You searched for: Proteins and Peptides

Supplier: Adipogen

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a growth factor and the founding member of the EGF family. All EGF family members are synthesized as type I transmembrane precursor proteins that may contain several EGF domains in the extracellular region. The mature proteins are released from the cell surface by regulated proteolysis. EGF is present in various body fluids, including blood, milk, urine, saliva, seminal fluid, pancreatic juice, cerebrospinal fluid, and amniotic fluid. Four ErbB (HER) family receptor tyrosine kinases including EGFR/ErbB1, ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4, mediate responses to EGF family members. These receptors undergo a complex pattern of ligand induced homo or heterodimerization to transduce EGF family signals. EGF binds to the receptor EGFR stimulating the intrinsic protein-tyrosine kinase activity of the receptor. The tyrosine kinase activity initiates a signal transduction cascade that results in a variety of biochemical changes within the cell, including a rise in intracellular calcium levels, increased glycolysis and protein synthesis, and increases in the expression of certain genes including the gene for EGFR, which lead to DNA synthesis, cell growth, proliferation and differentiation. Other biological activities ascribed to EGF include epithelial development, angiogenesis, inhibition of gastric acid secretion, fibroblast proliferation, and colony formation of epidermal cells in culture. Defects in EGF are the cause of hypomagnesemia type 4 (HOMG4), also known as renal hypomagnesemia normocalciuric. HOMG4 is a disorder characterized by massive renal hypomagnesemia and normal levels of serum calcium and calcium excretion. Clinical features include seizures, mild-to mederate psychomotor retardation, and brisk tendon reflexes.

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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.).

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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.).

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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 the differentiation of pluripotent stem cell to endodermal pancreatic-like insulin-producing cells and thymic epithelial cells (Inami et al.; Niu et al.). This product is animal component-free.

Supplier: Adipogen

CD276 (B7-H3) is a member of the B7/CD28 superfamily of costimulatory molecules serving as an accessory modulator of T cell response. B7 family molecules, which are expressed on antigen-presenting cells and display extracellular regions containing immunoglobulin (Ig) variable (V)- and constant (C)-like domains, are known to modulate T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated T cell activation by providing co-signals that are either stimulatory or inhibitory. B7-H3 provides a stimulatory signal to T cells. However, recent studies suggest a negative regulatory role for B7-H3 in T cell responses. B7-H3 inhibited T cell proliferation mediated by antibody to T cell receptor or allogeneic antigen-presenting cells. B7-H3 is a negative regulator that preferentially affects T(H)1 responses. B7-H3 may play an important role in muscle-immune interactions, providing further evidence of the active role of muscle cells in local immunoregulatory processes. Recently, B7-H3 expression has also been found in a variety of different human cancers, including prostate cancer, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC) and urothelial cell carcinoma. B7-H3 was expressed in some human cancers and correlated with poor outcome of cancer patients.

Supplier: ADVANCED BIOMATRIX, INC. MS

Poly-L-Lysine is a synthetic amino acid chain that is positively charged having one hydrobromide per unit of Lysine. Poly-L-Lysine is widely used as a coating to enhance cell attachment and adhesion to both plasticware and glass surfaces. This molecule has been used to culture a wide variety of cell types. Certain cell types secrete proteases, which can digest Poly-L-Lysine. For those cell types, Poly-D-Lysine 000 Da) being less viscous and higher molecular weight (>300,000 Da) having more binding sites per molecule. This product’s molecular weight ranges from 70,000 to 150,000 Da yielding a solution viscosity for easy handling while providing sufficient binding sites for cell attachment.

Poly-L-Lysine surface coatings are designed to improve cell attachment, growth and differentiation of many cell types. Coated surfaces will often improve cell attachment in reduced or serum-free conditions. This product is supplied in a sterile 50 ml package size at a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml.

