Introduction
Prolactin, a pituitary hormone, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes such as 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, which belongs to the class 1 cytokine receptor superfamily. The prolactin receptor's function is mediated, in part, by two signaling pathways: Janus kinases and signal transducers and activators of transcription. Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone with diverse functions, including ion transport, osmoregulation, milk and protein synthesis stimulation, and the regulation of multiple reproductive processes. PRL exerts its effects on various cell types through a signaling cascade initiated by binding to its transmembrane receptor. The prolactin 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. This receptor 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 Rat Extracellular Domain, produced in E. coli, is a non-glycosylated polypeptide chain composed of 206 amino acids with a molecular weight of 24120 Daltons. The purification of Prolactin Receptor is achieved using proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Physical Appearance
White, sterile-filtered lyophilized powder.
Formulation
The protein was lyophilized from a concentrated solution (1 mg/ml) containing 0.0045 mM 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 at temperatures below -18°C. Once reconstituted, Prolactin Receptor should be stored at 4°C for 2-7 days. For long-term storage, it is advisable to store it at -18°C. The addition of a carrier protein (0.1% HSA or BSA) is recommended for extended storage. 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 assessed by the dose-dependent inhibition of Prolactin-stimulated proliferation in Nb2 cells and the high-affinity binding to ovine Prolactin Receptor (oPLR) and other lactogenic hormones.
Protein Content
Protein quantification was performed using two independent methods: 1. UV spectroscopy at 280 nm, utilizing an absorbance value of 2.48 as the extinction coefficient for a 0.1% (1 mg/ml) solution. This value is calculated using the PC GENE computer analysis program for protein sequences (IntelliGenetics). 2. Reverse Phase - High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis, employing a standard solution of PRLr-ECD as a reference standard.
Synonyms
PRL-R, Prolactin receptor, Lactogen receptor, Prlr.
Amino Acid Sequence
The sequence of the first five N-terminal amino acids was determined and was found to be Gly-Lys-Pro-Glu-Ile.