Synonyms
BTC, probetacellulin
Description
Betacellulin (BTC) is a new member of the EGF family of cytokines that is comprised of at least ten proteins including EGF, TGF-alpha, amphiregulin, HB-EGF, and the various heregulins. All of these cytokines are synthesized as transmembrane precursors and are characterized by the presence of one or more EGF structural units in their extracellular domain. The soluble forms of these cytokines are released by proteolytic cleavage. BTC, a heparin-binding protein, was originally isolated from the conditioned media of mouse pancreatic beta tumor cells as a 32 kDa glycoprotein composed of 80 amino acid residues. The cDNA encoding human BTC was cloned from a human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) cDNA library. Human and mouse cDNAs encode BTC precursor proteins of 178 and 177 amino acid residues, respectively. At the amino acid sequence level, human BTC precursor protein exhibits 79% identity with that of the mouse BTC precursor. In a mouse cell line transfected with human BTC cDNA, three forms of soluble human BTC have been detected: the glycosylated, intact BTC composed of 80 amino acid residues, a truncated molecule lacking 12 amino acid residues from the amino terminus, and a second truncated molecule lacking 30 amino acid residues from the amino terminus. The biological activities of these BTC forms were shown to be identical. BTC can bind to the EGF receptor and is a potent mitogen for Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts, retinal pigment epithelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells.
Molecular Weight
Approximately 9.0 kDa.
AA sequence
DGNSTRSPET NGLLCGDPEE NCAATTTQSK RKGHFSRCPK QYKHYCIKGR CRFVVAEQTP SCVCDEGYIG ARCERVDLFY
Appearance
Sterile Filtered White lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder.
Purity
> 98 % by SDS-PAGE and HPLC analyses.
Biological Activity
The ED50 as determined by a cell proliferation assay using murine Balb/c 3T3 cells is less than 0.05 ng/ml, corresponding to a specific activity of > 2.0 × 107 IU/mg. Fully biologically active when compared to standard.
Endotoxin
< 1.0 EU per 1μg of the protein by the LAL method.
Formulation
Lyophilized from a 0.2 µm filtered concentrated solution in PBS, pH 7.4.
Reconstitution
We recommend that this vial be briefly centrifuged prior to opening to bring the contents to the bottom. Reconstitute in sterile distilled water or aqueous buffer containing 0.1% BSA to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/mL. Stock solutions should be apportioned into working aliquots and stored at ≤ -20℃. Further dilutions should be made in appropriate buffered solutions.