64057 Results for: "STEMCELL Technologies"

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Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), also known as type II interferon, is produced by T and NK cells, and in smaller amounts by dendritic cells and macrophages. IFN-γ is controlled by cytokines such as IL-12 and IL-18 secreted in response to infection (Schroder et al.). IFN-γ binds to a receptor complex and initiates signal transduction via the JAK/STAT pathway; this culminates in the transcription and activation of many genes that control a diverse array of immunological functions (de Weerd and Nguyen; Krause et al.). IFN-γ stimulates the antimicrobial and anti-tumor activity of macrophages, NK cells, and neutrophils (Billiau and Matthys) by promoting the activation of microbial effector functions such as production of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and complement (Schroder et al.). IFN-γ enhances MHC class I and II expression in dendritic cells and mononuclear phagocytes, as well as the production of IL-12 by dendritic cells. In B cells, IFN-γ stimulates survival and growth in both mouse and human cells, and redirects B cells from proliferation towards differentiation. IFN-γ favors the development of Th1 vs Th2 cells and stimulates monocyte differentiation and function (Schroder et al.).

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Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a dimeric glycoprotein consisting of two disulfide bridge stabilized polypeptide chains, A and B, which are assembled as heterodimers (PDGF-AB) or homodimers (PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB) (Fretto et al.; Westermark and Heldin). PDGF signals through the receptor tyrosine kinases PDGFRalpha and PDGFRbeta. It has been shown that PDGF-induced migration involves signaling pathways involving MEK/ERK, EGFR, Src and PI3K/AKT (Kim et al.). PDGF is a potent mitogen for cells of mesenchymal origin- like fibroblasts, glial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. PDGF has been implicated in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, glomerulonephritis, cancer, and in the contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells of rat aortic tissues (Fretto et al.; Sachinidis et al.). PDGF-BB is secreted by osteoblasts to induce mesenchymal stem cell migration and angiogenesis. It has also been shown that PDGF-BB is secreted by preosteoclasts during bone modeling and remodeling to induce angiogenesis and thus proper osteogenesis (Xie et al.).

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Betacellulin is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, and signals through EGF receptor and ERBB4. It activates ERK and AKT pathways, which induces neural stem cell proliferation and prevents spontaneous differentiation in culture. Betacellulin stimulates the expansion of neural stem cells, transit-amplifying cells, and neuroblasts derived from subventricular zone and dentate gyrus (Gómez-Gaviro et al.). It is a potent mitogen for retinal pigment epithelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. Betacellulin down-regulates E-cadherin expression in ovarian cancer cell lines via MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, thus increasing cell migration (Zhao et al.). It is a modulator of interferon (IFN) response and enhances anti-viral effects of IFN (Al-Yahya et al.). Betacellulin is expressed in pancreatic α cells, β cells, and duct cells. It induces the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell lines, inhibits apoptosis, promotes the neogenesis of β cells, and converts non-β cells into insulin-producing cells (Kawaguchi et al.; Miyagawa al.; Saito et al.).

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Interleukin 11 (IL-11) is a pleiotropic cytokine with effects on various tissues including the bone marrow, brain, and intestinal mucosa (Du and amp; Williams). It belongs to the IL-6 family of cytokines that share a common signal transducer, gp130. Culture of mouse bone marrow cells with IL-11 in combination with IL-3, IL-6, and stem cell factor induces significant expansion and proliferation of colony-forming cells in vitro (Peters et al.). In addition, in combination with IL-3, IL-11 significantly enhances the growth of megakaryocytic colonies in vitro, suggesting its role in augmenting mouse megakaryopoiesis (Yonemura et al.). IL-11 is expressed in a wide range of normal adult mouse tissues, including the central nervous system, thymus, lung, and bone. The mouse IL-11 cDNA was cloned using an expression library generated from the lipopolysaccharide-induced mouse fetal thymic cell line, T2 (Morris et al.). The binding of IL-11 to its receptor induces heterodimerization with the gp130 subunit and activation of JAK tyrosine kinases. IL-11 also plays a role in cancer progression by inducing the proliferation of epithelial cancer cells and the survival of metastatic cells at distant organs. Recently, IL-11 has gained interest for its role in the pathogenesis of diseases in dysregulated mucosal homeostasis associated with STAT3 upregulation, including gastrointestinal cancers (Putoczki et al.).

