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Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily. BMP-2 is a disulfide-linked homodimer, acts as a ligand for complexes of type I and II BMP receptors, and primarily activates SMAD1/5/8 signaling (Nohe et al.). BMP-2 is a potent differentiation factor and directs human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) towards various cell types including extra-embryonic endoderm, mesenchymal cells, and chondrocytes (Pera et al.). Although BMP-2 expression is low in healthy cartilage, its expression is upregulated at the site of cartilage damage (Blaney Davidson et al.). BMP-2 induces bone and cartilage formation in vitro and is able to induce chondrogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cells (Schmitt et al.). This product is animal component-free.

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Use sclerostin to alter bone remodeling homeostasis, where it inhibits bone formation in vivo and in vitro, likely through Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascades (Ellies et al.; Lin et al.). Sclerostin is a member of the cerberus/DAN family of glycoproteins whose members share a C-terminal cysteine-knot-like (CTCK) domain. Highly expressed in bone and cartilage, as well as in kidney, and liver tissues (Weivoda et al.), this osteoclast-derived BMP antagonist binds BMP6 and BMP7 with high affinity, and binds BMP2 and BMP4 with a lower affinity (Kusu et al.). Mutations in the SOST gene have been associated with sclerosteosis (Brunkow et al.), van Buchem disease (Staehling-Hampton et al.), and bone dysplasia disorders, characterized by increased bone density. This protein product contains a His-residue tag at the carboxyl end of the polypeptide chain. For consistency and reproducibility across your applications, sclerostin from STEMCELL comes lyophilised with ≥87% purity, and endotoxin levels are verified to be ≤1.0 EU/μg protein.

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Transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 3 is a member of the TGF-β superfamily and regulates diverse cellular phenotypes. TGF-beta 3 binds to serine-threonine kinase type I and II receptors and activates signal transduction through SMAD2/3 proteins, thus regulating a variety of functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation, wound healing, apoptosis, and metabolism (Massagué; McDowell et al.). TGF-beta 3 enhances glycosaminoglycan production by mesenchymal stromal cells, stimulates scar-free healing, and improves glucose tolerance and phenotypic changes in adipocyte morphology (Hall et al.; Holton et al.). TGF-beta 3 induces proliferation of posterofrontal suture-derived mesenchymal stromal cells, and stimulates expression of fibroblast growth factors 2 and 18 (James et al.). This product is animal component-free.

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Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), also known as CCL2, is a member of the CC family of chemokines. The protein is primarily induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) gene (Cochran et al.). The biological effects of MCP-1 are mediated via the specific G-protein-coupled receptor CCR2 which in turn activates signal transduction pathways leading to monocyte transmigration (Sozzani et al.). Migration of monocytes from the bloodstream across the vascular endothelium is required for routine immunological surveillance of tissues, as well as other immunomodulatory effects. MCP-1 is produced by a variety of cell types, including fibroblasts and endothelial, epithelial, smooth muscle, mesangial, astrocytic, monocytic, and microglial cells, which are important for antiviral responses in the peripheral circulations and in tissues (Cushing et al.; Deshmane et al.). MCP-1 plays a role in physiological processes such as neurogenesis, neuroprotection, and neurotransmission and has important implications in neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, in which it is produced during neuroinflammation at the sites of lesions (Conductier et al.).

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Modulate prostaglandin metabolism with 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH). 15-PGDH catalyses the reversible oxidation of the 15-hydroxyl group in prostaglandins, resulting in inactivated metabolites (Ensor and Tai), it can act on a variety of prostaglandins as substrates in a NAD+ dependent manner (Cho et al.). As prostaglandins can have a range of effects on cellular processes, 15-PGDH is of considerable importance in drug development. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest 15-PGDH has tumor suppressive activity and is downregulated in certain cancers (Na et al.).15-PGDH belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) family; its primary structure indicates 20% homology with other SDRs, with some conserved amino acid residues (Krook et al.). This protein contains a His-residue tag at the carboxyl end of the polypeptide chain. For consistency and reproducibility across your applications, apo M from STEMCELL comes lyophilised with ≥89% purity.

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Interleukin 3 (IL-3) is a species-specific pleiotropic cytokine that promotes the survival and proliferation of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells and lineage-committed progenitor cells and their differentiation into mature cells of most lineages, including basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, erythrocytes, and megakaryocytes (Yang et al.; Dorssers et al.; Broughton et al.). IL-3 is produced by activated T cells and has a physiological role in inflammation and allergies by promoting the secretion of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, IL-4, and IL-6 by basophils and eosinophils (Broughton et al.). The IL-3 receptor consists of a unique alpha subunit (CD123) and a beta common subunit (βc or CD131) that is shared with the receptors for IL-5 and GM-CSF, and is the principal signal transduction subunit for these cytokines. IL-3 binding to the heterodimeric receptor activates JAK/STAT, MAPK, and PI3K signaling pathways (Woodcock et al.).

