This Reagent

Recombinant proteins supplied by Aladdin Scientific are intended for research use. For Recombinant Human MED13 Protein (rp367414), researchers should consult the product datasheet for specific information regarding:

• Purity: Purity levels and the analytical method used (e.g., SDS-PAGE, HPLC) are stated on the product datasheet. Typical research-grade recombinant proteins are supplied at >85% or >90% purity, but the exact specification for rp367414 should be verified from the official documentation.
• Formulation: The buffer composition, any excipients, and protein concentration are product-specific and should be confirmed on the datasheet.
• Endotoxin levels: Where applicable, endotoxin content is tested and reported; this is especially important for cell-based assays.
• Functional validation: Confirm whether functional or activity data are provided for this lot, as this guides experimental design.

If you require a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for rp367414, please contact Aladdin Scientific customer service.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biological function of MED13 in human cells?

MED13 is a subunit of the CDK8 kinase module within the Mediator transcriptional coactivator complex. It plays a critical role in regulating RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription by modulating the interaction of the CDK8 module with the core Mediator complex, thereby influencing the expression of a wide range of genes involved in development, metabolism, and cell cycle control.

Is Recombinant Human MED13 Protein (rp367414) suitable for use in pull-down or co-immunoprecipitation assays?

Yes, recombinant MED13 protein is generally suitable for protein–protein interaction studies such as pull-down assays and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Researchers should validate the protein's folding and activity in their specific system, as assay conditions such as buffer composition and salt concentration can affect interaction outcomes. Consult the product datasheet for formulation details before designing your experiment.

How should I handle repeated freeze-thaw cycles with this recombinant protein?

Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided, as they can compromise protein integrity and reduce biological activity. Upon receipt, it is recommended to aliquot the protein into single-use volumes and store them at the temperature specified on the product datasheet (typically −20°C or −80°C). This practice ensures that each aliquot is thawed only once before use.

What diseases or conditions is MED13 research relevant to?

MED13 has been implicated in several disease areas, including cardiac hypertrophy, intellectual disability disorders (such as MED13-related intellectual disability syndrome caused by mutations in the MED13 gene), and various cancers where Mediator complex dysregulation contributes to aberrant transcriptional programs. These disease associations make MED13 a relevant target for translational and drug discovery research.

Where can I find the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for rp367414?

The Certificate of Analysis for Recombinant Human MED13 Protein (rp367414) can be requested directly from Aladdin Scientific customer service. Lot-specific CoAs provide information on purity, concentration, and quality control testing results. Please have your lot number ready when contacting support.

References

1. Allen BL, Taatjes DJ. The Mediator complex: a central integrator of transcription. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. 2015;16(3):155-166. doi:10.1038/nrm3951
2. Tsai KL, Sato S, Tomomori-Sato C, et al. A conserved Mediator-CDK8 kinase module association regulates Mediator-RNA polymerase II interaction. Nature Structural & Molecular Biology. 2013;20(5):611-619. doi:10.1038/nsmb.2549
3. van Haelst MM, Monroe GR, Duran K, et al. Further confirmation of the MED13L haploinsufficiency syndrome. European Journal of Human Genetics. 2015;23(1):135-138. doi:10.1038/ejhg.2014.69

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