FGF-21 is a protein that consists of 209 amino acids, with a signal peptide of 28 amino acids at the N-terminus, resulting in a mature polypeptide of 181 amino acids . The recombinant human FGF-21 (His Tag) is produced in E. coli and includes a polyhistidine tag at the N-terminus to facilitate purification . This recombinant form is typically lyophilized and can be reconstituted in sterile water or buffer for experimental use .
FGF-21 has been identified as a novel adipokine, which is a type of cytokine secreted by adipose tissue. It plays a significant role in regulating metabolic processes, particularly in the context of obesity-related complications . Interestingly, serum levels of FGF-21 are paradoxically increased in obese individuals, which may indicate a compensatory response or resistance to FGF-21 .
FGF-21 exhibits promising therapeutic characteristics, especially for the treatment of metabolic diseases such as diabetes. It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce blood glucose levels, and promote weight loss in animal models . These effects make FGF-21 a potential candidate for developing new treatments for metabolic disorders.
The recombinant human FGF-21 (His Tag) is stable for up to one year when stored at -20°C to -80°C. After reconstitution, it should be stored in working aliquots at -20°C to -80°C to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles . Proper storage and handling are crucial to maintain the protein’s biological activity and integrity.
FGF-21 is widely used in research to study its effects on cell proliferation, metabolism, and its potential therapeutic applications. It is often used in cell proliferation assays, where its activity is measured using specific cell lines such as NIH-3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells . The recombinant protein’s high purity and biological activity make it a valuable tool for scientific investigations.