Recombinant Phoca sibirica Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1 Group I Member 3 (NR1I3) is a genetically engineered protein derived from the Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica). It belongs to the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) family, a key regulator of xenobiotic and endobiotic metabolism in mammals. CAR proteins are transcription factors that activate detoxification pathways, including cytochrome P450 enzymes and conjugation enzymes, in response to harmful substances like drugs, pollutants, and endogenous metabolites .
The recombinant version (ABIN1611136) is produced via yeast expression systems and tagged with a His-tag for purification and functional studies . Its amino acid sequence (1-348) exhibits high homology with CAR proteins from other mammals, including humans (84% identity) and mice (74%) .
Molecular Weight: 39.4 kDa (predicted from 348 amino acids) .
Domains: Includes a DNA-binding domain (DBD) and ligand-binding domain (LBD), with a conserved activation function-2 (AF-2) transactivation domain .
CAR proteins regulate detoxification by binding to response elements in target genes, such as:
Baikal Seal: Expressed in liver microsomes, with mRNA detected in multiple tissues .
Recombinant Protein: Produced in yeast systems for research use .
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): CAR expression correlates with CYP enzyme activity in Baikal seals exposed to PCBs and DDTs .
Species-Specific Activation: Seal CAR exhibits divergent ligand specificity compared to human and mouse CAR (e.g., TCPOBOP activates mouse but not seal CAR) .
Reporter Gene Assays: Used to study ligand-dependent transactivation (e.g., TCPOBOP and CITCO) .
Protein Interactions: Analyzed via Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation .
| Species | CAR Identity (%) | Key Ligands |
|---|---|---|
| Human | 84% | CITCO, bilirubin |
| Mouse | 74% | TCPOBOP |
| Baikal Seal | – | POPs, androstanes |
| Domain | Baikal Seal CAR | Human CAR | Mouse CAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| DBD (aa 1-66) | 95% identity | 84% identity | 74% identity |
| LBD (aa 67-348) | 83% identity | 80% identity | 70% identity |