You searched for: Proteins and Peptides

Supplier: Stemcell Technologies

Modulate prostaglandin metabolism with 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH). 15-PGDH catalyzes 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 lyophilized with ≥ 89% purity.

Supplier: Stemcell Technologies

Butyrophilin 1A1 (BTN1A1) is a glycoprotein belonging to the butyrophilin (BTN) family which collectively modulates immune responses, through excitatory and inhibitory signals targeting immune cells. Butyrophilins are composed of two extracellular immunoglobulin domains and a transmembrane region, with a conserved B30.2 domain (PRYSPRY) that is present in most members (Malinowska et al.). BTN1A1, along with BTN2A2, has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, modify T cell metabolism, and affect the expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ (Smith et al.). Due to these modulatory effects on T cells, BTN1A1 may have a role in inhibiting the development of autoimmune diseases (Stefferl et al.). BTN1A1 is also expressed in mammary glands and is required for the secretion of milk lipids during lactation (Ogg et al.). This protein contains a His-residue tag at the carboxyl end of the polypeptide chain. For consistency and reproducibility across your applications, Serpin A12 from STEMCELL comes lyophilized with ≥92% purity, and is verified by LAL analysis to ensure endotoxin levels are ≤1.0 EU/μg protein.

Supplier: Stemcell Technologies

Interleukin 12 (IL-12p70) is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of p35 and p40 subunits. IL-12 is produced by monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, and B cells in response to bacterial products and cytokines such as IFN-γ. The IL-12 receptor is expressed on T, NK, and dendritic cells. Upon binding, IL-12 initiates signaling via the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and stimulates NK, B, and T cells to produce IFN-γ (Watford et al.). It also regulates cytokine synthesis, proliferation of T and NK cells, and stimulates differentiation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (Germann and Rüde). Mice that are deficient in IL-12 are susceptible to many intracellular pathogens and have impaired IFN-γ secretion, Th1 differentiation, and NK cytolytic activity; however, Th2 development and IL-4 production are enhanced (Watford et al.).

Supplier: Stemcell Technologies

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HBEGF) is a member of the EGF family (Nishi and Klagsbrun). HBEGF promotes blastocyst adhesion to the uterine wall (Iwamoto and Mekada). It also plays a role in smooth muscle cell hyperplasia and brain injury (Nishi and Klagsburn). HBEGF produced by CD4+ T cells promotes wound healing by stimulating migration and proliferation of keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells (Blotnick et al.). It binds to EGFR, ErbB4, ErbB2, and ErbB3, activating the PI3K/AKT signaling cascade (Iwamoto and Mekada). HBEGF is produced in a variety of cells, where it contributes to physiological and pathological processes. HBEGF is overexpressed in ovarian, breast, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, and endometrial cancers, which likely contributes to pathogenesis (Miyata et al.). This product is animal component-free.

Supplier: Anaspec

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a member of the vasoactive intestinal peptide/secretin/glucagon family, has an amino acid sequence identity of 68% with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). PACAP38, derived from a 176-amino acid precursor (preproPACAP), is a 38-amino acid peptide discovered as an ovine hypothalamic neuropeptide. The amino acid sequence of PACAP is identical in all mammals, and in species such as chicken, frog, salmon, only 1–3 amino acids are different. It is abundant in both the central and peripheral nervous systems and exerts a variety of effects. PACAP in pancreatic islets may play a parasympathetic and sensory neurotransmitter role. PACAP stimulates insulin secretion from islets in a glucose-dependent manner at femtomolar concentrations, acting as an insulinotropic factor. PACAP and VIP are two multifunctional neuropeptides modulating innate and adaptive immunity. VIP/PACAP protect T cells from activation-induced cell death through down-regulation of Fas ligand. PACAP immunoreactivity has been shown in nerve fibers innervating the intrapancreatic ganglia as well as the islets of Langerhans in pancreas. PACAP (1-38) is more active than VIP in stimulating adenylate cyclase EC50=7 nM.
Sequence: HSDGIFTDSYSRYRKQMAVKKYLAAVLGKRYKQRVKNK-NH2
MW: 4534.3 Da
% Peak area by HPLC: 95
Storage condition: -20° C

Supplier: Stemcell Technologies

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.).

Supplier: Stemcell Technologies

Use resistin to modulate various cellular responses, such as promoting neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation (Jiang et al.) and regulating anti-inflammatory signaling pathways through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) (Jang et al., 2017). A member of the resistin-like molecule (RELM) family, resistin is produced by adipocytes in mice, and has been implicated in insulin resistance, reducing glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity in vivo (Li et al.). In humans, resistin is expressed predominantly in leukocytes, modulating inflammation in numerous diseases (Jamaluddin et al.; Jang et al., 2015; Mantula et al.). Studies also show that resistin facilitates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A-dependent angiogenesis in human chondrosarcoma cells, highlighting it as a promising target for chondrosarcoma angiogenesis (Chen et al.). For consistency and reproducibility across your applications, resistin from STEMCELL comes lyophilized with ≥ 95% purity, and endotoxin levels are verified to be ≤1.0 EU/μg protein.

Supplier: Adipogen

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1, B7-H1 or CD274) is a member of the growing B7 family of immune proteins that provide signals for both stimulating and inhibiting T cell activation. CD274 has been identified as one of two ligands for programmed death 1 (PD-1), a member of the CD28 family of immunoreceptors. CD274 is widely expressed in several organs such as heart, skeletal muscle, placenta and lung, and in lower amounts in thymus, spleen, kidney and liver. CD274 expression is upregulated in a small fraction of activated T and B cells and a much larger fraction of activated monocytes. CD274 expression is also induced in dendritic cells and keratinocytes after IFN-gamma stimulation. CD274 expression is also upregulated in a variety of tumor cell lines. Interaction of CD274 with PD-1 results in inhibition of TCR mediated proliferation and cytokine production, suggesting an inhibitory role in regulating immune responses. The CD274 - PD-1 pathway is involved in the negative regulation of some immune responses and may play an important role in the regulation of peripheral tolerance.