Supplier: Adipogen

CD152 and CD28, together with their ligands B7-1 and B7-2, constitute one of the dominant costimulatory pathways that regulate T and B cell responses. CD152 and CD28 are structurally homologous molecules that are members of the immunoglobulin (Ig) gene superfamily. Both CD152 and CD28 are composed of a single Ig V-like extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain and an intracellular domain. CD152 and CD28 are both expressed on the cell surface as disulfide-linked homodimers or as monomers. CD152 was originally identified as a gene that was specifically expressed by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. However, CD152 transcripts have since been found in both Th1 and Th2, and CD4+ and CD8+ T cell clones. Whereas, CD28 expression is constitutive on the surfaces of 95% of CD4+ T cells and 50% of CD8+ T cells and is down regulated upon T cell activation, CD152 expression is upregulated rapidly following T cell activation and peaks approximately 24 hours following activation. Although both CD152 and CD28 can bind to the same ligands, CD152 binds to B71 and B72 with 20-100-fold higher affinity than CD28.

Supplier: Adipogen

Human CD137 (4-1BB) is a costimulatory molecule of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. The glycoprotein 4-1BB is expressed mainly on activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and binds to a high-affinity ligand (4-1BBL) expressed on several antigen-presenting cells such as macrophages and activated B cells. Upon ligand binding, 4-1BB is associated with the tumor receptor-associated factors (TRAF), the adaptor protein and mediates downstream signaling events including the activation of NF-kappaB and cytokine production. 4-1BB signaling either by binding to 4-1BBL or by antibody ligation delivers signals for T cell activation and growth as well as monocyte proliferation and B cell survival, and plays a important role in the amplification of T cell-mediated immune responses. In contrast, it can also enhance activation-induced T cell apoptosis when triggered by engagement of the TCR/CD3 complex. In addition, the 4-1BB/4-1BBL costimulatory pathway has been shown to augment secondary CTL responses to several viruses and increase antitumor immunity. 4-1BB is therefore a promising candidate for immunotherapy of human cancer.

Supplier: Adipogen

Interleukin-21 receptor (IL-21R) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein within the class I cytokine receptor family, type 4 subfamily. Complex formation between IL-21R and the common gamma chain (gammac) is required for signaling. IL-21R is expressed mainly on B cells (highest on mature, activated, follicular and germinal center B cells), NK cells and activated T cells, but is also found on dendritic cells, alternatively activated macrophages, intestinal lamina propria fibroblasts and epithelial cells and keratinocytes. B cell IL-21R engagement induces Blimp1 (which mediates plasma cell differentiation) and is important for memory responses. IL-21R engagement on mouse NK cells enhances their cytotoxic activity and IFN-gamma production. IL-21R engagement on CD8+ T cells aids control of viral infection and tumor growth; IL-21R is also necessary for sufficient numbers of regulatory T cells to combat chronic inflammation. IL-21R expression is often upregulated in allergic skin inflammation, systemic lupus erythematosus and diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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 lyophilized 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.

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

Stromal cell-derived factor 1 alpha (SDF-1α) is a member of the CXC group of chemokines that binds to the G-protein coupled receptor, CXCR4, to regulate migration, proliferation, differentiation, and survival of many cell types including hematopoietic stem cells, B cells, and T cells. It is produced by bone marrow stromal cells, osteoblasts, endothelial cells, and neuronal cells. SDF-1α was first identified as the pre-B-cell growth-stimulating factor (PBSF) in the mouse bone marrow-derived stromal cell line, PA6, in the growth of B cell precursors (Hayashi et al.). SDF-1α primarily regulates cell motility during development and adulthood, including the homing of hematopoietic stem cells and neutrophils to fetal bone marrow during ontogeny (Ara et al. 2003a) and the recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells from bone marrow during angiogenesis in adulthood (Zheng et al.). In addition to its role in hematopoiesis, the SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway is also essential for the homing of primordial germ cells to gonads (Ara et al. 2003b), the migration of granule cells in the cerebellum during neurogenesis (Zou et al.), and the migration of breast cancer cells to sites of metastasis (Muller et al.).

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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 (Galzie et al.; Jaye 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 central nervous system, 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 via protein kinase C and promotes cell survival by inhibiting p53 and proapoptotic signaling (Bouleau et al.). This product is animal component-free.

