Hu Recom CNTF, 50 µg

STEMCELL Technologies supplies Human Recombinant CNTF (Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor), a neurotrophic factor of the four-helix bundle cytokine family that is structurally related to interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-11 (IL-11), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and oncostatin M (OSM). CNTF signals via its receptor, inducing a heterodimer of the signal-transducing IL-6 receptor subunit gp130 and LIF receptor β, which triggers JAK/STAT, ERK, and PI3K signalling cascades. The protein supports neurogenesis and regulates the survival and differentiation of neural stem cells, and is commonly used to differentiate human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells into astrocytes.

The recombinant protein is expressed in E. coli, purified to ≥ 95%, and supplied as a solid powder that is lyophilised after dialysis against phosphate-buffered saline. It has a predicted molecular mass of 22.8 kDa. The protein sequence is derived from rat CNTF and is cross-reactive with the human cytokine. Biological activity is determined by a cell proliferation assay using TF-1 cells, with a specific activity of ≥ 5 x 10^3 units/mg (EC50 ≤ 200 ng/mL). Endotoxin is measured by kinetic Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) analysis and is ≤ 0.2 EU/μg protein.

For preparation, centrifuge the vial before opening and reconstitute in sterile water to at least 0.1 mg/mL by pipetting the solution down the sides of the vial; do not vortex. Store at -80°C; the product is stable as supplied for 12 months from date of receipt. As a general guide, avoid storing reconstituted material at 2 - 8°C for more than 2 weeks or at -20°C for more than 3 months, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. According to the manufacturer's safety data sheet, this laboratory reagent is not classified as hazardous under the GHS or the 2012 OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and is not regulated for transport.