Introduction
Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) is part of the CCN protein family, which includes six members in humans: Cyr61, CTGF, Nov, WISP-1, WISP-2, and WISP-3. These proteins are secreted and interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell membranes. As matricellular proteins, CCNs regulate cell functions like growth, specialization, survival, adhesion, and movement. They are present in tissues derived from the three primary germ layers during embryonic development and play a role in the formation of organs like the kidney, nervous system, muscle, bone marrow, cartilage, and bone. In adults, they are involved in wound repair, bone fracture healing, and diseases such as fibrosis, vascular problems, and tumor development. Full-length CCN proteins can inhibit cell growth, while shorter versions may promote growth and act as oncogenes. The complete protein structure consists of four modules. Module I shares similarities with the Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Proteins (IGFBPs). Module II contains a region resembling the Von Willebrand Factor Type C repeat (VWC). Module III includes a sequence similar to the Thrombospondin type 1 repeat (TSP1), believed to be involved in cell adhesion. Module IV, also called CT, is crucial for several CCN protein functions and resembles the CT domain of other extracellular proteins. While the full-length proteins may have weak binding to certain molecules, smaller fragments of CCN2 and CCN3 resulting from proteolysis show a stronger binding affinity. Although the exact mechanism of this process is unclear, it's important to note that both CCN2 and CCN3 are cleaved at the same amino acid positions. Increased CCN2 levels have been observed in various conditions and tumor types. Studies have linked CCN2 expression to tumor progression, particularly in chondrosarcomas. CCN2 is found in higher amounts in more aggressive tumors and is associated with angiogenesis in brain tumors. It also affects cell proliferation, with increased levels promoting growth and decreased levels inhibiting it. CCN2 was also more prevalent in immune cells from patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Description
The Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) fragment encompassing amino acids 182 to 250, produced in E. coli bacteria, is a fusion protein. This means it's linked to a His Tag (a sequence of histidine amino acids), adding 4 kDa to its size, resulting in a total molecular weight of 15 kDa.
Physical Appearance
Sterile Filtered white lyophilized powder.
Formulation
Lyophilized without any additives.
Solubility
To reconstitute the freeze-dried CTGF, it is recommended to dissolve it in sterile 18MΩ-cm H2O at a concentration of at least 100 µg/ml. This solution can be further diluted with other aqueous solutions as needed.
Stability
Lyophilized CTGF remains stable at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. However, for long-term storage, it is recommended to keep it desiccated at a temperature below -18°C. Once reconstituted, the CTGF solution should be stored at 4°C for 2-7 days. For longer storage periods, freezing the solution below -18°C is recommended. To preserve its stability during long-term storage, adding a carrier protein like HSA or BSA at a concentration of 0.1% is advised. Additionally, it's essential to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Purity
The purity of the CTGF protein is determined using SDS-PAGE analysis, and it is greater than 90.0%.
Synonyms
CCN2, NOV2, HCS24, IGFBP8, MGC102839, CTGF, Connective Tissue Growth Factor.