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Fibroblast growth factor acidic (FGF-acidic), also known as FGF-1, is a potent activator of DNA synthesis, cell proliferation, and chemotaxis and is known to play numerous roles in development, regeneration, and angiogenesis (Jaye et al.; Galzie et al.; Presta et al.). FGF-acidic is produced by multiple cell types and is capable of activating all cells of mesodermal origin and many cells of neuroectodermal, ectodermal, and endodermal origin. It is found in large quantities in the brain, but is also expressed in hepatocytes, vascular smooth muscle cells, neurons of the CNS, skeletal muscle cells, fibroblasts, keratinocytes, endothelial cells, intestinal columnar epithelial cells, and pituitary basophils and acidophils. FGF-acidic is secreted as a disulfide-linked homodimer and is stored in complex with heparan sulfate, a requirement for its interaction with FGF receptors (Guerrini et al.; Mohammadi et al.). Internalized FGF-acidic signals through protein kinase C and promotes cell survival by inhibiting p53 and proapoptotic signaling (Bouleau et al.).

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A type 1 membrane glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, cluster of differentiation 200 (CD200) binds the CD200 receptor (CD200R) that is expressed on the surface of myeloid cells and T cells (Wright et al.), and has been shown to inhibit myeloid cell activity and macrophage cytokine production (Jenmalm et al.). Homologues of CD200 have been identified in viruses and can interact with CD200R to reduce macrophage pro-inflammatory cytokine production (Foster-Cuevas et al.). Studies have shown that the immunosuppressive effects of CD200 can promote acceptance of allogeneic tissue grafts in hosts (Gorczynski et al.), whereas dysregulation of CD200/CD200R can contribute to the development of autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (Ren et al.). CD200 contains two immunoglobulin-like domains, a V-type domain and a smaller C2-type domain (Hatherley et al.). This protein contains a His-residue tag at the carboxyl end of the polypeptide chain. For consistency and reproducibility across your applications, cluster of differentiation 200 from STEMCELL comes lyophilised with ≥95% purity, and is verified by LAL analysis to ensure endotoxin levels are ≤1,0 EU/μg protein. Human recombinant CD200 at 2 μg/ml can bind human CD200R (His and hFc tag) with a linear range of 5 to 28 ng/ml, as determined by functional ELISA.

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Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine from the IL-1 family. It binds to the ST2 receptor and activates NF-kB and MAPK pathways. IL-33 is expressed by epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts in various tissues and organs, as well as resting basophils, mast cells, eosinophils, natural helper cells, group 2 innate lymphoid cells, dendritic cells, and activated macrophages (Schmitz et al.; Yasuda et al.). It contributes to allergic inflammation by stimulating production of the cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in Th2 cells, and stimulates host defense against microbial and viral infections (Liew; Yasuda et al.). In the central nervous system, IL-33 is produced by endothelial cells and astrocytes. It induces proliferation of microglia and mediates production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Yasuoka et al.).

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Interleukin 13 (IL-13) is a type I cytokine, and signals through type I cytokine receptors to activate JAK/STAT and IRS-1/IRS-2 pathways. IL-13 is produced by T cells and innate lymphoid cells (Pulendran and Artis) and it inhibits production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins, and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by monocytes and macrophages (Hershey). Unlike human B cells, IL-13 has no effect on mouse B cell development and function. IL-13 promotes eosinophil survival, activation, and recruitment, and also activates mast cells (Hershey). IL-13 regulates gastrointestinal parasite expulsion, airway hyperresponsiveness, allergic inflammation, tissue eosinophilia, goblet cell hyperplasia, intracellular parasitism, tissue remodeling, tumor cell growth, and fibrosis. IL-13 induces hypercontractility of smooth muscles by directly acting on the muscle cells as well as the enteric nerves (Wynn).

