You searched for: Proteins and Peptides

Supplier: ADVANCED BIOMATRIX, INC. MS

Type IV Collagen is the primary collagen found in the extracellular basement membranes separating a variety of epithelial and endothelial cells. It is a major component of the dermal-epidermal junction where it is mostly found in the lamina densa. It is a heterotrimeric molecule containing two Alpha 1-like and one Alpha 2-like chains.

This Type IV Collagen is isolated from human placenta and is purified using a multi-step process. The product is supplied as a non-sterile powder containing 5 mg of Type IV collagen per vial. A Certificate of Analysis is available with the purchase of each product.

Type IV Collagen is typically used as a thin coating on tissue culture surfaces. Specific instructions are found in the Directions for Use. This product is generally used in vitro as a substrate scaffold to enhance cell attachment, adherence and proliferation. Type IV collagen may be used to culture epithelial, endothelial, muscle, nerve and many other cell types. Additionally, this product is suitable for use as a substrate for collagenase assays and positive controls.

Supplier: ADVANCED BIOMATRIX, INC. MS

Type IV Collagen is the primary collagen found in the extracellular basement membranes separating a variety of epithelial and endothelial cells. It is a major component of the dermal-epidermal junction where it is mostly found in the lamina densa. It is a heterotrimeric molecule containing two Alpha 1-like and one Alpha 2-like chains.

This Type IV Collagen is isolated from human placenta and is purified using a multi-step process. The product is supplied as a sterile, lyophilized powder containing 5 mg of Type IV collagen per vial. A Certificate of Analysis is available with the purchase of each product.

Type IV Collagen is typically used as a thin coating on tissue culture surfaces. Specific instructions are found in the Directions for Use. This product is generally used in vitro as a substrate scaffold to enhance cell attachment, adherence and proliferation. Type IV collagen may be used to culture epithelial, endothelial, muscle, nerve and many other cell types. Additionally, this product is suitable for use as a substrate for collagenase assays and positive controls.

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a member of the CXC subfamily of chemokines and is produced by leukocytic cells (monocytes, T cells, neutrophils, and natural killer cells) and non-leukocytic somatic cells (endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells), with the most prominent source being monocytes and macrophages. Its production is induced by inflammatory stimuli, such as IL-1. IL-8, also known as CXCL8, activates neutrophils inducing chemotaxis, exocytosis, and the respiratory burst (Baggiolini and Clark-Lewis; Mukaida). IL-8 is considered one of the most potent neutrophil chemoattractants in inflammation and binds to two different chemokine receptors on leukocytes: the G protein-coupled receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 (Hoffmann et al.; de Oliveira et al.). IL-8 has angiogenic effects on human intestinal microvascular endothelial cells in vitro that are mediated by CXCR2 (Heidemann et al.). IL-8 is reported to promote breast cancer progression by increasing cell invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis and has been reported to be involved in regulating breast cancer stem-like cells (Singh et al.). IL-8 also has proangiogenic properties in inflammatory diseases of the conjunctiva, cornea, iris, retina, and orbit (Ghasemi et al.). It was also shown that a major T cell effector function in human newborns is IL-8 production, which has the potential to activate antimicrobial neutrophils and gamma/delta T cells (Gibbons et al.). A variety of human pathogens, such as HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, have been shown to induce IL-8 production by monocytes and macrophages (Friedland et al.; Meddows-Taylor et al.).

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 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. Binding of G-CSF to its receptor leads to activation of the JAK/STAT, MAPK, PI3K, and AKT signal transduction pathways. This product is animal component-free.

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

S100A11 (S100C; calgizzarin) was first isolated from chicken gizzard smooth muscle. Human homologue was later identified in human colorectal cancer cells and in colorectal normal mucosa, with much higher expression in the cancer cells. S100A11 is a member of the S100 family of proteins containing 2 EF-hand calcium-binding motifs. The polypeptide chain consists of 105 amino acid residues giving molecular weight of unmodified monomeric protein 11.74 kDa. Disulphide bridge linking two monomers in the dimer via Cys-11 residues was found in its structure. The protein can be phosphorylated on some residues from which at least phosphorylation on Thr-10 causes significant structural changes. S100A11 binds to annexins A1 and A2, the DNA-dependent ATPase Rad54B, p53 and RAGE. It was proposed that up-regulated chondrocyte expression of S100A11 (as RAGE ligand) in OA cartilage and RAGE signaling through the p38 MAPK pathway promote inflammation-associated chondrocyte hypertrophy. RAGE signaling mediated by S100A11 thereby might have the potential to contribute to the progression of OA. S100A11 has also been shown to be secreted and to exert RAGE dependent signaling in human keratinocytes. S100A11 was found in many different human both normal and cancer tissues. S100A11 appears to play distinct roles depending on the tumour involved. In bladder carcinoma or renal carcinoma expression is related to tumour suppression however in prostate cancer, breast and pancreatic cancer S100A11 is thought to be a tumour promoter. S100A11 has been also indicated as one of potential biomarkers of infective endocarditis.

