Recombinant Drosophila virilis Serine Protease HTRA2, mitochondrial (HtrA2), is a recombinant protein derived from the fruit fly species Drosophila virilis. This protein belongs to the HtrA family of serine proteases, which are known for their roles in protein quality control, stress response, and apoptosis regulation. The HtrA2 protein in Drosophila species, including Drosophila virilis, shares functional similarities with its mammalian counterparts, such as involvement in maintaining mitochondrial integrity and responding to cellular stress.
The HtrA2 protein typically consists of a mitochondrial targeting sequence, a protease domain, and a PDZ domain. The PDZ domain is crucial for protein-protein interactions, while the protease domain provides the enzymatic activity necessary for protein degradation. In Drosophila, HtrA2 has been shown to cleave DIAP1, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein, thereby regulating apoptosis under certain conditions .
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Species | Drosophila virilis |
| Protein Type | Serine protease |
| Location | Mitochondrial |
| Function | Protein quality control, stress response, apoptosis regulation |
| Domains | Mitochondrial targeting sequence, protease domain, PDZ domain |
Research on Drosophila HtrA2 has highlighted its role in maintaining mitochondrial function and its interaction with other genes involved in mitochondrial integrity, such as PINK1 and parkin. Studies have shown that while HtrA2 is not essential for apoptosis, it plays a role in stress resistance and mitochondrial health . Mutants of HtrA2 in Drosophila exhibit phenotypes similar to those of parkin and PINK1 mutants, indicating a potential role in pathways related to Parkinson's disease .
| Phenotype | Description |
|---|---|
| Mitochondrial Integrity | Mild defects in mitochondrial function |
| Stress Resistance | Sensitivity to oxidative stress and mitochondrial toxins |
| Apoptosis | Dispensable for developmental or stress-induced apoptosis |
| Fertility | Male infertility observed in mutants |
Recombinant HtrA2 proteins are often produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) for research purposes. These proteins are typically His-tagged to facilitate purification and are available in lyophilized form. The recombinant protein from Drosophila virilis would be expected to have similar characteristics, with a high purity level (>90%) as determined by SDS-PAGE, and would require careful storage conditions to maintain stability .
| Production Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Expression Host | Escherichia coli |
| Tag | His-tag |
| Purity | Greater than 90% |
| Storage | Store at -20°C/-80°C |
Recombinant Drosophila virilis Serine protease HTRA2, mitochondrial (HtrA2) is a serine protease exhibiting proteolytic activity against the nonspecific substrate β-casein. It promotes or induces cell death through two mechanisms: 1) direct binding and inhibition of BIRC proteins (Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins, IAPs), resulting in increased caspase activity; and 2) a BIRC-independent, caspase-independent mechanism reliant on serine protease activity. This protease can antagonize the anti-apoptotic activity of IAPs by directly inducing their degradation.
KEGG: dvi:Dvir_GJ24448
STRING: 7244.FBpp0238865