Description
Fibroblast Growth Factor 18 (FGF-18) is a 21 kDa protein that plays an important role in skeletal development and bone homeostasis. Rat FGF-18 is encoded by the FGF18 gene in rats. By phylogenetic analysis and gene location analysis, FGF-18 is divided into FGF-8 subfamily which has three members FGF-8, FGF-17 and FGF-18. It is expressed in embryonic somites and the neural fold, adult lung, cerebellar and hippocampal neurons, hair follicle root sheath cells, and osteogenic mesenchymal cells. FGF-18 binds to FGF R2c, FGF R3c as well as the Golgi protein GLG1 and induces the proliferation of astrocytes and microglia, vascular endothelial cells, dermal fibroblasts, papilla cells, and keratinocytes. FGF-18 is required for normal skeletal development. It recruits osteoclasts and osteoblasts to the growth plate, promotes osteoclast formation and function, inhibits osteoblast differentiation, promotes skeletal vascularization, and induces chondrocyte hypertrophy and cartilage matrix formation.
Molecular Weight
Approximately 21.0 kDa.
AA sequence
EENVDFRIHV ENQTRARDDV SRKQLRLYQL YSRTSGKHIQ VLGRRISARG EDGDKYAQLL VETDTFGSQV RIKGKETEFY LCMNRKGKLV GKPDGTSKEC VFIEKVLENN YTALMSAKYS GWYVGFTKKG RPRKGPKTRE NQQDVHFMKR YPKGQTELQK PFKYTTVTKR SRRIRPTHPG
Appearance
Sterile Filtered White lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder.
Purity
> 95% by SDS-PAGE and HPLC analyses.
Biological Activity
The ED50 as determined by thymidine uptake assay using FGF-receptors transfected BaF3 cells is less than 0.5 ng/mL, corresponding to a specific activity of > 2.0 × 106 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, 500 mM NaCl.
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°C. Further dilutions should be made in appropriate buffered solutions.