The iDimerize Inducible Heterodimer System can be used to create and control specific interactions between two different proteins. The proteins of interest are fused to the DmrA and DmrC binding domains respectively, and dimerization is induced by adding the A/C Heterodimerizer (AP21967) to the culture medium or by administering it in vivo. Plasmid and lentiviral (Lenti-X) vector formats are available.
The system can be used to induce an interaction related to any biological process, including but not limited to:
- Activating heterodimeric cell surface receptors
- Activating an enzyme by dimerizing two separated domains
- Directing any protein to a new subcellular location, via an induced interaction with a second protein
For example, a protein can be targeted to the plasma membrane or nucleus via small molecule-induced interaction with a second protein containing a myristoylation motif or NLS, respectively - A major application is the control of transcription—for more information, please visit the regulated transcription page
While it is possible to use the iDimerize Inducible Homodimer System to induce heterodimerization, you will obtain a mixture of homodimers and heterodimers. To induce heterodimers specifically and exclusively, use the iDimerize Inducible Heterodimer System.
A/C Heterodimerizer Ligand (AP21967)
The A/C Heterodimerizer is a synthetic, cell-permeant ligand that can be used to induce heterodimerization of two fusion proteins, one containing the DmrA domain and the other containing the DmrC domain. The A/C Heterodimerizer is identical to AP21967, which was previously supplied by ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
iDimerize Inducible Heterodimer System (with Tet-On 3G)
One challenge of ligand-dependent dimerization experiments is that non ligand-induced dimerization events may occur if the proteins of interest are expressed at high levels. This is especially problematic if the target proteins are membrane-bound, because the local concentrations can increase quickly due to the limited space on the membrane. We’ve combined iDimerize and Tet-On 3G technologies to eliminate these unwanted events. First, use doxycycline to optimize the proteins’ expression to physiologically-relevant levels. Then induce dimerization by adding the dimerizer ligand to your culture medium.