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

Complement factor D is a component of the alternative pathway of the complement system and part of the innate immune system, playing a vital role in the initiation and amplification of complement activation, in order to defend against infection (Barratt and Weitz). A serine protease belonging to the S1 peptidase family, complement factor D is secreted by adipocytes into circulating blood, and is also expressed by macrophages and monocytes (White et al.). In the initiation phase of the complement pathway, complement factor D cleaves complement factor B (bound to component C3) to produce a complex known as C3 convertase. During the amplification phase, complement factor D cleaves complement factor B (bound to component C3b) to produce the C3bBb convertase, and is involved in the propagation of complement activation. In addition to its immunological role, complement factor D is involved in other physiological processes, such as the efficient clearing of damaged cell debris by phagocytes following acute liver injury (Cresci et al.). Complement factor D deficiency is associated with an increased susceptibility to pathogens like Neisseria meningitidis (Biesma et al.). This protein contains a His-residue tag at the carboxyl end of the polypeptide chain. For consistency and reproducibility across your applications, complement factor D from STEMCELL comes lyophilized with ≥94% purity, and is verified by LAL analysis to ensure endotoxin levels are ≤1.0 EU/μg protein.

Supplier: Adipogen

Interleukin-27 (IL-27) is a heterodimeric group 2 receptor ligand molecule that belongs to the IL-6/IL-12 family of long type I cytokines. It is composed of EBI3 (EBV-induced gene 3), a 34 kDa glycoprotein that is related to the p40 subunit of IL-12 and IL-23, and p28, the cloned 28 kDa glycoprotein that is related to the p35 chain of IL-12. IL-27 is expressed by monocytes, endothelial cells and dendritic cells. IL-27 binds to and signals through a heterodimeric receptor complex composed of WSX1 (TCCR) and gp130. Evidence suggests IL-27 interacts only with WSX-1. IL-27 has both anti- and proinflammatory properties. As an antiinflammatory, IL-27 seems to induce a general negative feedback program that limits T and NK-T cell activity. At the onset of infection, IL-27 induces an IL-12 receptor on naïe CD4+ T cells, making them susceptible to subsequent IL-12 activity (and possible Th1 development). Notably, IL-12 family cytokines are both induced and inhibited by bacterial products. Microbes promote IL-27 secretion through TLR4, and also block IL-27 production via C5a induction.

Supplier: BioVendor

Regenerating (Reg) gene family belongs to the calcium depending lectin gene super family. It represents a group of small, multi‑functional secreted proteins, which can function as acute phase reactants, lectins and anti‑apoptotic or growth agents. These agents play an important role in proliferation and differentiation in the entire GI tract. The Reg family consists of seven members in mice (Reg I, Reg II, Reg IIIa, Reg IIIb, Reg IIId and Reg IIIge and Reg IV). Four members are recognized in humans (Reg Ia, Reg Ib, Reg III and Reg IV), but there are most probably a few more. Reg genes are up‑regulated following tissue injury, and play a major role in the healing of gastrointestinal mucosal lesions. Different members of the Reg gene family were shown to be expressed in pancreatic, gastric and colorectal cancers, and may serve as markers for poor prognosis. Reg IV, a novel member of the family, was suggested to play an important role in initiating the multi‑step process of colorectal cancer carcinogenesis, at the level of adenoma, by increasing the resistance for programmed cell death. Regenerating gene family member 4 (REG4) was originally identified by sequencing of a cDNA library derived from patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Supplier: ADVANCED BIOMATRIX, INC. MS

Poly-L-Ornithine is a synthetic amino acid chain that is positively charged having one hydrobromide per unit of ornithine. Poly-L-Ornithine is widely used as a coating to enhance cell attachment and adhesion to both plasticware and glass surfaces.

The molecular weight of Poly-L-Ornithine can vary significantly with lower molecular weight (30,000 Da) being less viscous and higher molecular weight (>300,000 Da) having more binding sites per molecule. This product’s molecular weight ranges from 70,000 to 150,000 Da yielding a solution viscosity for easy handling while providing sufficient binding sites for cell attachment.

