CNTF Mouse
(a) Analysis by RP-HPLC.
(b) Analysis by SDS-PAGE.
Description
The CNTF is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Product Specs
(a) Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis.
(b) Sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis.
Product Science Overview
Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) is a polypeptide hormone that plays a crucial role in the nervous system. It was initially identified as a trophic factor for embryonic chick ciliary parasympathetic neurons in culture . CNTF is a member of the interleukin-6 family of cytokines and is produced by astrocytes following brain injury . The recombinant form of CNTF, specifically derived from mice, has been extensively studied for its various biological effects and therapeutic potential.
CNTF is a potent survival factor for neurons and oligodendrocytes, promoting neurotransmitter synthesis and neurite outgrowth in certain neuronal populations . It supports the survival of a variety of neuronal populations, including motor neurons, and has been shown to reduce tissue destruction during inflammatory attacks . CNTF exerts its effects by binding to a receptor complex that includes the CNTF receptor alpha (CNTFRα), which can be induced by interferon-gamma (IFNγ) .
CNTF activates several signaling pathways, including the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways . In mouse models, CNTF has been shown to activate these pathways in hypothalamic arcuate neurons, promoting leptin entry into and action on the hypothalamus . This activation leads to a reduction in food intake and body weight, suggesting a potential role for CNTF in regulating energy balance and metabolism.
The therapeutic potential of CNTF has been explored in various contexts. It has been regarded as a potent trophic factor for motor neurons, and recent studies have shown that CNTF also exerts effects on glial cells, such as astrocytes and microglia . For instance, CNTF stimulates astrocytes to secrete fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and rat microglia to secrete glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), indirectly promoting motor neuron survival . Additionally, CNTF has been shown to enhance microglial cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) protein expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion .
