Neurturin, Blocking Peptide (NTN), Purified

Peptide corresponding to amino acids 178 to 193 of human neurturin (1). Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays key roles in the control of vertebrate neuron survival and differentiation. A novel neurotrophic factor was recently cloned from human and mouse and designated neurturin (1, 2). Physiological responses to neurturin (NTN) require the presence of receptor tyrosine kinase RET and a novel glycosylphosphatidylinositol linked receptor NTNRa (3,4). The cDNAs encoding NTNRa from human, rat, chicken, and mouse have been cloned recently (3-8) and termed GDNFRb, Ret ligand 2 (RETL2) or TGF-b-related neurotrophic factor receptor 2 (TrnR2) and nominated as GFRa-2 recently (9). NTN binds to and forms a complex with GFRa-2 and the Ret PTK and activates the RET receptor tyrosine kinase pathway. Both NTN and GDNF can activate the MAP kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways and play a critical role in the development of many neuronal populations. Neurturin and GDNF define a new family of neurotrophic factors. , Storage and Stability:, Lyophilized powder may be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Reconstitute to nominal volume by adding sterile 40-50% glycerol and store at -20°C. Reconstituted product is stable for 24 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.