Hu Recom CNTF, ACF, 1000 µg

A recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) supplied by STEMCELL Technologies, this protein belongs to the four-helix bundle cytokine family and is structurally related to interleukin-6, interleukin-11, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and oncostatin M. CNTF binds its receptor CNFTRα and induces formation of a gp130/LIFR-β heterodimer that triggers JAK/STAT, ERK, and PI3K signaling cascades. The cytokine plays a role in neurogenesis and the differentiation of neural stem cells, and is commonly used to differentiate human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells into astrocytes. It has also been reported to protect rod photoreceptors from light-induced damage and to protect oligodendrocytes from apoptosis.

The product is animal component-free and is expressed in E. coli, with a predicted molecular mass of 22.9 kDa and a stated purity of ≥ 95%. Specific activity is reported as ≥ 3.1 x 10^3 units/mg, corresponding to an EC50 ≤ 325 ng/mL as determined by a cell proliferation assay using TF-1 cells; in an example assay the EC50 was 96.7 ng/mL. Endotoxin level is ≤ 1 EU/μg protein by kinetic LAL analysis. The material is lyophilized from a sterile-filtered solution containing sodium phosphate at pH 7.5 and is recommended for reconstitution in sterile water to at least 0.1 mg/mL. Storage is at -20°C to -80°C, and the product is stable as supplied for 12 months from the date of receipt.

According to its Safety Data Sheet, the preparation is not classified as hazardous under the 2012 OSHA Hazard Communication Standard or the GHS, and is supplied as a solid. The UniProt accession number is P26441, and cross-reactivity is reported to be species-specific.