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Fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF-7) is a member of the FGF family, and acts exclusively through a subset of FGF receptor isoforms expressed predominantly by epithelial cells (Finch and Rubin). FGF-7 seems to act specifically on epithelial cells and stimulates proliferation, migration, and differentiation of these cells, and also participates in epithelial protection and repair both in vitro and in vivo (Finch and Rubin; Werner). In contrast, FGF-7 is produced solely by cells of mesenchymal origin, and functions as a paracrine mediator of mesenchymal-epithelial communication (Rubin et al.). FGF-7 has also been shown to supplement several wound-healing properties of bioengineered skin (Erdag et al.) and to induce autophagy in human keratinocytes (Belleudi et al.). Additionally, FGF-7 has a role in pluripotent stem cell differentiation to endodermal pancreatic-like insulin-producing cells and thymic epithelial cells (Inami et al.; Niu et al.).

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RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted), also known as CCL5, is a member of the CC family of chemokines and is able to recruit leukocytes to sites of inflammation (Schall et al.). RANTES is secreted by T lymphocytes, macrophages, platelets, synovial fibroblasts, tubular epithelium, and certain types of tumor cells (Aldinucci and Colombatti; Soria and Ben-Baruch). This chemokine exerts its effect by interacting with the chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR3, CCR4, and CCR5. RANTES plays an active role in recruiting a variety of leukocytes into inflammatory sites, including T cells, macrophages, eosinophils, and basophils. In collaboration with certain cytokines that are released by T cells such as IL-2 and IFN-γ, RANTES also induces the activation and proliferation of NK cells to generate CC chemokine-activated killer cells, which are highly cytolytic (Lv et al.; Maghazachi et al.). It has been shown that RANTES produced by CD8+ T cells inhibits HIV infection of primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (Appay and Rowland-Jones; Cocchi et al.).

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Fibroblast growth factor 8B (FGF-8B) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family and is an isoform of FGF-8. Cytokines in the FGF family possess broad mitogenic and cell survival activities (Folkman and Klagsbrun; Kimelman and Kirschner) and are involved in a variety of biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis (Folkman and Klagsbrun; Klagsbrun; Rifkin and Moscatelli). FGF-8B signals through FGF receptors (FGFRs) to activate PI3K and MAPK pathways. FGF-8B regulates gastrulation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and mesenchymal to epithelial differentiation during embryonic development. FGF-8B has also been found in peripheral blood leukocytes and healthy bone marrow samples (Mattila and Härkönen). FGF-8B has mitogenic effects on somatic cells in the germinal epithelium and is expressed in adult mouse ovarian cells and tissues, which suggests that it regulates maturation of oocytes and seminiferous epithelium in testes (Valve et al.). This product is animal component-free.

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Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is the founding member of the IL-10 family of class II cytokines. All of the IL-10 cytokine family members have a four-helix bundle consisting of α-helical folds. Upon binding to its receptor, IL-10 activates signaling through JAK1 and STAT3. It is produced by dendritic cells, macrophages, and CD4+ T cells, as well as mast cells, NK cells, neutrophils, and B cells, under specific stimulating conditions (Saraiva and O'Garra). IL-10 can inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promote healing processes, and is important for the function of regulatory T cells. IL-10 also enhances B cell proliferation, immunoglobulin secretion, and class II MHC expression, while IL-10 produced by macrophages inhibits activation of neighboring macrophages, thus allowing a level of self-regulation (Ouyang et al.).

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Interleukin 7 (IL-7) is a member of the Type I cytokine family that is critical for T and B cell development and survival. It is produced by non-hematopoietic cells in the thymus, lymphoid organs, and by bone marrow stromal cells (Lundström et al.). IL-7 binds to a receptor (IL-7R) composed of common gamma chain and IL-7Ra (CD127) and signals through the JAK/STAT and PI3K pathways. IL-7 regulates the survival of naïve and memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, γδ T cells, NK T cells, innate lymphoid cells, and T regulatory cells (Carrette and Surh). Although a deficiency in IL-7R still permits the generation of normal numbers of peripheral B cells in humans, stimulation of human B cell precursors with IL-7 could promote STAT-5-dependent proliferation and survival in vitro (Clark et al.; Corfe and Paige).

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Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a four-alpha helix bundle cytokine with many similar properties to IL-2. The IL-15 receptor is a heterotrimeric receptor composed of IL-15Ra (the high-affinity receptor for IL-15), as well as IL-2/15Rb (CD122) and common gamma chain (CD132). IL-15 binds to IL-15Rα receptor and can then be presented in trans to IL-2/15Rb and common gamma chain on other cells. Trans-presentation is thought to be the major mechanism by which IL-15-mediated responses occur in mice, although may not be necessary in humans (Castillo et al.). The cytoplasmic domains of IL-2/15Rb and common gamma chain mediate signaling to activate JAK/STAT and PI3K pathways. IL-15 supports the survival and proliferation of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and promotes homeostasis of memory T cells. IL-15 also promotes the survival and differentiation of NK cells and regulates their cytolytic activity (Ma et al.). This product is animal component-free.