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Model technology: Fitration box Chemtrap V201 Midcap Filters configuration: 1P2C Power supply: GB Version: 1 1 * 1 items

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Model technology: Fitration box Chemtrap H402 Midcap Filters configuration: 1C Power supply: GB Version: 1 1 * 1 items

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Model technology: Fitration box Chemtrap V201 Midcap Filters configuration: 1P2C Power supply: CH Version: 1 1 * 1 items

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Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1) is a member of the Dickkopf family and is a secreted protein that inhibits the canonical WNT pathway by competitive binding to low-density lipoprotein receptors (LRP)-5 and 6 with high affinity, thereby decreasing β-catenin protein stability (Niehrs). DKK-1 regulates embryonic development and contains two conserved cysteine-rich domains separated by a linker region and an N-terminal signal peptide (Krupnik et al.; Lieven et al.). A family of human DKK-related genes composed of DKK-1, DKK-2, DKK-3, and DKK-4 have been characterized together with a unique DKK-3 related protein termed Soggy (Krupnik et al.). DKK-1 has been shown to support the generation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and thus is a negative regulator of antitumor immune responses (D’Amico et al.). DKK-1 from thrombocytes is an important regulator of leukocyte infiltration and induces Th2 cell polarization and potentiates Th2 cell cytokine expression (Chae et al.). DKK-1 has also been shown to drive cardiac and retinal differentiation from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells (Lian et al.). Protein contains a His-residue tag at the carboxyl end of the polypeptide chain.

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Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) is the founding member of the family of cytokines that includes IL-17B through IL-17F. It is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a key role in defense against pathogens. IL-17A and IL-17F signal as homodimers or heterodimers through the same receptor, and activate NF-κB, MAPK, and C/EBP pathways (Gaffen). IL-17A is produced by Th17 cells, CD8+ T cells, γ/δ T cells, natural killer (NK) T cells, B cells, innate lymphoid cells, and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) (Cua and Tato; Gaffen; Mojsilović et al.). IL-17A mediates protection against extracellular pathogens, and together with IL-22 stimulates production of antimicrobial peptides. It induces granulopoiesis factors and neutrophil-specific chemokines. Together with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-17A induces a sustained neutrophil recruitment during inflammation (Cua and Tato). IL-17A receptor is expressed at particularly high levels on stromal cells, including MSCs. IL-17A increases the frequency and the average size of fibroblast colony-forming units (CFU-F), as well as the proliferation of marrow-derived MSCs. It enhances osteogenic differentiation, and inhibits adipocyte differentiation and chondrogenesis (Mojsilović et al.).

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Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is a homodimeric glycoprotein growth factor that regulates proliferation and differentiation of myeloid hematopoietic progenitors to mononuclear phagocytic cell lineages, including monocytes, macrophages, and osteoclasts. M-CSF is a crucial factor for the development of tissue-resident macrophages in most tissues (Ginhoux andamp; Jung). It is required for the maturation and activation of monocytes and macrophages, and regulates inflammatory responses in conjunction with other stimuli such as IFN-γ, LPS, and IL-4 (Murray et al.). M-CSF is also required for bone resorption by osteoclasts, and is involved in the development and regulation of placenta, mammary gland, and brain. M-CSF is produced by monocytes, fibroblasts, osteoclasts, stromal cells, endothelial cells, and tumor cells (Chockalingam andamp; Ghosh). M-CSF exerts its biological effects by signaling through a receptor tyrosine kinase (CSF-1R or M-CSF-R) encoded by the c-fms proto-oncogene (Hamilton). CSF-1R shares similar structural features with other growth factor receptors, including the stem cell factor (SCF) receptor, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGF-R), and Flt3/Flk-2 receptor tyrosine kinase. Stimulation of the CSF-1R upon binding to M-CSF activates MAPK, PI3K, and PLCγ signaling pathways (Chockalingam andamp; Ghosh). Human and mouse M-CSF sequences are highly conserved both at nucleotide and amino acid levels (80% homology; DeLamarter et al.). This product is animal component-free.

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Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a neurotrophic factor that belongs to the four-helix bundle cytokine family and is structurally related to interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 11 (IL-11), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and oncostatin M (OSM). CNTF binds to its receptor CNFTRα and induces formation of a heterodimer of the signal-transducing IL-6 receptor gp130 and LIF receptor (LIFR)-β, which triggers JAK/STAT, ERK, and the PI3K signaling cascades (Schuster et al.). CNTF plays an important role in neurogenesis and the differentiation of neural stem cells and has been suggested to possess a therapeutic role in treating neurological disorders (Ding et al.; Oppenheim et al.). CNTF has also been shown to protect rod photoreceptors from light-induced damage and to have therapeutic effects on retinal degenerative diseases caused by genetic defect or damage induced by toxins, autoantibodies, or strong light (Pernet et al.; Rhee et al.). Another therapeutic role of CNTF has been reported in protecting oligodendrocytes from death induced by apoptosis (Louis et al.). Additionally, CNTF is commonly used to differentiate human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells into astrocytes (Krencik and Zhang).

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Galectin-1 (Gal1) was the first characterized member of the galectin family of galactosidase-binding proteins, with over 15 mammalian galectins identified (Camby et al.; Salatino et al.). Gal1 comes in two forms: the oxidized monomer that acts as a cytokine, and the reduced dimer that acts as a lectin (Gaudet et al.). This product is in the dimer form. This cytokine is expressed in many tissues and has an immunosuppressive role in affecting T cell homeostasis by various mechanisms such as regulating apoptosis, cytokine secretion, cell adhesion, cell proliferation, and other effects (Camby et al.; Garín et al.; Gaudet et al.; Salatino et al.). In addition, Gal1 is thought to also play a role in axonal regeneration after injuries (Camby et al.; Garín et al.; Gaudet et al.; Salatino et al.). There are several therapeutic applications suggested for Gal1; overexpression has been suggested as a therapy for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and enhancing axonal regeneration in injured nerves (Camby et al.; Gaudet et al.). In contrast, inhibition of Gal1 has been suggested to prevent tumor metastasis and cancer progression, as it may aid in cell adhesion, migration, and immune escape of cancer cells (Camby et al.).

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Model technology: Fitration box Chemtrap H402 Midcap Filters configuration: 1P1C Power supply: GB Version: 1 1 * 1 items

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Macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta (MIP-1 beta), also known as CCL4, is a member of the CC family of chemokines and is most closely related to CCL3 (MIP-1 alpha). Cellular sources of MIP-1 beta include activated leukocytes (monocytes and T and B cells), brain endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells (Lukacs et al.; Menten et al.). MIP-1 beta, MIP-1 alpha, and RANTES have been shown to be major HIV-suppressive factors, possibly through the interactions of these chemokines with the receptor CCR5 on CD4+ T cells, which is also a major receptor for HIV entry into CD4+ T cells (Cocchi et al.; Menten et al.). MIP-1 beta attracts a variety of immune cells to sites of microbial infection. In addition to its chemotactic functions, MIP-1 beta induces the release of proinflammatory cytokines, mast cell degranulation, and NK cell activation (Schall et al.). In mice, recruitment of regulatory T cells to B cells and antigen-presenting cells by MIP-1 beta plays a central role in the initiation of T cell and humoral responses, and the depletion of regulatory T cells or MIP-1 beta results in deregulated humoral responses and production of autoantibodies (Bystry et al.).

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Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a heparin-binding homodimeric glycoprotein involved in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. VEGF binds to FLT1 (VEGFR-1) and KDR (VEGFR-2), and activates Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways (Ferrara et al.). VEGF exists in multiple isoforms that result from alternative splicing of VEGF mRNA in the terminal exon. Proximal splice-site selection in exon 8 results in pro-angiogenic VEGFxxx isoforms (xxx is the number of amino acids), whereas distal splice-site selection results in anti-angiogenic VEGFxxxb isoforms (Nowak et al.). VEGF plays an important role in neurogenesis both in vitro and in vivo (Storkebaum et al.). It has neurotrophic effects on neurons of the central nervous system, and it promotes growth and survival of dopaminergic neurons and astrocytes. VEGF also promotes growth and survival of vascular endothelial cells, monocyte chemotaxis, and colony formation by granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells (Ferrara et al.). Various splice variants of VEGF exist, with different functions. For example, it has been shown that VEGF isoform VEGF-164(165) and not VEGF-120(121) induces inflammation, stimulates intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression on endothelial cells, and induces chemotaxis of monocytes (Usui et al.).

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Stem cell factor (SCF) is an early-acting cytokine that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of embryonic and adult hematopoiesis. SCF promotes cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and functional activation of cells at multiple levels of the hematopoietic hierarchy. Together with other cytokines such as thrombopoietin and Flt3/Flk-2 Ligand, SCF is commonly used to promote expansion of primitive hematopoietic stem cells and multi-potent progenitor cells in culture (Martin et al.; Kent et al.). In synergy with various growth factors, including IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-7, G-CSF, and erythropoietin, SCF increases proliferation and differentiation of myeloid and erythroid progenitor cells and a subset of lymphoid progenitor cells (Broudy). SCF is also a primary growth and activation factor for mast cells and eosinophils. SCF exists in two biologically active splice forms: a soluble and a transmembrane isoform. Upon binding to its receptor (c-Kit tyrosine kinase receptor; CD117), it activates PI3K, JAK/STAT, and MAPK pathways. SCF and signaling from c-Kit have also been reported to play an important role in pigmentation, fertility, vasculogenesis, motility of the gut via c-Kit positive interstitial cells of Cajal, and in the migration of neuronal stem and progenitor cells to sites of injury in the brain. This product is animal component-free.

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

Stem cell factor (SCF) is an early-acting cytokine that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of embryonic and adult hematopoiesis. SCF promotes cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and functional activation of cells at multiple levels of the hematopoietic hierarchy. Together with other cytokines such as thrombopoietin and Flt3/Flk-2 Ligand, SCF is commonly used to promote expansion of primitive hematopoietic stem cells and multi-potent progenitor cells in culture (Martin et al.; Kent et al.). In synergy with various growth factors, including IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-7, G-CSF, and erythropoietin, SCF increases proliferation and differentiation of myeloid and erythroid progenitor cells and a subset of lymphoid progenitor cells (Broudy). SCF is also a primary growth and activation factor for mast cells and eosinophils. SCF exists in two biologically active splice forms: a soluble and a transmembrane isoform. Upon binding to its receptor (c-Kit tyrosine kinase receptor; CD117), it activates PI3K, JAK/STAT, and MAPK pathways. SCF and signaling from c-Kit have also been reported to play an important role in pigmentation, fertility, vasculogenesis, motility of the gut via c-Kit positive interstitial cells of Cajal, and in the migration of neuronal stem and progenitor cells to sites of injury in the brain.

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Midkine is a member of a unique family of heparin-binding growth factors that are structurally different from other fibroblast growth factors (Muramatsu; Takada et al.). Midkine is a proinflammatory cytokine, promoting the migration of leukocytes, fibrinolysis, and acting as a chemotactic agent towards neutrophils (Muramatsu; Said et al.; Takada et al.). It also regulates growth, differentiation, and development during the midgestion stage of embryogenesis, and promotes angiogenesis (Muramatsu; Said et al.; Takada et al.). The protein structure consists of three antiparallel β-sheets and is highly conserved between species (Muramatsu; Takada et al.). While the exact signal pathway is not known, proposed pathways include promoting LRP, inhibiting Src kinase, activating paxillin and STAT1α, activating PI2 and MAP kinases, suppressing caspases, binding to α6β1-integrin and tetraspanin, activating FAK, phosphorylating STAT3, suppressing STAT5 phosphorylation, activating ALK, activating PI3 kinase and transcription of NFkB, binding to neuroglycan C or nucleolin, and binding to eIF3 (Muramatsu). In cultured cells, midkine influences growth and survival of neural precursor cells, synthesis of cytokines from endothelial and renal epithelial cells, and promotes synthesis of extracellular matrices from fibroblasts (Muramatsu; Takada et al.).