Supplier: Anaspec

NS3 protease of hepatitis C virus (HCV), located on the N-terminal domain of HCV NS3, is responsible for the cleavage at the NS3/NS4A, NS4A/NS4B, NS4B/NS5A, and NS5A/NS5B sites of the nonstructural protein. The HCV NS3 is a chymotrypsin-like serine protease. It requires a cofactor, a 54 amino acid NS4 protein, to reach its optimal activity. The X-ray crystal structure studies show that NS3 forms a tight non-covalent complex with NS4. The NS3/4A protease is essential for viral replication and the formation of infectious viral particles, and thus has been considered as one of the most attractive targets for anti-HCV therapy.

The recombinant HCV NS3/4A protease (genotype 1b, strain: HC-J4; NCBI Accession: AF054247) was expressed in E. Coli. HCV NS3/4A protease is a 217 amino acid fusion protein (22.7 kDa) with NS4A co-factor fused to the N-terminus of NS3 protease domain. Therefore, HCV NS3/4A protease is in active form and the pre-activation by pep4A or pep4AK is not necessary. 5-20 ng of HCV NS3/4A protease is sufficient for FRET-based activity assays (SensoLyte® HCV protease assay).

Supplier: Stemcell Technologies

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).

Supplier: Stemcell Technologies

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a monomeric cytokine that was originally identified as a T cell growth factor (Gaffen and Liu). It binds to heterotrimeric receptors consisting of CD25, CD122, and CD132. Upon binding, it activates JAK3-, STAT5-, and AKT-dependent signaling pathways, which results in cellular proliferation and survival (Ma et al.). The majority of IL-2 is secreted by activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, although B cells and dendritic cells were found to produce IL-2 in small amounts. IL-2 downregulates immune responses to prevent autoimmunity during thymic development, influences the development of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells, and affects development of follicular helper T cells. IL-2 also controls inflammation by inhibiting Th17 differentiation (Banchereau et al.). High IL-2 levels in serum are associated with progression of scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and gastric and non-small cell lung cancer, though no known disease can be directly attributed to the lack or excess of IL-2 (Gaffen and Liu).

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: Anaspec

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: Adipogen

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) has a broad spectrum of biological activities. It is crucial for the development, proliferation, survival and differentiation of multiple cells from both innate and adaptive immune systems. IL-15 up-regulation has a central role in the development of several autoimmune or chronic inflammatory disorders. Targeting IL-15 or its receptor may have a valuable impact on the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. IL-15 participates in the development of important immune antitumor mechanisms. It activates CD8(+) T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, NK T cells, and can promote the formation of antitumor antibodies. IL-15 can also protect T effector cells from the action of T regulatory cells and reverse tolerance to tumor-associated antigens. In pre-clinical studies IL-15 has been found to demonstrate potentiated antitumor effects following pre-association with IL-15Ralpha, or when used in combination with chemotherapy, adoptive therapy, monoclonal antibodies, and tumor vaccines.

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: Stemcell Technologies

Human Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is important for immune responses to helminth infection as well as in allergic responses (Olpihant et al.). The IL-4 receptor consists of a heterodimer of IL-4Ra and common gamma chain. IL-4 receptor engagement leads to the activation of JAK1/3 and the recruitment of STAT6 and IRS1/2 (Nelms et al.). IL-4 drives immunoglobulin class switching in B cells (to IgE, IgG4), mast cell hyperplasia, mucus production, and the differentiation of naïve T cells into T helper type 2 (Th2) cells, which produce IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 (Bao et al.; Olpihant et al.; Nelms et al.). In addition to Th2 T cells, IL-4 is produced by CD4+ NK T cells, γ/δ T cells, activated basophils, eosinophils, and mast cells. IL-4 consists of 130 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 15.1 kDa. Human IL-4 does not cross-react with mouse cells (Park et al.). This product is animal component-free.

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

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

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

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: 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

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: 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: Stemcell Technologies

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

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: Stemcell Technologies

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

Supplier: Stemcell Technologies

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

Supplier: Advanced Biomatrix

Advanced BioMatrix VitroCol® collagen is the first widely available, naturally produced purified human collagen for research purposes. VitroCol® sets the standard for purity (>99% collagen content), functionality and represents the only native-like human collagen offered.

VitroCol® collagen is naturally secreted from human neo-natal fibroblast cells. The human fibroblasts are cultured in optimal conditions allowing the fibroblast to naturally and efficiently secret extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix is then processed and purified to yield the naturally produced human collagen.

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

VitroCol® is supplied at approximately 3 mg/ml concentration. The concentration for each specific lot is provided on a Certificate of Analysis that is available with the purchase of each product. VitroCol® is soluble atelo-collagen in 0.01 N HCI, therefore, the pH is approximately 2.0.

VitroCol® is especially ideal for human cell culture systems when coating of surfaces, providing preparations of thin layers of culturing cells, or use as a solid gel. VitroCol® human collagen is provided in user-friendly packaging for use and storage. VitroCol® is sterile filtered and is supplied as a ready to use solution.

Supplier: AAT Bioquest

Z-VAD-CHO, also generically called as 'Caspase Inhibitor II', is a cell-permeable, reversible pan-caspase inhibitor, blocks all features of apoptosis in THP.1 and Jurkat T-cells.