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Oncostatin M (OSM) is a member of interleukin 6 (IL-6) family of cytokines and bears close resemblance to leukemia-inhibitory factor (LIF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in amino acid sequence and its modulation of differentiation in a variety of cell types (Rose and Bruce). OSM signals through type I receptor (consisting of gp130 and LIF receptor (LIFR)) and type II receptor (consisting of gp130 and OSM receptor (OSMR)), which eventually activate the JAK/STAT pathway (Auguste et al.; Gómez-Lechón). OSM is primarily produced by activated T cells and monocytes, and also by activated macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, and dendritic cells. OSM is also produced within the bone microenvironment by cells of both hematopoietic and mesenchymal origin including osteocytes and osteoblasts. OSM is involved in differentiation, cell proliferation, hematopoiesis, and inflammation, and also has been shown to have implications in liver development, bone formation and resorption (Sims and Quinn; Tanaka and Miyajima).

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Interleukin 3 (IL-3) is a species-specific pleiotropic cytokine that promotes the survival and proliferation of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells and lineage-committed progenitor cells and their differentiation into mature cells of most lineages, including basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, erythrocytes, and megakaryocytes (Yang et al.; Dorssers et al.; Broughton et al.). IL-3 is produced by activated T cells and has a physiological role in inflammation and allergies by promoting the secretion of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, IL-4, and IL-6 by basophils and eosinophils (Broughton et al.). The IL-3 receptor consists of a unique alpha subunit (CD123) and a beta common subunit (βc or CD131) that is shared with the receptors for IL-5 and GM-CSF, and is the principal signal transduction subunit for these cytokines. IL-3 binding to the heterodimeric receptor activates JAK/STAT, MAPK, and PI3K signaling pathways (Woodcock et al.).

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CD40 ligand is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily (Quezada et al.). CD40 ligand forms a bioactive homotrimer that exists as both soluble and membrane-bound forms (Khandekar et al.). CD40 ligand is expressed on T cells, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils, platelets, dendritic cells, and endothelial cells. Its receptor, CD40, is expressed on B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes, platelets, endothelial cells, and epithelial cells (van Kooten and Banchereau). Binding of CD40 ligand to CD40 stimulates B cell proliferation, immunoglobulin class switching, antibody secretion, and T cell-dependent humoral responses. Dysregulation of CD40 ligand contributes to immune deficiency in HIV and AIDS (Rickert et al.). CD40 ligand has also been linked to the pathology of atherosclerosis, atherothrombosis, and restenosis (Hassan et al.).

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Persephin is a neurotrophic factor that belongs to the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family. Persephin shares a large degree of structural similarity to GDNF, artemin, and neurturin, and has overall neuroprotective activity. Persephin signals through GRFα4 (glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked GDNF receptor family member) which signals through the receptor tyrosine kinase RET. Unlike GDNF and neurturin, persephin only promotes the growth and survival of central dopaminergic and motor neurons, but not peripheral neurons (Milbrandt et al.). In vitro persephin only promotes survival of neurons that co-express GPI-linked GRFα4 and RET (Enokido et al.; Lindahl et al.). Mice lacking persephin showed increased cell death after cerebral ischemia, however administration of persephin before ischemia dramatically reduced neuronal cell death (Tomac et al.). This product is animal component-free.

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Use Interleukin 37 (IL-37) to inhibit the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and TNF-α, in a MAPK-dependent manner (Qi et al.). A secreted protein belonging to the interleukin-1 cytokine family, IL-37 acts as an anti-inflammatory alarmin, with predominant expression in monocytes, and constitutive secretion by myeloid dendritic cells (Rudloff et al.). IL-37 has been shown to limit inflammation in human blood M1 macrophages by binding to extracellular surface receptors, requiring IL-1R8 as a coreceptor (Li et al.). It also has protective effects against obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance, reducing adipogenesis and activating AMPK signaling both in vitro and in vivo (Ballak et al.). In humans, the IL-37 gene undergoes alternative splicing, resulting in multiple isoforms of the protein (Boraschi et al.). For consistency and reproducibility across your applications, Interleukin 37 from STEMCELL comes lyophilised with ≥93% purity.

