Introduction
Fibroblast growth factor-basic (FGF-basic), also known as FGF-2, is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. FGF family members possess broad mitogenic and angiogenic activities and bind heparin. FGF-basic is involved in various biological processes, including wound healing, limb and nervous system development, and tumor growth. The mRNA for this gene undergoes alternative translation from AUG and non-AUG (CUG) initiation codons and contains multiple polyadenylation sites, resulting in five distinct isoforms with different properties. The AUG-initiated form is primarily cytosolic and responsible for the autocrine and paracrine effects of FGF-basic, while the CUG-initiated isoforms are localized in the nucleus and responsible for the intracrine effect. Heparin-binding growth factors, including FGF-basic, are potent mitogens for various cell types in vitro and act as angiogenic agents in vivo. The tissue distribution and concentration of these growth factors can vary.
Description
Recombinant Bovine FGF-2, produced in E. coli, is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 155 amino acids, with a molecular mass of 17.25 kDa. The purification process involves proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Physical Appearance
Sterile, white lyophilized powder.
Formulation
The lyophilization of Bovine FGF-b was carried out from a sterile solution (1 mg/ml) containing 1% HSA.
Solubility
For reconstitution of the lyophilized Bovine Fibroblast Growth Factor-2, sterile 18 MΩ-cm H2O is recommended at a concentration not less than 100 µg/ml. Further dilutions can be prepared in other aqueous solutions.
Stability
Lyophilized Bovine Fibroblast Growth Factor 2, though stable at room temperature for 3 weeks, should be stored desiccated below -18°C. Following reconstitution, Recombinant FGF-b Bovine should be stored at 4°C for 2-7 days. For long-term storage, it should be kept below -18°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Purity
Purity is determined by the following methods and exceeds 97.0%:
(a) RP-HPLC analysis.
(b) SDS-PAGE analysis.
Biological Activity
The ED50 was determined to be less than 0.1 ng/ml, corresponding to a specific activity of 3 x 106 Units/mg. This was measured using a mitogenic assay with quiescent NR6R-3T3 fibroblasts.
Protein Content
Protein quantitation was performed using two independent methods:
1. UV spectroscopy at 280 nm, utilizing an absorbance value of 0.85 as the extinction coefficient for a 0.1% (1 mg/ml) solution. This value is determined through the PC GENE computer analysis program for protein sequences (IntelliGenetics).
2. RP-HPLC analysis, utilizing a calibrated solution of Bovine FGF-2 as a Reference Standard.
Synonyms
HBGH-2, HBGF-2, Prostatropin, FGF-2, FGB-b.
Amino Acid Sequence
The sequence of the first five N-terminal amino acids was determined and was found to be Met-Ala-Ala-Gly-Ser.