CFH Rat
Rat Plasma.
Complement factor H, H factor 1, CFH, HF, HF1, HF2.
Sterile filtered solution.
Greater than 95.0% as determined by SDS-PAGE.
Description
Rat Complement Factor H produced in Rat plasma having a total molecular mass of 155kDa.
Product Specs
Complement factor H (CFH) is a key regulatory protein in the alternative pathway of the complement system. It prevents complement activation on host cells and tissues, particularly in the kidneys. CFH regulates the formation and breakdown of the alternative pathway C3/C5 convertase and acts as a cofactor for factor I, which inactivates C3b when bound to CFH. The N-terminal 5 domains of CFH bind to C3b and inhibit factor B binding, thereby reducing C3/C5 convertase formation. CFH also binds to existing C3/C5 convertases, causing rapid release of the catalytic subunit Bb. These functions are crucial for controlling the spontaneous activation of the alternative pathway amplification loop in plasma. Moreover, CFH regulates the formation and decay of these enzymes when C3b is attached to particle surfaces.
Rat Complement Factor H is produced in Rat plasma and has a molecular weight of 155kDa.
Sterile filtered solution.
The CFH protein solution is formulated in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) with a pH of 7.2.
Rat CFH remains stable for 2-4 weeks when stored at 4°C. For extended storage, freeze below -20°C. Adding a carrier protein (0.1% HSA or BSA) is recommended for long-term storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Purity exceeds 95.0% as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis.
Complement factor H, H factor 1, CFH, HF, HF1, HF2.
Rat Plasma.
Product Science Overview
Complement Factor H is a soluble protein composed of 20 short consensus repeats (SCRs), each approximately 60 amino acids long . These SCRs are responsible for the protein’s ability to bind to various ligands, including glycosaminoglycans and sialic acid on host cells, as well as C3b, a key component of the complement system .
The primary function of Complement Factor H is to regulate the alternative pathway of the complement system. It achieves this by increasing the affinity of Complement Factor I for C3b, thereby promoting the cleavage of C3b into its inactive form . Additionally, Complement Factor H prevents the binding of Complement Factor B to C3b and promotes the dissociation of the C3bBb complex, which is essential for the amplification of the complement response .
Complement Factor H is critical for preventing the activation of the complement system on host cells and tissues. This is particularly important in the kidneys, where uncontrolled complement activation can lead to tissue damage and inflammation . By binding to self-markers on host cells, Complement Factor H ensures that the complement system targets only pathogens and not the body’s own cells .
Mutations and polymorphisms in the CFH gene can lead to dysregulation of the complement system, resulting in various diseases. For instance, certain genetic variations in CFH are associated with age-related macular degeneration and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome . These conditions arise due to the inability of Complement Factor H to effectively regulate complement activation, leading to tissue damage and inflammation.
Research on Complement Factor H in rats has provided valuable insights into its role in host defense and disease. Studies have shown that low levels of Complement Factor H contribute to increased mortality in bacterial infections such as pneumococcal meningitis . This highlights the potential therapeutic applications of Complement Factor H in treating complement-related diseases.
In conclusion, Complement Factor H is a vital component of the complement system, playing a crucial role in protecting host cells from complement-mediated damage. Understanding its structure, function, and genetic variations can provide valuable insights into its role in health and disease, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.
