Anti-T2A + P2A antibody [3H4]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

The T2A and P2A sequences commonly referred to as 2A peptides function as self-cleaving peptides that facilitate the expression of multiple proteins from a single gene construct. These peptides act as short sequences of amino acids that cause ribosomal skipping during translation resulting in discrete protein products. T2A and P2A are used as linker sequences and their use is often interchangeable in molecular biology techniques for polycistronic expression systems. The T2A peptide is derived from the Thosea asigna virus while P2A originates from the Porcine teschovirus-1. These sequences are small with a mass typically around 2 kDa and they are primarily expressed where polycistronic vectors are utilized such as in transgenic organisms or recombinant protein production systems.

Biological function summary

T2A and P2A peptides play a significant role in the facilitation of protein co-expression in a variety of organisms. They do not form part of any multi-protein complex but enable independent expression of protein components from within a single vector by cleaving themselves during protein translation. This ability is especially beneficial for engineering purposes where researchers require stable gene expression and production of multiple proteins simultaneously without the complication of internal ribosomal entry sites (IRES) or additional subunits.

Pathways

T2A and P2A peptides do not directly belong to classical biological pathways as they do not exist as conventional proteins. Instead they influence pathways facilitated by the proteins they help express. These peptides are employed in reverse engineering cellular pathways where simultaneous gene expression is desired such as the Wnt signaling pathway or apoptosis regulation. Both pathways involve key proteins that can be expressed using T2A and P2A sequences allowing researchers to construct and study artificial biological systems with enhanced control.

Associated diseases and disorders

T2A and P2A peptides find significance in the study and therapeutic targeting of conditions like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In cancer research for instance these peptides enable the co-expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressors helping to elucidate their roles in tumorigenesis. Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease also benefit from their application as T2A and P2A sequences allow for the expression of multiple therapeutic proteins including growth factors like GDNF offering insights into potential combinatorial treatments. By facilitating multi-gene expression these peptides are integral to advancing understanding and therapeutic developments in complex diseases.