Introduction
Indian Hedgehog (IHH) is a signaling protein belonging to the Hedgehog family, crucial for various developmental processes, including growth, patterning, and morphogenesis. In vertebrates, the Hedgehog family comprises proteins like Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Desert Hedgehog (Dhh), and IHH. Specifically, IHH plays a vital role in bone growth and differentiation, and yolk sac vasculogenesis, particularly in differentiating epiblast cells into endothelial and red blood cells. IHH mRNA expression is observed in fetal organs like the lung, gut, stomach, liver, kidney, pancreas, and significantly in cartilage within growth regions of developing bone. Mutations in the IHH gene can lead to brachydactyly type A1, characterized by shortened or malformed phalanges, and acrocapitofemoral dysplasia.
Description
Recombinant Mouse IHH, produced in E. coli, is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain comprising 176 amino acids, resulting in a molecular mass of 19.8 kDa. The purification process of IHH involves proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Physical Appearance
Sterile Filtered White lyophilized powder.
Formulation
Lyophilized from a 0.2 µm filtered concentrated solution in 1X PBS, with a pH of 7.4.
Solubility
For reconstitution, it is recommended to dissolve the lyophilized IHH in sterile 18 MΩ-cm H₂O at a concentration not less than 100 µg/ml. Further dilutions can be made using other aqueous solutions.
Stability
Lyophilized IHH remains stable at room temperature for up to 3 weeks; however, it is advisable to store it desiccated below -18°C. After reconstitution, IHH should be stored at 4°C for 2-7 days. For long-term storage, freezing below -18°C is recommended. It is advisable to add a carrier protein (0.1% HSA or BSA) for long-term storage and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Purity
The purity is determined to be greater than 95.0% through the following analyses: (a) RP-HPLC analysis and (b) SDS-PAGE analysis.
Biological Activity
The biological activity is assessed based on the ability to induce alkaline phosphatase production in C3H/10T1/2 (CCL-226) cells. The anticipated ED₅₀ for this effect falls within the range of 3.0-10.0 µg/ml, which corresponds to a specific activity of 100-334 units/mg.
Synonyms
Indian hedgehog protein, IHH, HHG-2, BDA1.
Amino Acid Sequence
IIGPGRVVGS RRRPPRKLVP LAYKQFSPNV PEKTLGASGR YEGKIARSSE RFKELTPNYN PDIIFKDEEN TGADRLMTQR CKDRLNSLAI SVMNQWPGVK LRVTEGWDED GHHSEESLHY EGRAVDITTS DRDRNKYGLL ARLAVEAGFD WVYYESKAHV HCSVKSEHSA AAKTGG.