EGF

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a potent growth factor that plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. It stimulates the proliferation of various epidermal and epithelial cells. EGF has been shown to inhibit gastric secretion, promote colony formation of epidermal cells in culture, and be involved in wound healing. EGF is the prototype of a large family of EGF-like proteins, it signals through the c-erbB receptor. Recombinant human EGF is a globular protein with 3 intramolecular disulfide bonds essential for biological activity. Approximately 70% homology is found between human EGF and EGF isolated from other species. The relative positions of the cysteine residues are conserved.

Produced in the endosperm tissue of barley grain (Hordeum vulgare).

PBS pH 7.2, sterile filtered

Greater than 95% by SDS-PAGE gel analysis

Always centrifuge the vial before opening. It is recommended to reconstitute the lyophilized protein in sterile phosphate-buffered saline to a concentration of no less than 100 µg/ml. For long-term storage of the reconstituted solution, it is recommended to add a carrier protein (0.1% HSA or BSA).

The lyophilized protein, though stable at room temperature for a few weeks, is best stored at -20°C. Reconstituted protein should be used immediately or stored in working aliquots at -20°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Each batch of ISOkine growth factors is tested for bioactivity and verified to have comparable activity to a commercial source. The bioactivity of ISOkine recombinant human EGF is assayed by measuring its dose-dependent effect on the proliferation of 3T3 cells. The ED50 for this effect using EGF is typically < 0. 1 ng/ml, corresponding to a specific activity > 10 x10e6 U/mg. Optimal concentration should be determined for specific applications and cell lines.

Endotoxin level is less than 0.005ng per µg of ISOkine product (0.05EU/µg).

Purified ISOkine product carries no pyrogenic or pro-inflammatory contaminants, as assayed with monocyte activation test using Human 10-plex Cytokine Assay measuring IL 6, TNF alpha, and IL 1beta induction.** ** Ref. The Blood Bank, University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland

Recombinant human EGF contains 53 amino acids and an N-terminal 6 a.a. histidine tag for a total length of 59 a.a. and has a predicted molecular mass of 7 kDa. The recombinant protein migrates with an apparent molecular mass of 9.5 kDa in SDS PAGE.