Recombinant Mouse Endoplasmic Reticulum-Golgi Intermediate Compartment Protein 2 (Ergic2) is a recombinant protein derived from the mouse gene encoding Ergic2. This protein plays a crucial role in the transport of proteins between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus, which is essential for cellular function and protein processing. The recombinant form of Ergic2 is often used in research to study its biological functions and interactions.
Ergic2 is a protein consisting of 377 amino acid residues. It contains two hydrophobic transmembrane domains that anchor it to the ER membrane, with its large luminal domain oriented inside the ER lumen and both N- and C-termini facing the cytosol . Ergic2 is believed to act as a chaperone molecule involved in protein trafficking between the ER and Golgi apparatus, forming complexes with other proteins like ERGIC3 and ERGIC32 .
Ergic2 has been implicated in several biological processes, including the regulation of cell growth and the suppression of tumor formation. It has been shown to induce cell growth arrest and senescence, suppress colony formation in soft agar, and decrease the invasive potential of human prostate cancer cells . Additionally, Ergic2 and its homologs, such as ERGIC3, are crucial for the efficient intracellular transport of gap junction proteins in both Caenorhabditis elegans and mice .
Ergic2 interacts with various proteins involved in cellular trafficking and quality control. Predicted functional partners include ERGIC3, SEL1L, SEL1L2, SEL1L3, COPB1, and TXNDC9 . These interactions highlight Ergic2's role in the broader context of protein trafficking and cellular homeostasis.
Recombinant Ergic2 is used in research to study protein trafficking mechanisms, cell signaling pathways, and potential roles in disease states such as cancer. Its recombinant form allows for controlled experiments to elucidate its functions and interactions in a laboratory setting.