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Model technology: Fitration box Chemtrap V201 Midcap Filters configuration: 2C Power supply: GB Version: 1 1 * 1 items

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Model technology: Fitration box Chemtrap H402 Midcap Filters configuration: 1C Power supply: EU Version: 1 1 * 1 items

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Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a member of the CSF family of glycoproteins that regulate hematopoietic cell proliferation, differentiation, and function. It is a key cytokine involved in the production of neutrophils and the stimulation of granulocyte colony formation from hematopoietic progenitor cells (Metcalf and Nicola). G-CSF causes a range of effects including a transient reduction of SDF-1 expression (Petit et al.), the activation of metalloproteases that cleave VCAM-1 (Levesque et al.), and the release of norepinephrine from the sympathetic nervous system (Katayama et al.), leading to the release or mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow into the periphery. The G-CSF receptor is expressed on a variety of hematopoietic cells, including myeloid-committed progenitor cells, neutrophils, granulocytes, and monocytes. In addition to hematopoietic cells, G-CSF is also expressed in cardiomyocytes, neuronal cells, mesothelial cells, and endothelial cells. Mouse G-CSF was first purified from cultures of the WEHI-3B myelomonocytic leukemia cell line as the inducer of the terminal differentiation of WEHI-3B and other myeloid leukemia cell lines (Nicola et al.). It was later cloned in monkey COS cells from a cDNA library prepared with mRNA derived from mouse fibrosarcoma NFSA cells that produce G-CSF constitutively (Tsuchiya et al.). Binding of G-CSF to its receptor leads to activation of the JAK/STAT, MAPK, PI3K, and AKT signal transduction pathways.

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Trigger a variety of immunological responses with E. coli Lipopolysaccharide O55:B5 (S-form), a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from the O55:B5 serotype of the Gram-negative bacteria and nbsp Escherichia coli. Composed of a lipid A, a core oligosaccharide, and an O antigen, LPS are glycolipid constituents that reside on the outer membranes of gram-negative bacteria (Kitchens RL et al.). LPS protects bacteria against bile salts and lipophilic antibiotics by maintaining the outer integrity of the cell membrane (Bäckhed F et al.). E. coli lipopolysaccharide O55:B5 (S-form), in particular, is predominantly recognized by toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which leads to the activation of NF-κβ, a protein complex which plays a key role in regulating immune response (Kuzmich N et al.). Activation of NF-κβ can trigger increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and TNF-α by macrophages (Matuschak GM et al.). This LPS can also interact with CD14 to activate phospholipase Cγ2 and kinases of the Src family, trigger influxes of extracellular Ca2+, as well as calcineurin-dependent translocation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) family of transcription factors (Li CC et al.). When added to ImmunoCult™-SF macrophage medium (Catalog #10961), stimulation with lipopolysaccharide from E. coli (O55:B5) and IFN-γ supports the polarization to M1 (classically activated) macrophages. Warning: This product is highly pyrogenic. Avoid all means by which the product may enter the bloodstream.

