Description
Key facts
Detection method:Colorimetric,
Sample types:Nuclear Extracts,
Reacts with:Mouse, Human,
Assay type:Semi-quantitative,
Sensitivity:< 1250 ng/well,
Assay time:3h 30m,
Assay Platform:Microplate reader
Product details:
c-Jun Transcription Factor Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (ab207195) is a high throughput assay to quantify AP-1 c-Jun activation in nuclear extracts. This assay combines a quick ELISA format with a sensitive and specific non-radioactive assay for transcription factor activation.
A specific double stranded DNA sequence containing the TPA-responsive element (TRE) (5´–TGAGTCA– 3´) has been immobilized onto a 96-well plate. AP1 present in the nuclear extract specifically binds to the oligonucleotide. AP1 family member c-Jun is detected by a primary antibody that recognizes an epitope of c-Jun accessible upon DNA binding. An HRP-conjugated secondary antibody provides sensitive colorimetric readout at OD 450 nm. This product detects only human and mouse c-Jun.
Key performance and benefits:
Assay time: 3.5 hours (cell extracts preparation not included).
Detection limit: < 1.25 μg nuclear extract/well.
Detection range: 0.1 – 20 μg nuclear extract/well.
The activator protein-1 (AP1) transcription factors belong to a large family of structurally related transcription factors that includes ATF1-4, c-Fos, c-Jun, c-Myc and C/EBP. The members of this family, named bZIP, share a dimerization domain with a leucine zipper motif and a DNA binding domain rich in basic residues (lysines and arginines). AP1 is composed of a mixture of heterodimeric complexes of proteins derived from the Fos and Jun families including c-Fos, FosB, Fra-1, Fra-2, c-Jun, JunB and JunD. Only Jun proteins can form transcriptionally active homodimers within AP1 members, or heterodimers with CREB/ATF members, to bind the CRE element (5´ - TGACGTCA - 3´). Primarily, AP1 dimers bind to DNA on a TPA-response element (TRE) with the 5´ - TGA(C/G)TCA - 3´ sequence. Jun-Fos heterodimers form more stable complexes with TREs. These complexes display stronger transactivating activity than Jun-Jun homodimers.
Phosphorylation of AP1 family members by kinases is required for transactivation activity. In the case of c-Jun, the activation domain is regulated to a large extent by the JNK family of MAP kinases. JNK kinases phosphorylate c-Jun at Ser-63, resulting in the binding of c-Jun to the CBP/p300 family of transcriptional co-activators.
AP1 expression is induced by multiple stimuli such as serum, growth factors, phorbol esters and oncogenes. These include peptide growth factors, cytokines of the TGF beta, TNF, and interferon families, neuronal depolarization and cellular stress. Upon serum starvation of human fibroblast cells, Fos and Jun protein production can be induced for up to 4 hours by adding serum. Interestingly, serum starvation lowers basal expression of FosB and c-Fos but has no significant effect on c-Jun.
AP1 proteins play a role in the expression of many genes involved in proliferation and cell cycle progression including neuronal apoptosis, learning process, drug-induced behavorial responses, bone growth and differentiation, and embryo development. For instance, cell transformation by oncogenes that function in the growth factor signal transduction pathway, such as
, results in a high increase in AP1 component protein expression. Therefore, AP1-regulated genes support the invasive process observed during malignancy and metastasis.
Properties and Storage Information:
Shipped at conditions-Dry Ice, Appropriate short-term storage conditions-Multi, Appropriate long-term storage conditions-Multi, Storage information-Please refer to protocols
Supplementary Information:
This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.
The protein c-Jun is an important component of the AP-1 transcription factor complex and is often referred to by alternative names such as c-jun. It has a molecular weight of about 39 kDa. Scientists have found c-jun expressed in a wide range of tissues indicating its diverse roles in cellular functions. This protein plays a critical mechanical role by binding specific DNA sequences to regulate the transcription of various genes involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Biological function summary
C-Jun impacts cellular activities by being a significant part of the AP-1 transcription factor complex interacting with other proteins such as Fos. This interaction allows c-Jun to modulate gene expression in response to cellular stimuli. In particular c-Jun influences cell cycle progression and differentiation. Therefore its activity is necessary for physiological and pathological processes. As c-jun's function remains tightly regulated any changes can have wide-ranging effects.
Pathways
C-Jun significantly influences the MAPK/ERK and JNK pathways. These pathways play important roles in cellular responses to stress growth factors and cytokines. Within these pathways c-Jun interacts with proteins such as JNK which phosphorylates c-Jun and enhances its activity. These interactions allow c-Jun to regulate target genes involved in important cellular processes without much delay. Understanding c-Jun's function in these pathways helps elucidate how cells control division survival and apoptosis.
C-Jun's dysregulation connects to various conditions including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Abnormal c-Jun activity can lead to oncogenesis by promoting unrestrained cellular proliferation. Additionally c-Jun involvement in disorders like Alzheimer's disease stems from its role in apoptotic pathways which may cause neuronal death. Accompanying proteins like JNK are also implicated in these conditions making the regulation and expression of c-Jun a focus for therapeutic research.