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Apolipoprotein H (apo H) has been shown to promote the coagulation of blood platelets by inhibiting thrombomodulin complex and inactivating protein C (Keeling et al.), but can also act as an anticoagulant by binding thrombin and inhibiting its procoagulant effects (Pozzi et al.). Belonging to the lipid-binding apolipoprotein family, within the lipocalin superfamily, apo H is a protein constituent of plasma, with a high affinity for negatively charged phospholipids. The structure of apo H reveals four N-terminal complement control protein (CCP) modules, also known as 'sushi' domains, and a distinct fifth C-terminal domain with four antiparallel beta sheets, two alpha-helices, and an extended loop (Schwarzenbacher et al.). Apo H is the main antigen implicated in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), an autoimmune condition involving pregnancy complications and vascular thrombosis (Brusch). Studies have also reported that Apo H is involved in the progression of atherosclerosis (Harats and George). This protein contains a His-residue tag at the carboxyl end of the polypeptide chain. For consistency and reproducibility across your applications, apolipoprotein H from STEMCELL comes lyophilised with ≥93% purity, and is verified by LAL analysis to ensure endotoxin levels are ≤1,0 EU/μg protein.

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Interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α) is a member of the IL-1 family and a dual-function cytokine. Both the unprocessed precursor and a processed IL-1α protein signal through IL-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1). Various cells, including keratinocytes, thymic epithelium, hepatocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and the epithelial cells of mucous membranes, have high levels of intracellular IL-1α precursor. The precursor is also expressed on the surface of monocytes and B lymphocytes (Netea et al.). IL-1α recruits infiltrating cells to a site of injury during necrosis and plays an important role during processes of sterile inflammation (Cohen et al.; Rider et al.). During hypoxia, IL-1α contributes to angiogenesis (Carmi et al.). Studies in mice show that IL-1α is produced by microglia-like cells after ischemic brain injury, which contributes to the inflammation (Luheshi et al.).

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A cytokine belonging to the type 1 interferon family, Interferon beta (IFN beta) binds IFN alpha/beta receptors (IFNAR) that activate tyrosine kinases and initiate the interferon-induced Jak-STAT signaling pathway, which modulates many key immune processes (Smieja et al.). In an experimental model involving cardiac fibroblasts isolated from rats, IFN beta was found to induce both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines production by activating different STAT proteins (Bolivar et al.). The anti-inflammatory effects of IFN beta have been studied in the context of autoimmune disorders, and there are currently multiple approved IFN beta drugs for treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (Filipi and Jack). IFN beta is produced by immune cells, including macrophages, and non-immune cells, such as fibroblasts and epithelial cells (Ivashkiv and Donalin). The crystal structure of IFN beta shares characteristics with other type I interferons. It comprises five alpha-helices with four of them forming a helix bundle, and one long and three shorter loops connecting the helices (Karpusas et al.). For consistency and reproducibility across your applications, interferon alpha 1 from STEMCELL comes lyophilised with ≥87% purity, specific activity EC50 ≤18 pg/mL, and LAL analysis verification ensuring endotoxin levels are ≤1,0 EU/μg protein.

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Fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF-4) is a member of the FGF superfamily (Beenken and Mohammadi). FGF-4 is expressed in pluripotent stem cells and is implicated in various stages of development and morphogenesis in a variety of organisms (Kosaka et al. 2009). FGF-4 has been shown to have an ability to promote neural stem cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation in the postnatal brain (Kosaka et al. 2006). FGF-4 has also been shown to increase the proliferation rate of mesenchymal stem cells (Farré et al.). FGF-4 supports the maintenance and self-renewal properties of human embryonic stem cells and also promotes the proliferation of these cells (Mayshar et al.). In the mouse, the Fgf4 gene also supports proliferation of the inner cell mass (ICM) and postimplantation embryos (Feldman et al.).

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Persephin is a neurotrophic factor that belongs to the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family. Persephin shares a large degree of structural similarity to GDNF, artemin, and neurturin, and has overall neuroprotective activity. Persephin signals through GRFα4 (glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked GDNF receptor family member) which signals through the receptor tyrosine kinase RET. Unlike GDNF and neurturin, persephin only promotes the growth and survival of central dopaminergic and motor neurons, but not peripheral neurons (Milbrandt et al.). In vitro, persephin only promotes survival of neurons that co-express GPI-linked GRFα4 and RET (Enokido et al.; Lindahl et al.). Mice lacking persephin showed increased cell death after cerebral ischemia, however administration of persephin before ischemia dramatically reduced neuronal cell death (Tomac 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 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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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. PDGF-induced migration has been shown to involve MEK/ERK, EGFR, Src, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways (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.). This product is animal component-free.

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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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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.).