Anti-Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1, HSP32, Heat Shock Protein 32)

Heme oxygenase is the rate-limiting microsomal enzyme in the heme degradative pathway. Heme oxygenase catalyzes the NADPH, O2 and cytochrome P450 reductase dependent oxidation of heme to form equimolar biliverdin, carbon monoxide, a putative neurotransmitter, and iron. Biliverdin is subsequently converted to bilirubin by biliverdin reductase. These products of the HO reaction have important physiological effects: carbon monoxide is a potent vasodilator, biliverdin and its product bilirubin are potent antioxidants, "free' iron increases oxidative stress and regulates the expression of many mRNAs (e.g., DCT-1, ferritin and transferrin receptor) by affecting the conformation of iron regulatory protein (IRP)-1 and its binding to iron regulatory elements (IREs) in the 5'- or 3'-UTRs of the mRNAs. To date, 3 forms of heme oxygenases (HO1-3) have been identified. HO-1 or Hsp-32 (EC 1.14.99.3, mouse/rat 289 aa, human 288 aa, chromosome 22, ~88% homology between the species) is an inducible enzyme. Ho-1 is expressed in most tissues with highest levels in spleen. HO-1 gene expression is inducible by heme, suggesting an important role of HO-1 in heme metabolism. Many other agents or conditions related to oxidant damage such as longer wavelength UV radiation, hyperoxia, hypoxia, hydrogen peroxide, glutathione depletion, endotoxin, and, more recently, nitric oxide (NO) have also been found to stimulate HO-1 expression. HO-1 expression has been shown to increase in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and malignant prostate tissue. Applications: Suitable for use in ELISA. Western Blot, though not tested, may potentially be used as an application. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilutions: Western Blot: 1-10ug/ml using ECL., ELISA: 1:100,000 , 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 12 months after receipt. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.