Introduction
Prolactin, a pituitary hormone, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including milk production, fluid balance regulation, growth, development, and reproduction. Its action is initiated by binding to a specific cell surface receptor known as the prolactin receptor, a member of the class 1 cytokine receptor superfamily. The prolactin receptor's function is mediated, in part, by two signaling pathways involving Janus kinases and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins. Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone with diverse functions, including ion transport, osmoregulation, milk and protein synthesis stimulation, and the regulation of reproductive functions. PRL exerts its effects on various cell types by binding to a transmembrane PRL receptor, initiating a signal transduction cascade. The PRL receptor, a member of the cytokine receptor family, exhibits size variations (short and long forms) depending on the tissue source and species, ranging from approximately 40 kDa to 100 kDa. It comprises at least three distinct domains: an extracellular region containing five cysteines and the prolactin binding site, a single transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic region, the length of which influences ligand binding and cellular function.
Description
Recombinant Prolactin Receptor Rabbit Extracellular Domain, produced in E. coli, is a non-glycosylated polypeptide chain consisting of 207 amino acids, with a molecular weight of 23972 Daltons. The Prolactin Receptor is purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Physical Appearance
Sterile Filtered White lyophilized powder.
Formulation
The protein was lyophilized from a concentrated (1mg/ml) solution containing 0.0045mM NaHCO3.
Solubility
To reconstitute the lyophilized PRL-R, it is recommended to dissolve it in sterile 18 MΩ-cm H2O at a concentration of at least 100 µg/ml. This solution can be further diluted in other aqueous solutions.
Stability
Lyophilized PRL-R remains stable at room temperature for up to 3 weeks; however, it is recommended to store it desiccated below -18°C. After reconstitution, Prolactin Receptor should be stored at 4°C for 2-7 days. For long-term storage, it is advisable to store it below -18°C. To ensure optimal stability during long-term storage, the addition of a carrier protein (0.1% HSA or BSA) is recommended. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Purity
The purity is determined to be greater than 97.0% using the following methods:
(a) Size Exclusion Chromatography-High Performance Liquid Chromatography (SEC-HPLC) analysis.
(b) Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis.
Biological Activity
The biological activity is determined by assessing the dose-dependent inhibition of Prolactin-stimulated proliferation of Nb2 cells and the high-affinity binding of ovine Prolactin (oPLR) and other lactogenic hormones. References:
1) Bignon et al. (1994) JBC 269; 3318-24
2) Gertler et al. (1996) JBC 271; 24482-91.
Protein Content
Protein content is determined using UV spectroscopy at 280 nm, with an absorbance value of 2.63 as the extinction coefficient for a 0.1% (1mg/ml) solution. This value is calculated using the PC GENE computer analysis program of protein sequences (IntelliGenetics).
Amino Acid Sequence
The sequence of the first five N-terminal amino acids was determined and was found to be Gly-Lys-Pro-Phe-Ile.