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Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) promotes the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells and the generation of neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages. In synergy with other cytokines such as stem cell factor, IL-3, erythropoietin, and thrombopoietin, it also stimulates erythroid and megakaryocyte progenitor cells (Barreda et al.). GM-CSF is produced by multiple cell types, including stromal cells, Paneth cells, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and Th1 and Th17 T cells (Francisco-Cruz et al.). The receptor for GM-CSF (GM-CSFR) is composed of two subunits: the cytokine-specific α subunit (GMRα; CD116) and the common subunit βc (CD131) shared with IL-3 and IL-5 receptors (Broughton et al.). GM-CSFR is expressed on hematopoietic cells, including progenitor cells and immune cells, as well as non-hematopoietic cells. Recombinant human GM-CSF (rhGM-CSF) promotes the production of myeloid cells of the granulocytic (neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils) and monocytic lineages in vivo. It has been tested for mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells and for treating chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in patients. GM-CSF is able to stimulate the development of DCs that ingest, process, and present antigens to the immune system (Francisco-Cruz et al.).

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Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a neurotrophic factor and a member of the tumor growth factor (TGF)-beta superfamily. The GDNF family of growth factors also includes neurturin, persephin, and artemin, which have seven conserved cysteine residues called cysteine-knots (Treanor et al.). GDNF family ligands signal through binding to specific GDNF-family receptor-α (GFRα) co-receptors and activate the RET receptor tyrosine kinase (Durbec et al.). Four different forms of GFRα co-receptors have been characterized (GFRα 1-4); GDNF binds specifically to GFRα1 prior to forming a complex with RET (Airaksinen and Saarma). GDNF is known to promote survival and morphological differentiation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in both in vivo and in vitro studies and increases their high-affinity dopamine uptake (Granholm et al.; Lin et al.). GDNF has also been shown to have restorative effects on dying dopaminergic neurons in response to degenerative toxins (Aoi et al.). GDNF, together with Human Recombinant BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), BrainPhys™ Neuronal Medium, and other supplements, can be used to differentiate human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells into neurons (Bardy et al.).

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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), like nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), is a member of the NGF family of neurotrophins, which are required for the differentiation and survival of specific neuronal subpopulations in both the central and the peripheral nervous systems (Minichiello and Klein; Minichiello et al.). BDNF binds with high affinity to the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), and activates AKT and ERK pathways (Mattson et al.). It is expressed in the hippocampus, cortex, and synapses of the basal forebrain. BDNF acts as a survival factor for human embryonic stem cells when plated on either feeder cells or Corning® Matrigel® (Pyle et al.). BDNF regulates synaptic transmission and plasticity at adult synapses in the central nervous system, and contributes to adaptive neuronal responses including long-term potentiation, long-term depression, certain forms of short-term synaptic plasticity, and homeostatic regulation of neuronal excitability (Reichardt). It also has a role in neurogenesis by promoting survival and growth of dorsal root ganglion cells, and hippocampal and cortical neurons (Binder and Scharfman). BDNF, together with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and other supplements, is commonly used to differentiate human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells into neurons (Brafman).

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Leptin is a protein produced from the ob gene or lep gene, and acts as both a hormone involved in metabolic function as well as a proinflammatory cytokine by inducing Th1 immune responses (Dunn et al.; La Cava; Newman and Gonzalez-Perez). Leptin is a member of the gp130 family of cytokines and is known to be correlated with obesity (Dixit et al.; Dunn et al.). Leptin can both promote osteogenesis via osteoblast receptors and inhibit it through its actions on the hypothalamus (Figenschau et al.). It is a small, non-glycosylated protein with a highly conserved sequence between species. Leptin binds to the leptin receptor OB-R, which exists in six isoforms in humans and can activate various Janus kinase (JAK) and downstream pathways (Dunn et al.; Münzberg and Morrison; Newman and Gonzalez-Perez). For example, the binding of leptin to LepRb receptor activates JAK2, which leads to the phosphorylation of both JAK2 and the LepRb receptor, with three separate residues on the receptor triggering signaling pathways for SHP-2, STAT5, and STAT3 (Dunn et al.; Münzberg and Morrison). In addition to its effects on mature immune cells, other studies have suggested impacts on other cell types, with activities such as inducing cell proliferation and morphological differentiation in hematopoietic cell lines, chondrocytes, and hepatic cells (Figenschau et al.; Gainsford et al.; Santos-Alvarez et al.; Wang et al.).

