Recombinant Xenopus laevis Atlastin-2 (atl2)

Introduction to Recombinant Xenopus laevis Atlastin-2 (atl2)

Recombinant Xenopus laevis Atlastin-2 (atl2) is a protein derived from the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis. Atlastin-2 is part of the atlastin family, which plays a crucial role in the fusion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes, contributing to the formation and maintenance of the ER network. This process is essential for cellular functions, including protein synthesis and lipid metabolism.

Function of Atlastin-2

Atlastin-2, like other atlastins, is a dynamin-like GTPase that mediates the fusion of ER tubules, forming a complex network of interconnected membranes. This network is vital for maintaining cellular homeostasis and facilitating communication between different parts of the cell. The ER network morphology changes during the cell cycle, with atlastin playing a key role in these transformations .

Structure and Mechanism

Atlastin proteins, including Atlastin-2, have a unique structure featuring intramembrane hairpin loops rather than traditional transmembrane domains. These loops do not span the membrane but are crucial for the protein's function in membrane fusion . The GTPase activity of atlastin is essential for its role in ER fusion, although the exact mechanism by which it facilitates membrane fusion is still under investigation.

Research Findings

Research on atlastin proteins has shown that they are critical for maintaining ER morphology. Depletion or dysfunction of atlastin proteins can lead to ER fragmentation and defects in cellular processes . In Xenopus laevis, egg extracts have been used extensively to study ER network formation and dynamics, highlighting the role of atlastin in these processes .

Applications and Availability

Recombinant Xenopus laevis Atlastin-2 is available as a recombinant protein, which can be used in various biochemical assays and research applications . This includes studying ER dynamics, membrane fusion mechanisms, and the role of atlastin in cellular processes.

Disease Association

Atlastin proteins, including Atlastin-2, are associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as spastic paraplegia. Mutations in the human atlastin gene (ATL1) are linked to spastic paraplegia type 3A, highlighting the importance of atlastin function in maintaining neuronal health .

Data Table: Key Features of Recombinant Xenopus laevis Atlastin-2

References

1. Multiple mechanisms determine ER network morphology during the cell cycle .

2. The atlastin membrane anchor forms an intramembrane hairpin that does not span the membrane .

3. ATL2 Antibodies .

4. REEP5 depletion causes sarco-endoplasmic reticulum vacuolization .

5. UniProt Entry for Atlastin-2 .

6. ELISA Recombinant Xenopus laevis Atlastin-2 .

7. ATL2 Gene - GeneCards .