Poly-L-Ornithine surface coatings are designed to improve cell attachment, growth and differentiation of many cell types. Coated surfaces will often improve cell attachment in reduced or serum-free conditions. This product is supplied in a sterile 50 ml package size at a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml.

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is an interleukin 6 class cytokine that regulates a broad variety of developmental functions. After LIF binds to LIF receptor (LIFR), LIFR associates with gp130 and activates JAK/STAT and MAPK signaling (Auernhammer and Melmed; Suman et al.). LIFR activation of STAT3 is essential for maintaining the mouse embryonic stem cell phenotype (Niwa et al.). Produced by the endometrium, LIF plays an important autocrine and paracrine role in implantation by regulating proliferation, invasion, and differentiation of trophoblasts following blastocyst attachment (Auernhammer and Melmed; Suman et al.). Human LIF can be used for the maintenance of mouse embryonic stem cells, however mouse LIF cannot bind to the human receptor, thus rendering mouse LIF inactive (Dahéron et al.). LIF is produced by CD4+ and activated regulatory T cells, and promotes Foxp3 expression, while repressing Th17 lineage-specific genes (Metcalfe). LIF is also secreted by mesenchymal stromal cells, where it supports hematopoiesis and immune modulation (Nasef et al.).

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) is a member of the FGF family. Using β-Klotho as a cofactor, FGF-21 signals through FGF receptor 1c and 4 to activate PI3K and MAPK pathways (Mattila and Härkönen; Kharitonenkov et al.). FGF-21 expression is regulated by tissue-specific peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Upon PPAR-α stimulation FGF-21 is produced in the liver, and activation of PPAR-γ leads to FGF-21 production in adipose tissue. FGF-21 promotes insulin-independent glucose uptake and lipid accumulation in primary human adipocytes and in mouse 3T3-L1 cells. In pancreatic islets and INS-1 cells it inhibits glucose-mediated glucagon release and stimulates insulin production. FGF-21 does not induce proliferation in immortalized cell lines, unlike other FGFs (Kharitonenkov and Shanafelt). FGF-21 regulates thermogenesis in white and brown adipose tissue, and metabolic processes in cells of pancreatic origin (Kharitonenkov et al.).

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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.

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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 lyophilized with ≥ 87% purity, specific activity EC50 ≤18 pg/mL, and LAL analysis verification ensuring endotoxin levels are ≤1.0 EU/μg protein.

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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 andamp; 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. Binding of G-CSF to its receptor leads to activation of the JAK/STAT, MAPK, PI3K, and AKT signal transduction pathways.

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is an interleukin 6 class cytokine that regulates a broad variety of developmental functions. After LIF binds to the LIF receptor (LIFR), LIFR associates with gp130 and activates JAK/STAT and MAPK signaling (Auernhammer and Melmed; Suman et al.). LIFR activation of STAT3 is essential for maintaining the mouse embryonic stem cell phenotype (Niwa et al.). Produced by the endometrium, LIF plays an important autocrine and paracrine role in implantation by regulating proliferation, invasion, and differentiation of trophoblasts following blastocyst attachment (Auernhammer and Melmed; Suman et al.). Human LIF can be used for the maintenance of mouse embryonic stem cells; however, mouse LIF cannot bind to the human receptor, thus rendering mouse LIF inactive (Dahéron et al.). LIF is produced by CD4+ and activated regulatory T cells, and promotes Foxp3 expression, while repressing Th17 lineage-specific genes (Metcalfe). LIF is also secreted by mesenchymal stromal cells, where it supports hematopoiesis and immune modulation (Nasef et al.).

