Overview
Mouse Cryptochrome (mCRY) refers to a family of flavoprotein photoreceptors (mCRY1 and mCRY2) that play crucial roles in circadian rhythm regulation. These proteins are homologs of plant photolyases but lack DNA repair activity in mammals. They function as core components of the negative feedback loop in the mammalian circadian clock. Discovered in the late 1990s, mouse cryptochromes have become essential research tools for understanding biological timing mechanisms. Their ability to sense blue light and interact with clock proteins makes them valuable for studying sleep disorders, metabolic regulation, and seasonal adaptation in mammals.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Mouse cryptochromes are soluble proteins with molecular weights around 70-75 kDa, depending on the isoform (mCRY1 or mCRY2). They contain flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as a chromophore, which enables their light-sensing capability. The proteins exhibit maximum absorption in the blue-light spectrum (≈450 nm). Structurally, mCRY proteins consist of two domains: an N-terminal photolyase homology region (PHR) and a C-terminal extension unique to cryptochromes. The PHR domain binds FAD and mediates light-dependent conformational changes, while the C-terminal region is involved in protein-protein interactions critical for circadian clock function.
Main Applications
In research settings, mouse cryptochromes are primarily used to investigate circadian biology mechanisms. They serve as molecular tools in: (1) Circadian clock disruption studies using knockout mouse models, (2) Protein-protein interaction analyses with PERIOD proteins and other clock components, and (3) Photoreception studies examining non-visual light responses. Pharmaceutical applications include target identification for circadian rhythm-related disorders and chronotherapy development. The proteins are also valuable in biotechnological applications involving optogenetic systems, where light-sensitive protein domains are engineered for precise cellular control.
Safety and Storage
Mouse cryptochrome proteins require careful handling to maintain stability and activity. Store lyophilized powders at -20°C or below, protected from moisture. Reconstituted proteins should be aliquoted to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and stored at -80°C for long-term preservation. While not classified as hazardous, standard laboratory safety protocols should be followed. Use personal protective equipment when handling, especially if working with recombinant proteins expressed in bacterial systems. Avoid exposure to bright light during experiments, as this may affect protein functionality.
B2B Procurement Guide
When procuring mouse cryptochrome proteins, prioritize suppliers specializing in circadian biology reagents. Key specifications to verify include: protein purity (≥95% by SDS-PAGE), endotoxin levels (<1 EU/μg), and functional activity (verified by binding assays). Consider the expression system - E. coli-expressed proteins are most common but may lack post-translational modifications. For certain applications, mammalian cell-expressed variants may be preferable. Request detailed storage buffers and formulation information, as these significantly impact protein stability and experimental outcomes.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：科研试剂盒、酶免试剂盒、elisa试剂盒、细胞、生物试剂、进口ELISI试剂盒、PCR试剂盒
- 主营：科研试剂盒、酶免试剂盒、elisa试剂盒、小鼠隐热蛋白、生化试剂盒、细胞、生物试剂、进口ELISA试剂盒、PCR试剂盒、生化测试盒
- 主营：科研试剂盒、酶免试剂盒、elisa试剂盒、小鼠隐热蛋白、细胞、生物试剂、进口ELISA试剂盒、PCR试剂盒、生化测试盒
- 主营：白细胞介素、生物试剂、甲状腺素、心肌肌钙蛋白、活性氧簇、促甲状腺激素、孕酮、促黄体生成素、检测试剂盒、植物试剂盒、试剂盒、实验室试剂、Elisa、定量分析、定性分析、酶联免疫试剂盒、科研试剂盒、免费代测
- 主营：隐热蛋白、elisa试剂盒
- 主营：ATCC细胞系、原代细胞、原代永生化
- 主营：ELISA试剂盒、生化检测试剂盒、PCR试剂盒、小鼠ELISA试剂盒、大鼠ELISA试剂盒、兔ELISA试剂盒、鸡ELISA试剂盒
- 主营：小鼠隐热蛋白、试剂盒
- 主营：scl-70igg、人1α羟、试剂盒、小鼠隐热蛋白、葡聚糖、大鼠11β、16α羟基、1iga抗体、胶原c端、2-he2elisa、1igm抗体、25二羟基、17羟孕酮、dna糖苷酶、5α还原酶、研启生物、去氢血栓、人胰岛素、胶原n末端、大鼠8羟基、25羟基维生、2，5寡腺苷、大鼠25羟基、11脱氢血栓、羟基壬烯醛、三磷酸肌醇
- 主营：试剂盒、细胞、抗体、反应蛋白、酶免试剂盒
- 主营：elisa试剂盒、检测试剂盒、酶免试剂盒、通蔚生物试剂盒、elisakit
- 主营：小鼠隐热蛋白、Elisa试剂盒、检测试剂盒
- 主营：人端粒酶、试剂盒、大鼠睾酮、结合蛋白、抗胰蛋白酶、大鼠铁蛋白、糖化血清蛋白、大鼠前白蛋白、大鼠补体蛋白、大鼠纤维蛋白、糖化载脂蛋白、大鼠糜蛋白酶、过氧化物酶、乳酸脱氢酶、表皮调节素、丙酮酸激酶、大鼠脂多糖、神经营养因子、促卵泡生成素、肿瘤坏死因子、大鼠肌酸激酶、大鼠环氧合酶、半乳糖核酸酶、大鼠补体片段、促黄体生成素
- 主营：ELISA检测试剂盒、检测试剂盒、酶联免疫检测试剂盒、小鼠隐热蛋白、PCR试剂盒
- 主营：隐热蛋白、elisa试剂盒、pcr检测试剂盒