Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF, beta-Urogastrone, URG)

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a 53aa polypeptide originally discovered in the mouse submaxillary gland as an agent that induced precocious eyelid opening and early incisor eruption in the newborn mouse. EGF has been subsequently shown to elicit an array of biological responses that are mediated by specific binding to an EGF receptor/tyrosine kinase located on the cell surface. EGF induces cell proliferation, regulates tissue differentiation, modulates organogenesis, promotes angiogenesis and accelerates wound healing. It also acts as an inhibitor of gastric acid secretion. EGF is a member of a family of EGF-related growth factors including TGFalpha, heparin binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), epiregulin, amphiregulin (AR), betracellulin (BTC), neuregulin 1, neuregulin 2 and neuregulin 3. EGF is initially synthesized as a precursor of a 160-170kD glycoprotein. The mature and soluble form of EGF is a ~6kD protein which can be detected in many tissues and nearly all body fluids. High levels of EGF exist in some body fluids such as the saliva, urine, gastric juice and mammary and seminal fluids. EGF, triggers an intracellular signaling cascade through binding to EGF receptor (also known as ErbB1), causing changes within the target cells. Applications: Suitable for use in ELISA. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: ELISA: 1ug/ml, Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.