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cheese production: the evolution of cheese-making technology. this kit is designed to teach 8 groups of four students the principles of cheese making. 1 * 1 items

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Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is a homodimeric glycoprotein growth factor that regulates proliferation and differentiation of myeloid hematopoietic progenitor cells to mononuclear phagocytic cell lineages, including monocytes, macrophages, and osteoclasts. M-CSF is a crucial factor for the development of tissue-resident macrophages in most tissues (Ginhoux and Jung). It is required for the maturation and activation of monocytes and macrophages, and regulates inflammatory responses in conjunction with other stimuli such as IFN-γ, LPS, and IL-4 (Murray et al.). M-CSF is also required for bone resorption by osteoclasts, and is involved in the development and regulation of the placenta, mammary gland, and brain. M-CSF is produced by monocytes, fibroblasts, osteoclasts, stromal cells, endothelial cells, and tumor cells (Chockalingam and Ghosh). M-CSF exerts its biological effects by signaling through a receptor tyrosine kinase (CSF-1R or M-CSF-R) encoded by the c-fms proto-oncogene (Hamilton). CSF-1R shares similar structural features with other growth factor receptors, including the stem cell factor (SCF) receptor, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGF-R), and Flt3/Flk-2 receptor tyrosine kinase. Stimulation of the CSF-1R upon binding to M-CSF activates MAPK, PI3K, and PLCγ signaling pathways (Chockalingam and Ghosh). Human and mouse M-CSF sequences are highly conserved both at nucleotide and amino acid levels (80% homology; DeLamarter et al.).

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Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) is the founding member of the family of cytokines that includes Interleukin 17B through Interleukin 17F. It is a potent proinflammatory cytokine that plays a key role in defense against pathogens. IL-17A and IL-17F signal as homodimers or heterodimers through the same receptor, and activate NF-kB, MAPK, and C/EBP pathways (Gaffen). IL-17A receptor is expressed on a variety of cell types, including hematopoietic cell compartments. IL-17A is produced by T helper 17 cells, CD8+ T cells, γδ T cells, natural killer T cells, B cells, neutrophils, innate lymphoid cells and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs; Zenobia and amp; Hajishengallis; Mojsilovic et al.). IL-17A receptor is expressed at particularly high levels on stromal cells, including MSCs. IL-17A increases the frequency and the average size of colony-forming units-fibroblast derived from bone marrow, as well as the proliferation of bone marrow-derived MSCs. IL-17A suppresses osteogenic differentiation and bone formation of bone marrow-derived MSCs. The action of IL-17A on hematopoiesis is deeply reliant on the microenvironment and the induction of other regulators. In healthy mouse bone marrow, IL-17A stimulates myeloid and early stage erythroid progenitor cells but inhibits late stage erythroid progenitor cells (Mojsilovic et al.).

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R-Spondin-1 (RSPO1) is the prototype member of the R-Spondin (RSPO) protein subfamily of a superfamily of thrombospondin type 1 repeat (TSR-1)-containing proteins (Chen et al.; Kamata et al.; Kazanskaya et al.; Kim et al.). Although unable to initialize signaling, RSPO family members are potent enhancers of WNT signaling (Cruciat and Niehrs; de Lau et al.; Kamata et al.; Kazanskaya et al.). They are characterized by a TSR-1 domain, a carboxy-terminal region with positively charged amino acids, and two N-terminal furin-like cysteine-rich repeats (Glinka et al.; Kazanskaya et al.). R­-Spondin-1 activates β­-catenin signaling via the WNT signaling cascade and by indirectly increasing low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) on the cell surface. It does this by binding leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5), and competing with WNT antagonist DKK­1 for binding to the WNT co­receptors, Kremen and LRP­6, which reduces DKK­1-­mediated internalization of LRP6 (Binnerts et al.). RSPO1 is involved in a wide range of pleiotropic roles during embryogenesis, it is required for the specification of hematopoietic stem cells, and it has been shown to be important in the growth, survival, and migration of ovarian cancer cells (Cruciat and Niehrs; de Lau et al.; Genthe and Clements; Liu et al.).