BTC His Human

Betacellulin (BTC) is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, which plays a crucial role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Originally isolated from the conditioned media of mouse pancreatic beta tumor cells, BTC is a potent mitogen for various cell types, including retinal pigment epithelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells .

Human recombinant Betacellulin is typically produced in E. coli or HEK293 cells. The recombinant protein is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 101 amino acids (32-111) with a molecular mass of approximately 11.3 kDa . It is fused to a 21 amino acid His-tag at the N-terminus, which facilitates purification through affinity chromatography .

Betacellulin exerts its biological effects primarily through binding to the EGF receptor (EGFR) and other related receptors. This binding triggers a cascade of downstream signaling pathways that promote cell proliferation and survival. BTC is known to be a potent mitogen, meaning it stimulates cell division, particularly in epithelial and smooth muscle cells .

Recombinant Betacellulin is widely used in laboratory research to study cell signaling pathways, cell proliferation, and differentiation. It is also utilized in various assays to investigate the role of EGFR in different cellular processes. The His-tagged version of BTC allows for easy purification and detection, making it a valuable tool in biochemical and cell biology research .

For optimal stability, Betacellulin should be stored at 4°C if it will be used within 2-4 weeks. For longer-term storage, it is recommended to store the protein frozen at -20°C. To prevent degradation, it is advisable to add a carrier protein such as 0.1% human serum albumin (HSA) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) and avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles .