FGF-6 is structurally related to other members of the FGF family, especially FGF-4 . It is a cytokine that binds preferentially to two specific FGF receptors: FGFR1 and FGFR4 . The human recombinant form of FGF-6 is typically expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to high levels of purity for research purposes .
FGF-6 plays a crucial role in muscle regeneration. It is involved in the proliferation and migration of myoblasts (muscle precursor cells) and their differentiation into mature muscle fibers . The activity of FGF-6 is dose-dependent, meaning that its effects vary with concentration. At high concentrations, FGF-6 up-regulates FGFR1, which promotes cell proliferation, and down-regulates FGFR4, which promotes cell differentiation .
In addition to its role in muscle tissue, FGF-6 may also act as a regulator of bone metabolism . This dual functionality makes it a valuable protein for studying muscle and bone-related diseases and conditions.
The recombinant form of FGF-6 is produced using bacterial expression systems, such as E. coli. The protein is expressed with an N-terminal methionine and purified to a high degree of purity, often exceeding 95% as analyzed by SDS-PAGE and HPLC . The endotoxin levels are kept very low to ensure the protein’s suitability for research applications .
For optimal stability, the lyophilized form of recombinant FGF-6 should be stored at temperatures below -70°C. Upon reconstitution, it remains stable for up to one week at 4°C or up to three months at -20°C, provided that a carrier protein, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), is added to prevent degradation .