Supplier: BioVendor

Uromodulin (Tamm-Horsfall protein, UMOD) is approx. 85-kDa glycoprotein that is produced in the thick ascending limb of Henle´s loop and early distal convoluted tubules of the nephron. It is a transmembrane protein, which is secreted into the urine through proteolytic cleavage of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. It belongs to the GPI family. Healthy individuals excrete tens of miligrams of uromodulin per day, making in the most abundant protein in the urine. Uromodulin modulates cell adhesion and signal transduction by interacting with cytokines and it inhibits the aggregation of calcium crystals. By reducing calcium oxalate precipitation, uromodulin plays a protective role with respect to renal stone formation as demonstrated by recent studies on THP- deficient mice prone to nephrolithiasis. THP acts as a host defense factor against urinary tract infections induced by uropathogens such as Esherichia coli, Staphylococcus saphrophyticus, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiela pneumonie. Uromodulin binds to type 1 fimbriae of Escherichia coli and thereby blocks colonization of urothelial cells. Tamm-Horsfall protein interacts with other molecules and cells including IL-1, IL-2, TNF, IgG, neuthrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. Binding of uromodulin to neutrophils induces synthesis of IL-8, provokes the respiratory burst and degranulation and stimulates chemotaxis and phagocytosis. Recently, genome-wide association studies identified uromodulin as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease and hypertension. Mutations in the Uromodulin gene are associated with three autosomal dominant tubulo-interstitial nephropathies such as familial juvenile hyperuricemic nephropathy (FJHN), medullary cystic kidney disease (MCKD2) and glomerulocystic kidney disease (GCKD). These disorders are characterized by juvenile onset of hyperuricemia, gout and progressive renal failure.

Supplier: BioVendor

Alpha 1-microglobulin (A1M) is a lipocalin superfamily member (kernal lipocalins). A1M is a low molecular weight protein component of plasma. A1M is distributed in plasma and extravascular compartments of all organs. Alpha-1 Microglobulin is found in mammals, birds, amphibians and fish. The primary sites of A1M synthesis are the liver and the kidney. Around the opening of the lipocalin pocket three lysyl residues are situated; those residues carry yellow-brown modification derived from the binding and degradation of heme and kynurenin (a tryptophan metabolite). A1-Microglobulin’s reductase and dehydrogenase have broad biological substrate specificity properties due to its’ free cysteine side-chain which is located in a flexible loop. Alpha-1-microglobulin is glycosylated by three separate carbohydrate chains: two complex carbohydrates which are N-linked to asparagines at residues 17 and 96, and the other simple carbohydrate which is O-linked to threonine at position 5. The carbohydrates comprise 22% of the total molecular mass of the protein. The glycosylation varies between species. A1M exists in two forms- a free form and complexed to other macromolecules: in humans- complexed to immunoglobulin A (IgA), in rat- complexed to alpha-1-inhibitor-3. Free A1M is exceptionally heterogeneous in charge (therefore also known as protein HC), and is found tightly linked to a chromophore. The free Alpha-1-microglobulin is a monomeric protein composed of one 188 residue polypeptide and contains three cysteines, two of which (residues 75 and 173) form a conserved intra-molecular disulphide link. The chromophoric group is covalently bound to the free cysteine residue at position 34. A1M binds retinol as a major ligand, but this is probably distinct from its covalent chromophore.

Supplier: Adipogen

BAFF is mainly produced by innate immune cells such as neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, follicular dendritic cells. T cells, activated B cells, some malignant B cells and also non-lymphoid cells like astrocytes, synoviocytes and epithelial cells can also produce BAFF. BAFF binds three distinct receptors (BAFF-R, TACI and BCMA) expressed predominantly on B cells, although activated T cells also express BAFF-R. BAFF is a master regulator of peripheral B cell survival, and together with IL-6, promotes Ig class-switching and plasma cell differentiation . Besides its major role in B cell biology, BAFF co-stimulates activated T cells. Deregulated expression of BAFF leads to autoimmune disorders in mice. In humans, elevated levels of soluble BAFF have been detected in the serum of patients with various autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) . BAFF is also increased levels in some lymphoid cancers.

