Recombinant Human Fibroblast Growth Factor 12 (rhFGF12), tagged with a His (histidine) sequence, is a protein of significant interest in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology. This protein is part of the larger Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) family, which is known for its broad mitogenic and cell survival activities. FGFs play crucial roles in various biological processes, including embryonic development, cell growth, morphogenesis, tissue repair, tumor growth, and invasion .
The rhFGF12 protein is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli). It has a molecular weight of approximately 22.6 kDa and consists of 201 amino acids. The His tag, a sequence of histidine residues, is fused to the N-terminus of the protein, facilitating its purification through affinity chromatography .
FGF12 is involved in the development and function of the nervous system. It binds to IB2 (islet brain-2), a cellular kinase scaffold, and voltage-gated sodium channels, playing a role in intracellular signaling and ion exchange. This protein is also known to promote neuronal excitability by elevating the voltage dependence of neuronal sodium channel SCN8A fast inactivation .
Recombinant proteins like rhFGF12 are invaluable in research and therapeutic applications. The His tag allows for easy purification and detection, making it a useful tool in various experimental setups. In studies, rhFGF12 has been shown to promote the proliferation of PC12 cells and protect them from oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) .