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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 andamp; Klagsbrun; Kimelman andamp; Kirschner) and are involved in a variety of biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis (Folkman andamp; Klagsbrun; Klagsbrun; Rifkin andamp; Moscatelli). FGF-8B signals through FGF receptors (FGFRs) to activate PI3K and MAPK pathways. FGF-8B is broadly associated with mitogenic and cell survival activities, and regulates gastrulation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and later on mesenchymal to epithelial differentiation during embryonic development. FGF-8B has also been found in peripheral blood leukocytes and healthy bone marrow samples (Mattila andamp; 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 testis (Valve et al.).

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: Adipogen

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a key factor in the transition between innate and adaptive immune responses secreted by activated T cells. The IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) is expressed in lymphoid tissue, in particular by NK, B, T and dendritic cells, macrophages and endothelial cells. Recent evidence suggests that IL-21 plays a supportive role in the proliferation of T and B cells and influences the cytolytic activity of natural killer cells. IL-21 has been shown to up-regulate genes associated with innate immunity and to inhibit the differentiation of naïve T helper cells. IL-21 specifically inhibits IFN-gamma production from developing TH1 cells and is preferentially expressed by TH2 cells. Furthermore IL-21 has been identified as a growth and survival factor for human myeloma cells. IL-21/IL-21R interactions have a unique role in sequentially activating both innate and adaptive immune responses against poorly immunogenic tumors, leading to tumor rejection that is perforin dependent but IFN-gamma independent.

Supplier: Adipogen

CD152 (CTLA-4) 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

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

Interleukin 34 (IL-34) is well known for its ability to induce the formation of colony-forming unit macrophages in human bone marrow cell cultures (Foucher et al.; Wei et al.). This dimeric glycoprotein is a member of the short-chain helical hematopoietic cytokine family (Baghdadi et al.; Foucher et al.), and exists in two isoforms that differ by a single glutamine (Chen et al.; Foucher et al; Wei et al.). IL-34 interacts with M-CSF to trigger tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor and ERK1/2 pathways. (Wang et al.; Wei et al.). It is expressed in many tissues (heart, brain, lung, liver, kidney, thymus, testes, ovary, small intestine, prostate, and colon), with the highest expression in the spleen. In combination with RANKL (MSPP-78214), IL-34 induces osteoclast differentiation (Chen et al.; Foucher et al.). IL-34 expression is decreased in Alzheimer’s disease and atopic dermatitis, while high levels of IL-34 are found in many types of cancer correlated with poor prognosis, chronic heart failure or coronary artery disease, inflammatory bowel disease, influenza A infection, during acute liver transplant rejection or in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and with rheumatoid arthritis (Baghdadi et al.). It is therefore a possible pharmacological target for treating bone or inflammatory diseases (Chen et al.). This protein contains a His-residue tag at the carboxyl end of the polypeptide chain, and the protein was purified as a homodimer consisting of 39 kDa monomers (Lin et al.).

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) family has five heparin-binding members that assemble into four homodimers (PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, PDGF-CC, and PDGF-DD) and one heterodimer (PDGF-AB; Fretto et al.; Li and Eriksson). PDGF signals through the receptor tyrosine kinases PDGFRα and PDGFRβ. 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, such as 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-DD promotes growth and survival of renal artery smooth muscle cells and lens epithelial cells, and can act as a macrophage chemoattractant (Changsirikulchai et al.; Lokker et al.; Ray et al.; Uutela et al.).

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.). This product is animal component-free.

