Recombinant Human MDC1 Protein: FAQs & Key Facts

Recombinant Human MDC1 Protein is a key mediator of the DNA damage checkpoint response, acting as a scaffold that amplifies γ-H2AX signaling at double-strand break sites to coordinate downstream DNA repair machinery.

Product Name

Recombinant Human MDC1 Protein

SKU

rp366601

Source / Expression System

Recombinant protein; specific expression host to be confirmed in product datasheet

Biological Function

MDC1 (Mediator of DNA Damage Checkpoint 1) recruits repair factors to γ-H2AX foci at DNA double-strand breaks and sustains checkpoint signaling

Primary Research Applications

DNA damage response studies, checkpoint signaling assays, protein interaction (pull-down / co-IP), structural biology

Recommended Storage

Store at -80 °C for long-term; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles (confirm exact conditions on product datasheet)

Quality / Purity

Purity specification to be confirmed on product datasheet; typical recombinant proteins are ≥85% by SDS-PAGE

What Is MDC1 and Why Is It Important in Research?

MDC1 (Mediator of DNA Damage Checkpoint 1, also known as KIAA0170) is a large nuclear protein that plays a central scaffolding role in the cellular response to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Upon DSB formation, the histone variant H2AX is rapidly phosphorylated on Ser-139 (generating γ-H2AX), and MDC1 directly binds γ-H2AX through its tandem BRCT domains. This interaction anchors MDC1 at damage foci and enables the recruitment of additional repair and signaling factors, including RNF8, MRN complex components, and 53BP1, thereby amplifying the DNA damage response (DDR) signal.

Because MDC1 sits at a critical node in DDR signaling, it is widely studied in the contexts of genomic stability, cancer biology, and the development of DNA-damaging therapeutic strategies. Recombinant Human MDC1 Protein (rp366601) provides researchers with a well-characterized tool for in vitro biochemical and structural investigations of these pathways.

Protein Specifications and Quality Standards

Recombinant Human MDC1 Protein (SKU: rp366601) is produced using recombinant expression technology. Researchers should consult the official product datasheet for the most current and authoritative specifications, including:

• Expression host: To be confirmed on datasheet (commonly E. coli, baculovirus/insect cell, or mammalian cell systems are used for large nuclear proteins).
• Tag information: Affinity or epitope tags may be present to facilitate purification; confirm tag identity and position on the datasheet.
• Purity: Typical recombinant proteins from Aladdin Scientific are characterized by SDS-PAGE and other appropriate methods; target purity and QC data are listed on the datasheet.
• Formulation: Supplied in a defined buffer; lyophilized or liquid formats may be available — confirm on datasheet.

Always verify lot-specific certificates of analysis (CoA) for purity, activity, and endotoxin levels before use in sensitive assays.

Recommended Storage, Handling, and Reconstitution

Proper storage and handling are critical to maintaining the activity and integrity of Recombinant Human MDC1 Protein. General best-practice guidelines for recombinant proteins apply:

• Long-term storage: -80 °C is recommended for extended storage periods. Confirm exact temperature on the product datasheet.
• Short-term storage: -20 °C may be acceptable for periods up to a few weeks, depending on formulation.
• Freeze-thaw cycles: Minimize the number of freeze-thaw cycles (ideally ≤3) to prevent protein aggregation and loss of activity. Aliquot the protein upon first thaw.
• Reconstitution (lyophilized product): Reconstitute in the buffer recommended on the datasheet. Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening. Centrifuge briefly before reconstitution if needed.
• Working solutions: Prepare fresh working dilutions on the day of use. Avoid prolonged exposure to room temperature.

If you observe precipitation or unusual turbidity, contact Aladdin Scientific technical support before proceeding with experiments.

