PCNA Human, Sf9 is a 35 kDa polypeptide chain expressed with a hexahistidine (6xHis) tag in Sf9 cells and purified via proprietary chromatographic techniques . Its catalog number is PRO-303 (Prospec Bio), and it is supplied in a sterile solution containing 16 mM HEPES (pH 8), 400 mM NaCl, and 20% glycerol .
PCNA acts as a scaffold protein, coordinating DNA replication and repair processes:
DNA Replication: Loaded onto DNA by replication factor C (RFC), PCNA tethers DNA polymerase δ (Pol δ) to DNA, enabling processive synthesis of Okazaki fragments .
DNA Repair: Facilitates base excision repair and mismatch repair by recruiting repair enzymes .
Chromatin Remodeling: Stabilizes interactions between chromatin-modifying enzymes and DNA .
Mutations in PCNA residues (e.g., D41A, R210A) impair RFC binding, ATPase stimulation, and DNA synthesis efficiency .
Western Blot: Detected using anti-hexa-His-tag antibodies or scleroderma patient sera .
ELISA: Coating concentration of 0.5–1.1 µg/ml for autoimmune antibody detection .
Structural Studies: Cryo-EM analyses reveal PCNA’s interaction with Pol δ and flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) during Okazaki fragment processing .
Sf9-derived PCNA colocalizes with baculovirus DNA replication sites, compensating for viral PCNA deficiencies .
Mutation | Functional Impact | Source |
---|---|---|
D41A | Reduces RFC binding, ATPase activity, and DNA synthesis efficiency by >80% | |
R210A | Partially impairs RFC-dependent DNA synthesis but retains RFC-independent activity |
PCNA acts as a sliding clamp, providing a stable platform for DNA polymerases and other proteins involved in DNA replication and repair . It binds to a variety of nuclear proteins, organizing biochemical processes at the DNA replication fork . During the cell cycle, PCNA expression peaks during the S-phase, when DNA synthesis occurs, and declines during the G2 and M phases .
Recombinant PCNA is often produced using the baculovirus expression system in Sf9 insect cells. This system allows for high-level expression of the protein with proper folding and post-translational modifications . The recombinant PCNA is typically tagged with a 6x His tag to facilitate purification using chromatographic techniques .
Recombinant PCNA is widely used in research to study DNA replication and repair mechanisms. It is also used in assays to identify potential inhibitors of PCNA, which could be valuable in cancer therapy . The protein’s role in maintaining genome stability makes it a critical target for understanding and potentially treating various diseases, including cancer .