Supplier: Adipogen

NF-kappaB is a pleiotropic transcription factor present in almost all cell types and is the endpoint of a series of signal transduction events that are initiated by a vast array of stimuli related to many biological processes such as inflammation, immunity, differentiation, cell growth, tumorigenesis and apoptosis. NF-kappaB is a homo- or heterodimeric complex formed by the Rel-like domain-containing proteins RELA/p65, RELB, NFKB1/p105, NFKB1/p50, REL and NFKB2/p52. The heterodimeric p65-p50 complex is the most abundant complex. The dimers bind at kappaB sites in the DNA of their target genes and the individual dimers have distinct preferences for different kappaB sites that they can bind with distinguishable affinity and specificity. Different dimer combinations act as transcriptional activators or repressors, respectively. NF-kappaB complexes are held in the cytoplasm in an inactive state complexed with members of the NF-kappaB inhibitor (I-kappaB) family. In a conventional activation pathway, I-kappaB is phosphorylated by I-kappaB kinases (IKKs) in response to different activators, subsequently degraded thus liberating the active NF-kappaB complex which translocates to the nucleus. NF-kappaB heterodimeric p65-p50 and RelB-p50 complexes are transcriptional activators. The NF-kappaB p50-p50 homodimer is a transcriptional repressor, but can act as a transcriptional activator when associated with BCL3.

Supplier: ADVANCED BIOMATRIX, INC. MS

RatCol® Type I Acid Soluble Rat Tail Collagen contains 100 mg at a concentration of approximately 4 mg/mL in a 0.02M acetic acid solution (pH 2 to 3). RatCol® collagen is soluble telo-collagen. Each product includes a bottle containing 100 mg of collagen solution accompanied with a bottle of pre-formulated neutralizing solution for the formation of a collagen gel. This collagen product is provided in user-friendly packaging for use and storage. This product is sterile filtered and is supplied as a ready to use solution. The concentration for each specific lot is provided on the product label and on a Certificate of Analysis that is available with the purchase of each product.

This product is ideal for coating of surfaces, providing preparation of thin layers for culturing cells, or use as a solid gel. RatCol® collagen is suitable for applications using a variety of cell lines including hepatocytes, fibroblasts and epithelial cells.

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that activates NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT pathways. Activated T cells and macrophages are the primary producers of TNF-α in response to inflammation and infectious conditions. Many other cell types have been shown to produce TNF-α, among them B cells, NK cells, mast cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells, microglia, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, cardiomyocytes, and fibroblasts. TNF-α has cytotoxic effects on cancerous cells by stimulating anti-tumor immunosuppressive responses. TNF-α stimulates expression of E- and P-selectins, thus facilitating adhesion of neutrophils, monocytes, and memory T cells to activated platelets and endothelial cells (Zelová and Hošek). Other effects of TNF-α include vasodilatation and edema formation. in vitro studies of adult rat neural progenitor cells (NPCs) demonstrate that TNF-α reduces neurogenesis in dentate gyrus-derived NPCs, and promotes astrogliogenesis in subventricular zone-derived NPCs (Borsini et al.).

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a four-alpha helix bundle cytokine with many similar properties to IL-2, with which it shares components of its receptor. 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 naive 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.).

Supplier: ADVANCED BIOMATRIX, INC. MS

PureCol® collagen is known as the standard of all collagens for purity (>99.9% collagen content), functionality, and the most native-like collagen available. PureCol® is isolated from bovine hides sourced from the only controlled, closed herd in the United States. Advanced BioMatrix’s manufacturing processes comply with stringent quality standards that have proven to yield unsurpassed lot-to-lot consistency.

PureCol® collagen is approximately 97% Type I with the remainder being comprised of Type III collagen. It is soluble atelo-collagen. It contains high monomer content as measured by gel permeation chromatography.

This product is supplied as a lyophilized powder with 15 mg of bovine collagen. When reconstituted with 5 ml of sterile 0.01 N HCl, a concentration of approximately 3 mg/ml is achieved.

PureCol® collagen is ideal for coating of surfaces and providing preparations of thin layers for culturing cells. PureCol®, lyophilized form is not recommended for the formation of a solid gel. PureCol® collagen is provided in user-friendly packaging for use and storage. This product is supplied as a sterile lyophilized powder.