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Conformational investigations of human estrogen receptor α by SDSL EPR (CAT#: STEM-MB-1036-WXH)

Introduction

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), also known as NR3A1 (nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group A, member 1), is one of two main types of estrogen receptor, a nuclear receptor (mainly found as a chromatin-binding protein) that is activated by the sex hormone estrogen. In humans, ERα is encoded by the gene ESR1 (EStrogen Receptor 1). Estrogen receptor-α (ERα) is a key transcription factor in breast cancer and was believed to promote proliferation of breast cancer cells by binding to proximal promoters of key oncogenes.




Principle

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), also called Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), is a branch of magnetic resonance spectroscopy which utilizes microwave radiation to probe species with unpaired electrons, such as radicals, radical cations, and triplets in the presence of an externally applied static magnetic field.
EPR spectroscopy is particularly suitable for the investigation of (bio)chemical systems with strongly localized spin density and their interaction with the environment. For these systems EPR provides information on the structure and dynamics and is widely used in chemistry, physics and biology.
Site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) is a technique for investigating the structure and local dynamics of proteins using electron spin resonance. The theory of SDSL is based on the specific reaction of spin labels with amino acids. A spin label's built-in protein structure can be detected by EPR spectroscopy. SDSL is also a useful tool in examinations of the protein folding process.

Applications

• Study dynamic organisation of lipids in biological membranes, lipid-protein interactions and temperature of transition of gel to liquid crystalline phases.
• Determine oxygen levels in tissues and blood.
• Injection of spin-labeled molecules allows for electron resonance imaging of living organisms.
• EPR can be used to measure microviscosity and micropolarity within drug delivery systems as well as the characterization of colloidal drug carriers.
• The study of radiation-induced free radicals in biological substances (for cancer research).
• Investigation on the antioxidant properties of medicine

Procedure

1. Sample Preparation
2. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy testing
3. Data analysis

Materials

• EPR Spectrometer
• Spectrophotometer