Introduction
Interleukin 24 (IL-24), a cytokine belonging to the IL-10 family, was initially discovered as a gene upregulated during the terminal differentiation of melanoma cells. IL-24 exhibits selective apoptosis induction in various cancer cells. Its overexpression elevates the expression of multiple GADD family genes, correlating with apoptosis induction. IL-24 also triggers the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK7/P38) and heat shock 27kDa protein 1 (HSPB2/HSP27) in melanoma cells, a phenomenon not observed in normal immortal melanocytes. Notably, alternative splicing of IL-24 transcripts generates isoforms with distinct properties. Glycosylation is crucial for IL-24's functional activity. Functionally, IL-24 displays diverse activities. At lower concentrations, it promotes the production of type I proinflammatory cytokines, including IFN-g, IL-1b, IL-12, and TNF-a. Conversely, at higher concentrations, IL-24 acts as a potent inducer of apoptosis specifically in tumor cells while sparing normal cells. These remarkable properties have earned mda-7/IL-24 recognition as a potential 'magic bullet' for cancer gene therapy.
Description
Recombinant human Interleukin 24, produced in yeast, is a single-chain glycosylated polypeptide comprising 158 amino acids. This protein exhibits a molecular mass of 18 kDa. Due to glycosylation, it migrates at 19.5 kDa on SDS-PAGE.
Physical Appearance
Sterile Filtered White lyophilized powder.
Formulation
Lyophilized from a 0.2 µm filtered solution in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a carrier.
Solubility
To reconstitute the lyophilized IL-24, it is recommended to dissolve it in sterile 18 MΩ-cm H2O at a concentration of at least 100 µg/ml. This solution can then be further diluted in other aqueous solutions.
Stability
Lyophilized MDA7, while stable at room temperature for up to 3 weeks, should be stored desiccated at temperatures below -18°C. Upon reconstitution, recombinant MDA-7 should be stored at 4°C for 2-7 days. For long-term storage, it is recommended to store it below -18°C. To ensure optimal stability during long-term storage, adding a carrier protein (0.1% HSA or BSA) is advisable. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Purity
The purity is determined to be greater than 98.0% using the following methods:
(a) Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis.
(b) Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis.
Biological Activity
The biological activity is assessed based on the protein's ability to bind to the cell receptor of the Capan-1 cell line, resulting in Stat-3 activation. Typically, the effective concentration for 50% activation (ED50) is 1.0 ng/ml, corresponding to a specific activity of 1 x 106 units/mg.
Synonyms
C49A, FISP, MDA7, ST16, IL-24, IL10B, Mob-5, MDA-7, Suppression of tumorigenicity 16 protein, Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 7 protein.
Source
Sacharomyces cerevisiae.