Activin-A Antibody
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Activin-A is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, which consists of structurally related signaling proteins. Activins are dimeric growth and differentiation factors that play crucial roles in various biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism. Activin-A, in particular, is involved in the regulation of reproductive physiology, wound healing, and immune responses.
Activin-A is composed of two beta-A subunits linked by disulfide bonds. It signals through a heteromeric complex of receptor serine kinases, which include type I and type II receptors. These receptors are transmembrane proteins with a ligand-binding extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain with serine/threonine kinase activity. Upon ligand binding, type II receptors phosphorylate type I receptors, initiating a signaling cascade that leads to the activation of Smad proteins and the regulation of target gene expression.
Polyclonal antibodies are produced by immunizing animals (in this case, rabbits) with an antigen, resulting in the generation of multiple antibody clones that recognize different epitopes on the antigen. The polyclonal rabbit anti-human Activin-A antibody is designed to detect human Activin-A in various biological samples.
Production and Purification
The production of polyclonal rabbit anti-human Activin-A antibody involves the following steps:
- Immunization: Rabbits are immunized with a carrier-protein conjugated synthetic peptide encompassing a sequence within the C-terminus region of human Activin-A.
- Antibody Collection: Blood is collected from the immunized rabbits, and the serum containing the antibodies is separated.
- Purification: The antibodies are purified using antigen affinity chromatography, ensuring high specificity and purity.
Applications
The polyclonal rabbit anti-human Activin-A antibody can be used in various scientific applications, including:
- Western Blot (WB): Detects Activin-A in protein samples separated by gel electrophoresis.
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Localizes Activin-A in tissue sections.
- Immunocytochemistry (ICC): Visualizes Activin-A in cultured cells.
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Quantifies Activin-A in biological fluids.
- Immunoprecipitation (IP): Isolates Activin-A from complex protein mixtures.
Storage and Handling
The antibody is typically stored at 4°C for short-term use and at -20°C for long-term storage. It is important to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain antibody stability and activity.
