Expression and purification of JAK1 and SOCS1 for structural and biochemical studies

Abstract

Interferon gamma (IFNγ) is a potent inflammatory and immune cytokine. IFNγ signals via the interferon gamma receptor (IFNGR), which is constitutively bound to Janus Kinase (JAK) 1 and JAK2 via its intracellular domain. These two JAK proteins then initiate the inflammatory signaling cascade. The most potent inhibitor of IFNγ signaling is Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 (SOCS1). SOCS1 negatively regulates IFNγ signaling pathway (and other pathways) by directly inhibiting JAKs. Here, we describe a protocol for the recombinant production and purification of the JAK1 kinase domain and its inhibitor SOCS1, for structural and biochemical studies.