Saposin A is a small, highly stable, cysteine-rich alpha-helical glycoprotein localized within the lysosomal compartment. Derived from the prosaposin precursor protein, it serves as an essential non-enzymatic cofactor required for the lysosomal degradation of galactosylceramide by β-galactosylceramidase. While native saposins are glycosylated, non-glycosylated recombinant saposins retain their full biological activation properties in functional in vitro assays, making them exceptional tools for membrane biophysics.

Key Applications: Lipid Nanoparticle Scaffolding

Beyond its native role in sphingolipid catabolism, recombinant Saposin A is widely utilized as a scaffolding protein in versatile lipid nanoparticle systems (saposin-lipoprotein discs). These engineered scaffolds allow researchers to reconstitute challenging membrane proteins and transporters into a native-like lipid bilayer. This technology is highly valued across structural biology (including cryo-EM determination), targeted therapeutic delivery of protein-based pharmacological agents, and vaccine adjuvant formulation.

Product Features & Specifications

• Expression Host: Produced in an optimized Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterial expression system.
• Tag Status: Expressed as an N-terminal His-tag fusion and purified using proprietary chromatography steps, followed by site-specific proteolytic cleavage to yield a completely tag-free final protein.
• High Purity: Verified at >90% purity by Coomassie blue staining on SDS-PAGE.
• Formulation & Concentration: Supplied at 1.0 – 2.0 mg/mL in 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, 50 mM NaCl, and 50% Glycerol for premium stability.

Catalog Number: SAPA-301 | This product is intended for laboratory research use only (RUO). Shipping on ice packs required.