Analysis Note

The biological activity of this product is measured by an ability to stimulate H-thmidine incorporation in EGF-responsive mouse BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts. The EC₅₀ is defined as the effective concentration of growth factor that elicits a 50% increase in cell growth in a cell based bioassay.

Application

This product has been used to study differentiation of pancreatic acinar cell line (AR42J) into insulin-secreting cells and has been linked to a role in the growth and differentiation of islet cells in human pancreas.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Betacellulin and the other members of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of growth factors bind with high affinity to both EGFR and to erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (erbB-4). Overexpression of betacellulin with erbB-3 and erbB-4 has been linked to human endometrial adenocarcinoma.

Caution

This product should be stored at -2-8°C. For longer-term storage, it is recommended to dilute in a buffer containing a carrier protein, for example, 0.1% BSA, and to store the solution frozen in working aliquots at 20°C or -80°C.

General description

Betacellulin is a member of the EGF family of growth factors and is produced by an expression of a DNA sequence encoding the mature 80 amino acid residue polypeptide. The protein is expressed in the small intestine and pancreas. It is initially synthesized as a glycosylated 32.0kDa transmembrane precursor protein, processed by proteolytic cleavage to produce the mature sequence.

Preparation Note

This product was lyophilized with no additives. It should be reconstituted by adding to water at a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/mL. The vial should be centrifuged prior to opening and the solution should not be vortexed.

Sequence

DGNTTRTPET NGSLCGAPGE NCTGTTPRQK VKTHFSRCPK QYKHYCIHGR CRFVVDEQTP SCICEKGYFG ARCERVDLFY