The Recombinant Chicken Uncharacterized protein C17orf85 homolog (RCJMB04_3g9) is a protein that appears to function as a component of an alternative cap-binding complex in RNA processing, based on research on its human homolog. The human C17orf85 protein (also known as NCBP3) directly binds to the RNA cap structure depending on the N7-methyl group of the guanosine and interacts with NCBP1 to form an alternative cap-binding complex . This complex has redundant functions with the canonical CBC (Cap-Binding Complex) under steady-state conditions but becomes particularly important during antiviral responses .
The protein is known by several names and identifiers in research literature and databases:
Uncharacterized protein C17orf85 homolog
ELG protein
Chromosome 19 open reading frame, human C17orf85
For optimal stability and functionality, the recombinant protein should be stored at -20 degrees C for routine use. For long-term storage, maintaining the protein at -20 degrees C or -80 degrees C is recommended. Working aliquots can be stored at 4 degrees C for up to one week without significant degradation. It's important to note that repeated freezing and thawing cycles are not recommended as they can compromise protein structure and function .
The protein can be produced in multiple expression systems including E. Coli, Yeast, Baculovirus, or Mammalian Cell cultures . Each system offers different advantages for protein production:
| Expression System | Advantages | Limitations | Typical Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| E. Coli | High yield, cost-effective, rapid production | Limited post-translational modifications, potential inclusion bodies | High |
| Yeast | Some eukaryotic post-translational modifications, secretion possible | Longer production time than bacteria | Medium |
| Baculovirus | More complex eukaryotic modifications, good for folding | More technical expertise required | Medium-High |
| Mammalian Cell | Most native-like post-translational modifications | Higher cost, longer production time | Low-Medium |
The choice of expression system should be guided by the specific research requirements, particularly regarding protein folding and post-translational modifications .
Verification of identity and purity can be performed through multiple complementary approaches:
Protein sequence analysis via mass spectrometry to confirm amino acid composition
Western blotting with specific antibodies
Immunocross-reactivity testing to confirm antigenic properties
Molecular weight determination via size exclusion chromatography or mass spectrometry
These methods parallel the verification approaches used for other recombinant chicken proteins like recombinant chicken growth hormone (rcGH) .
Based on studies of the human homolog, researchers should consider these methodological approaches:
RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) with differentially capped RNA substrates
Fluorescence anisotropy measurements to quantify binding affinities
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to determine binding kinetics
RNA immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (RIP-seq) to identify bound RNA species
Structural analysis of protein-RNA complexes using X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM
These techniques would help establish whether the chicken homolog, like its human counterpart, specifically recognizes the N7-methyl group of the guanosine in the RNA cap structure .
To characterize potential interactions similar to the NCBP1-binding observed with the human homolog , researchers should employ:
Co-immunoprecipitation assays with chicken NCBP1 and other potential binding partners
Yeast two-hybrid screening to identify novel interaction partners
Proximity-based labeling methods such as BioID or APEX
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for in vivo interaction studies
Quantitative binding assays such as isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC)
Such studies would reveal whether the chicken C17orf85 homolog forms an alternative cap-binding complex analogous to the human system .
Given the established role of the human homolog in antiviral defense , researchers should consider:
RNA interference (RNAi) or CRISPR-Cas9 knockout studies in chicken cell lines followed by viral challenge
Overexpression studies to assess protective effects against avian viruses
Transcriptomic analysis comparing wild-type and C17orf85-deficient cells during viral infection
Immunoprecipitation studies during viral infection to identify virus-specific interactions
In vivo studies using targeted approaches to modulate C17orf85 expression in chickens
The experimental designs should include appropriate controls and time-course analyses to distinguish between direct antiviral functions and secondary effects .
Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis should include:
| Analysis Type | Tools | Expected Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Sequence homology | BLAST, HMMER | Evolutionary conservation, functional domains |
| Protein structure prediction | AlphaFold, I-TASSER | 3D structural model, binding sites |
| Domain analysis | PFAM, InterPro, SMART | Functional domain architecture |
| Protein-protein interaction | STRING, PrePPI | Potential interaction network |
| Subcellular localization | DeepLoc, PSORT | Cellular compartment prediction |
| Post-translational modifications | NetPhos, UbPred | Potential regulatory sites |
These computational approaches would provide testable hypotheses about structure-function relationships in the chicken C17orf85 homolog.
Researchers should be aware of several potential challenges:
Protein misfolding due to inappropriate expression system selection
Loss of activity during purification processes
Aggregation in storage buffers lacking appropriate stabilizers like glycerol
Batch-to-batch variation in activity
Insufficient removal of contaminants affecting functional assays
To address these challenges, researchers should optimize expression conditions, include stabilizing agents like glycerol in storage buffers , and perform rigorous activity testing between production batches.
To differentiate direct from indirect effects when studying chicken C17orf85 homolog function:
Design rescue experiments with wild-type versus mutant protein versions
Employ time-course studies to establish temporal relationships between events
Use domain mapping and site-directed mutagenesis to identify critical functional regions
Compare acute (short-term) versus chronic (long-term) depletion effects
Utilize in vitro reconstitution assays with purified components
Such approaches are particularly important when investigating complex phenotypes like antiviral responses, where multiple pathways may be affected .
While detailed comparative studies between chicken and mammalian C17orf85 homologs are not explicitly described in the available data, researchers should approach this question by:
Conducting cross-species complementation assays
Comparing binding affinities for RNA caps and protein partners
Analyzing expression patterns across tissues in both species
Examining responses to identical viral challenges
Evaluating structural conservation of key functional domains
The human homolog functions as part of an alternative cap-binding complex with NCBP1 and plays a role in antiviral responses , providing a framework for comparative studies with the chicken homolog.
Evolutionary analysis of cap-binding complexes including C17orf85 homologs can reveal:
Conservation patterns indicating functional importance of specific domains
Species-specific adaptations potentially related to pathogen pressure
Co-evolution with viral antagonists that target RNA processing
Lineage-specific expansion or contraction of cap-binding protein families
Structural innovations that might confer novel functionalities in different species
Such evolutionary perspectives could provide insights into the adaptation of RNA processing mechanisms across vertebrate lineages.
Research on this protein contributes to avian immunology by:
Elucidating avian-specific post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms
Providing insights into bird-specific adaptations for viral defense
Identifying potential targets for enhancing immune responses in poultry
Revealing evolutionary conservation and divergence in innate immunity pathways
Contributing to our understanding of species-specific susceptibilities to pathogens
The homolog's potential role in antiviral responses, similar to its human counterpart , makes it particularly relevant for understanding avian immunity to economically important viral diseases.
To establish connections between this protein and global gene expression patterns, researchers should consider:
RNA-seq analysis comparing wild-type and C17orf85-depleted chicken cells
CLIP-seq (Crosslinking and immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing) to map direct binding sites
Ribosome profiling to assess translational impacts
Integration of transcriptomic and proteomic datasets
Network analysis to identify regulatory hubs affected by C17orf85 perturbation
These approaches parallel methodologies used in other avian transcriptional profiling studies but would be specifically focused on cap-dependent RNA processing events.
Several cutting-edge approaches hold promise:
Cryo-electron microscopy for structural determination of protein-RNA complexes
Single-molecule imaging to visualize cap-binding dynamics in live cells
Targeted protein degradation approaches for acute protein depletion
CRISPR activation/interference for nuanced modulation of expression
Integrative multi-omics approaches combining transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics
These technologies would provide more comprehensive insights into the protein's function than traditional biochemical or genetic approaches alone.
Advanced knowledge of this protein could impact disease research through:
Identification of novel antiviral targets for veterinary interventions
Development of biomarkers for viral susceptibility in poultry
Engineering of disease-resistant chicken lines through targeted genetic approaches
Improved understanding of host-pathogen co-evolution in avian species
Creation of research tools for studying post-transcriptional regulation in avian disease models
This research direction aligns with studies examining host responses to avian pathogens, such as the transcriptional profiling of chicken macrophages during APEC infection .