Recombinant Human Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4)

Description
Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), also known as NT-5, is a member of the NGF family of neuronal and epithelial growth factors. Neurotrophins have six conserved cysteine residues that are involved in the formation of three disulfide bonds. The mature protein is secreted as a homodimer and can also form heterodimers with BDNF or NT-3. NT-4 binds and induces receptor dimerization and activation of TrkB. NT-4 promotes the development and survival of selected peripheral and CNS neurons. BDNF, which also activates TrkB, overlaps with many but not all NT-4 functions, a distinction that is likely due to differences in expression patterns. NT-4 induced TrkB signaling augments NMDA receptor activity and increases neuronal sensitivity to excitotoxic cell death. It also promotes the proliferation of keratinocytes and accelerates hair follicle regression during the follicular cycle. NT-4 is secreted by activated T cells and granulocytes at sites of inflammation where it contributes to tissue regeneration.

Full Name
Human Neurotrophins-4/5

Source
E. coli

Species
Human

Accession #
NM_006179.4

Molecule Weight
NT-4 recombinant protein is a noncovalent linked homodimer. The 130 amino acid recombinant protein has a predicted molecular mass of approximately 14 kD as monomer, 28 kD as dimer.

Purity
> 95 % as determined by SDS-PAGE

Endotoxin
< 1.0 EU per μg of the protein as determined by the LAL method

Activity
The ED₅₀ as determined by the dose-dependent induction of choline acetyl transferase activity in rat basal forebrain primary septal cell cultures was found in the range of 20-50 ng/ml, corresponding to a specific activity of 2-5 x 104 units/mg.

Storage
-80 °C, avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Storage Buffer
PBS