FITC Conjugated Protein A

Protein A is a 42 kDa surface protein originally found in the cell wall of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. It is encoded by the spa gene and its regulation is controlled by DNA topology, cellular osmolarity, and a two-component system called ArlS-ArlR. It has found use in biochemical research because of its ability to bind immunoglobulins. It is composed of five homologous Ig-binding domains that fold into a three-helix bundle. Each domain is able to bind proteins from many mammalian species, most notably IgGs (Table 1). It binds the heavy chain within the Fc region of most immunoglobulins and also within the Fab region in the case of the human VH3 family. Through these interactions in serum, where IgG molecules are bound in the wrong orientation (in relation to normal antibody function), the bacteria disrupts opsonization and phagocytosis. Recombinant Protein A is produced in E.coli and essentially functions the same as native Protein A.
Protein A may be conjugated with various reporter molecules, including fluorescent dyes (FITC), enzyme markers (peroxidase, b-galactosidase, and alkaline phosphatase), biotin, and colloidal gold without affecting the antibody binding site on the molecule. These conjugates are used to detect immunoglobulins in various immunochemical assays including Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA applications. Cited in 13 publication(s).