Supplier: Anaspec Inc

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) belong to a family of secreted or membrane-associated zinc endopeptidases capable of digesting extracellular matrix components. The importance of MMPs in tumor development and invasion as well as other diseases is well known. MMP-3 (stromelysin-1, transin-1) has been shown to involved in tumor metastasis3 and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore it is proposed as a therapeutic target for these diseases. The native pro-MMP-3 is Mr 59/57-kDa doublet, which can be autocatalyzed to an active form of 45-kDa, and is then processed partially to a second active form of 28-kDa.

Human MMP-3 catalytic domain was expressed as 253 amino acid sequence (Pro19-Glu271) in E. coli. The molecular mass is approximately 28/29 kDa on SDS-PAGE. Recombinant human MMP-3 enzyme has catalytic domain only and doesn’t need APMA activation before enzyme assay. Its activity can be measured in FRET-based enzymatic assays

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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 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. GM-CSF is able to stimulate the development of DCs that ingest, process, and present antigens to the immune system (Francisco-Cruz et al.).

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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.).

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. This product is animal component-free.

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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 progenitors (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.). This product is animal component-free.

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

Heregulin-beta 1 also known as neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of growth factors and acts as a ligand for ErbB family receptor tyrosine kinases (Britsch et al.). Heregulin/neuregulin is a family of structurally related polypeptide growth factors derived from alternatively spliced genes (NRG1, NRG2, NRG3, and NRG4). Heregulin-beta 1 plays an important role during the development of the nervous system, heart, and mammary glands (Britsch). Heregulin-beta 1 is expressed in neuronal cells, and modulates cell growth and differentiation of the cells during development and wound healing (Mei and Xiong). It has been implicated through in vivo and in vitro studies that heregulin-beta 1/ErbB signaling is crucial for multiple aspects of cardiovascular development and protects the heart from ischemic injury (Odiete et al.). Heregulin-beta 1 also promotes invasiveness and metastasis of breast cancer cells (Hutcheson et al.). It has also been shown that heregulin-beta 1 has a role in the growth and maintenance of human embryonic stem cells (Wang et al.).

Supplier: ADVANCED BIOMATRIX, INC. MS

Nutragen® collagen is known as the standard of all collagens for purity (>99% collagen content), functionality, and the most native-like collagen available. Nutragen® 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.

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

Nutragen® collagen is supplied at approximately a 6 mg/mL concentration to provide an extremely firm gel. The concentration for each specific lot is provided on a Certificate of Analysis that is available with the purchase of each product. Nutragen® is soluble atelo-collagen in 0.01 N HCI, therefore, the pH is approximately 2.0.

Nutragen® collagen is ideal for coating of surfaces, providing preparation of thin layers for culturing cells, or use as a solid gel. Nutragen® collagen is provided in a 50 mL volume and is contained in user-friendly packaging for use and storage. Nutragen® is sterile filtered and is supplied as a ready to use solution.

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.

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) family has five heparin-binding members that assemble into four homodimers (PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, PDGF-CC, and PDGF-DD) and one heterodimer (PDGF-AB; Fretto et al.; Li and Eriksson). PDGF signals through the receptor tyrosine kinases PDGFRα and PDGFRβ. 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, such as 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.).

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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.).

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: STEMCELL Technologies

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.).

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

Fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF-10) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family predominantly expressed by mesenchymal fibroblasts during embryonic development (Emoto et al.; Igarashi et al.). It binds with high affinity to fibroblast growth factor receptor 2-IIIb (FGFR2-IIIb), and also has a weaker affinity for FGFR1-IIIb (Beer et al.). FGF-10 and FGF-7 have similar receptor binding properties and target cell specificities but are differentially regulated by components of the extracellular matrix (Emoto et al.; Igarashi et al.). FGF-10 has been shown to mediate epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, which are essential to lung development (Sekine et al; Ware and Matthay). FGF-10 also has a role in mobilization and proliferation of lung-resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and protection and repair against acute lung injury (Tong et al.; Ware and Matthay), as well as endodermal differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to insulin-producing pancreatic-like cells (Takeuchi et al.).

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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.

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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, NO intermediates, complement, etc. (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.).

Supplier: STEMCELL Technologies

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 was first purified from the culture of mouse lung tissue after lipopolysaccharide treatment. 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 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. GM-CSF is able to stimulate the development of DCs that ingest, process, and present antigens to the immune system (Francisco-Cruz et al.).