Neurotrophins are well-known retrograde signaling molecules that regulate differentiation and cell survival in many central and peripheral neurons. Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) is the most recently discovered neurotrophic factor in mammals and, functionally, the least well understood. Little is known about the role of NT-4 in supporting the survival of identified classes of sensory neurons. Currently, the only available data are from cell counts of whole sensory ganglia. Mice lacking NT-4 (NT-4/) exhibit a loss of ~50% of the neurons in the nodose-petrosal and geniculate ganglia but no apparent loss of neurons in the dorsal root ganglia.
<1.0 EU/μg of recombinant protein as determined by the LAL method.
Biological Activity Comment
The ED(50) was determined by the dose-dependent induction of choline acetyl transferase activity in rat basal forebrain primary septal cell cultures, and was found to be in a range of 10-50 ng/mL.
Weight
14.0 kDa
Description
A quick spin of the vial followed by reconstitution in distilled water to a concentration not less than 0.1 mg/mL. This solution can then be diluted into other buffers.
Format
Lyophilized PowderRecombinant NT-4 was lyophilized from a 0.2 μm filtered PBS solution pH 7.5.
Purity
>95% as determined by SDS-PAGE
Storage
The lyophilized protein is stable for at least one year from date of receipt at -70°C. Upon reconstitution, this cytokine can be stored in working aliquots at 2° - 8°C for one month, or at -20°C for six months, with a carrier protein without detectable loss of activity. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.