Introduction
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a protein that plays a vital role in the nervous system. It supports the survival and growth of specific neuron types and promotes the production of neurotransmitters, which are essential for nerve cell communication. CNTF is particularly important for the well-being of motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for controlling muscle movement. In cases of nerve injury, CNTF can help protect motor axons, the long projections of motor neurons, from degeneration. While a specific gene mutation can lead to CNTF deficiency, this condition is not directly linked to neurological diseases. Interestingly, the CNTF gene can be co-transcribed with another gene called ZFP91, leading to a combined transcript. However, this combined transcript only contains the complete instructions for making the zinc finger protein, not CNTF.
Description
Recombinant Human Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor, produced in E. coli, is a single-chain polypeptide hormone with 199 amino acids. This non-glycosylated protein has a molecular weight of 22.7 kDa. Its purity is achieved using specialized chromatographic techniques.
Physical Appearance
White, freeze-dried powder that has been sterilized by filtration.
Formulation
The product is freeze-dried from a solution containing 1 mg/ml of CNTF, 5 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.5), and 5 mM sodium chloride.
Solubility
To reconstitute the lyophilized HCNTF, dissolve it in sterile 18 megaohm-centimeter (MΩ·cm) water to a concentration of at least 100 µg/ml. This solution can then be further diluted as needed using other aqueous solutions.
Stability
Lyophilized Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor remains stable for up to 3 weeks at room temperature. However, for long-term storage, it's recommended to store it in a dry environment below -18°C. Once reconstituted, CNTF should be stored at 4°C and used within 2-7 days. For extended storage, keep it below -18°C. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing.
Purity
The purity of the product exceeds 98%, as determined by: (a) Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis and (b) Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis.
Biological Activity
The biological activity, measured as the effective concentration resulting in 50% cell growth stimulation (ED50), is determined to be less than 2 ng/ml when tested on TF-1 cells. This corresponds to a specific activity of 500,000 international units per milligram (IU/mg).
Protein Content
The amount of CNTF present is quantified using two independent methods: (1) Ultraviolet-visible (UV) spectroscopy at a wavelength of 280 nm. The extinction coefficient used for a 0.1% (1 mg/ml) solution is 1.28, calculated by the PC GENE software (IntelliGenetics), which analyzes protein sequences. (2) RP-HPLC analysis, utilizing a known concentration of Recombinant CNTF as a reference standard.
Synonyms
HCNTF, CNTF, Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor.
Amino Acid Sequence
The sequence of the first five N-terminal amino acids was determined and was found to be Met-Ala-Phe-Thr-Glu.