PeproTech 300-03 refers to Human Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), a widely used recombinant protein in scientific research. This product serves as a standard reagent for various laboratory applications. Its use in research is important for understanding fundamental biological processes and developing new scientific advancements.
What is Epidermal Growth Factor?
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a naturally occurring protein that plays a role in biological systems. It was discovered by Stanley Cohen, who, with Rita Levi-Montalcini, received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1986 for their work on growth factors. Human EGF is a small protein, about 6.2 kilodaltons (kDa), composed of 53 amino acid residues.
The structure of EGF includes three intramolecular disulfide bonds, which are necessary for it to bind to its receptors on cell surfaces. EGF is found in various tissues and bodily fluids, including platelets, the submandibular gland, and the parotid gland. Initially, human EGF was also known as urogastrone due to its presence in urine.
How EGF Functions in the Body
EGF exerts its biological effects by binding to a specific protein on the surface of cells called the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). EGFR is a transmembrane protein that, upon EGF binding, changes shape and forms dimers with other EGFRs or related receptors. This dimerization activates an internal part of the receptor that functions as a tyrosine kinase, adding phosphate groups to specific tyrosine amino acids on other proteins.
The phosphorylation of these tyrosine residues serves as a signal, initiating a cascade of events inside the cell. This signaling pathway, including the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK, PI3 kinase-AKT, and STAT modules, promotes various cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation (increase in cell number), and differentiation (cells becoming specialized). EGF promotes wound healing by stimulating the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes, the main cells of the epidermis. It also contributes to the development and maintenance of healthy skin and tissues.
Applications of PeproTech 300-03 in Scientific Research
PeproTech 300-03, a recombinant human EGF, is used in scientific research applications. It is incorporated into cell culture media to support the growth and proliferation of various cell types. Researchers use it to cultivate cell lines, including stem cells and primary cells, which are derived directly from living tissues and offer more accurate models for human health and disease studies.
This recombinant EGF product is also used in investigating cell signaling pathways, helping scientists understand how cells communicate and respond to external cues. In tissue engineering, PeproTech 300-03 promotes the growth and organization of cells into functional tissues for regenerative medicine. It also plays a role in drug discovery efforts, used in cell-based assays to screen potential drug compounds and assess their effects on cell growth and function.