Recombinant Human Slc1a2 protein

Solute Carrier Family 1 Member 2 (SLC1A2), also known as excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) or GLT-1 in rodents, is a high-affinity glutamate transporter primarily expressed in astrocytes within the central nervous system (CNS). It plays a critical role in maintaining extracellular glutamate homeostasis by rapidly clearing synaptic glutamate, thereby preventing excitotoxicity and ensuring proper neurotransmission. Dysregulation of SLC1A2 has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., ALS, Alzheimer’s), epilepsy, and psychiatric conditions, making it a target for therapeutic research.

Recombinant SLC1A2 protein refers to the engineered form of this transporter produced using heterologous expression systems, such as bacterial, yeast, or mammalian cell cultures. Its production enables detailed biochemical and structural studies, including ligand binding assays, transport kinetics, and cryo-EM structural analyses. Recombinant versions often incorporate tags (e.g., His-tag, GFP) for purification or visualization, while mutations or truncations may be introduced to probe functional domains or disease-associated variants. Researchers use this tool to investigate glutamate uptake mechanisms, screen potential modulators (e.g., ceftriaxone, a known EAAT2 upregulator), or develop antibodies. Challenges include preserving native conformation and membrane integration during purification, as SLC1A2 is a multi-pass transmembrane protein with complex folding requirements. Recent advances in membrane protein solubilization and reconstitution techniques have improved the feasibility of functional recombinant SLC1A2 studies, accelerating drug discovery and mechanistic insights into glutamate-related pathologies.