Research Applications of Recombinant Human MDC1 Protein

Recombinant Human MDC1 Protein is a versatile reagent suitable for a range of in vitro research applications:

• Protein–protein interaction studies: MDC1's BRCT and FHA domains mediate interactions with γ-H2AX, RNF8, NBS1, and other DDR factors. Pull-down assays and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) experiments using recombinant MDC1 help map these interactions biochemically.
• Structural and biophysical studies: Recombinant MDC1 protein or its domains can be used for crystallography, cryo-EM, or biophysical characterization (SPR, ITC) to understand binding mechanisms.
• Enzyme and binding assays: MDC1 recruits E3 ubiquitin ligases; recombinant protein can serve as a substrate or binding partner in ubiquitination pathway assays.
• Antibody validation: Recombinant MDC1 protein serves as a positive control antigen for validating anti-MDC1 antibodies in Western blot, ELISA, or immunofluorescence experiments.
• Drug discovery: MDC1 is a potential target for cancer therapy sensitization; recombinant protein enables screening of small molecules that disrupt MDC1–γ-H2AX or MDC1–NBS1 interactions.

Ordering, Technical Support, and Quality Assurance

Recombinant Human MDC1 Protein is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU rp366601. When placing an order or requesting technical assistance, please have the SKU and lot number readily available.

• Ordering: Place orders directly through the Aladdin Scientific website or contact your regional sales representative. Bulk quantities and custom formulations may be available upon request.
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA): Lot-specific CoAs are available on the Aladdin Scientific website by entering the product SKU and lot number. The CoA contains purity, activity, and formulation data for each production lot.
• Technical Support: For application-specific questions, reconstitution guidance, or troubleshooting, contact Aladdin Scientific technical support via the website or email. Reference SKU rp366601 in all communications.
• Returns and Refunds: Products must be evaluated promptly upon receipt. For quality-related concerns, contact customer service within the period specified in Aladdin Scientific's return policy, supplying the lot number and a description of the issue.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biological function of MDC1 protein?

MDC1 (Mediator of DNA Damage Checkpoint 1) is a nuclear scaffold protein that recognizes and binds phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) at DNA double-strand break sites via its tandem BRCT domains. This interaction recruits additional repair factors such as RNF8, the MRN complex, and 53BP1, amplifying and sustaining the DNA damage checkpoint response. MDC1 is therefore essential for maintaining genomic integrity following genotoxic stress.

How should Recombinant Human MDC1 Protein (rp366601) be stored to maintain activity?

For long-term storage, keep the protein at -80 °C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles by aliquoting the protein upon first thaw; a maximum of three freeze-thaw cycles is generally recommended. For short-term use, storage at -20 °C may be acceptable depending on the formulation. Always consult the product datasheet and lot-specific CoA for the definitive storage instructions.

What expression system is used to produce Recombinant Human MDC1 Protein?

The specific expression host used for rp366601 should be confirmed on the official product datasheet, as expression systems can vary (common options include E. coli, baculovirus/insect cell, or mammalian cell systems). The choice of expression system affects post-translational modifications, folding, and suitability for particular assay formats.

What research applications is Recombinant Human MDC1 Protein suitable for?

Recombinant Human MDC1 Protein is suitable for in vitro protein interaction studies (pull-down, co-IP), structural and biophysical characterization (SPR, ITC, crystallography), antibody validation as a positive control antigen, ubiquitination pathway assays, and drug discovery screening targeting the MDC1–γ-H2AX or MDC1–NBS1 interaction interfaces.

How can I obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for my lot of rp366601?

Lot-specific Certificates of Analysis for rp366601 are available through the Aladdin Scientific website. Enter the product SKU (rp366601) and your lot number in the CoA search tool to download the document. The CoA includes purity, activity, and formulation data specific to your production lot. Contact Aladdin Scientific customer service if you require further assistance.

References

1. Stewart GS, Wang B, Bignell CR, Taylor AM, Elledge SJ. MDC1 is a mediator of the mammalian DNA damage checkpoint. Nature. 2003;421(6926):961-966. doi:10.1038/nature01446
2. Stucki M, Clapperton JA, Mohammad D, Yaffe MB, Smerdon SJ, Jackson SP. MDC1 directly binds phosphorylated histone H2AX to regulate cellular responses to DNA double-strand breaks. Cell. 2005;123(7):1213-1226. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2005.09.038
3. Aladdin Scientific. Recombinant Human MDC1 Protein (rp366601) Product Datasheet. Aladdin Scientific; [date to be confirmed].

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