Epidermal Growth Factor, human

Application
This product is used as a mitogen, triggering the cell to commence mitosis, in a variety of cell lines. In tissue cultures, EGF acts to reduce or eliminate the requirement for serum and can be used in conjunction with other media additives and hormones.[1][2][3][4][5] Biochem/physiol Actions
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a small mitogenic polypeptide present throughout a large number of tissues and body fluids in many mammalian species. EGF is a member of a growth factor family characterized by 6 conserved cysteine motifs that form three disulfide bonds. EGF is mitogenic for a variety of epidermal and epithelial cells, including fibroblasts, glial cells, vascular and corneal endothelial cells, bovine granulosa, HeLa cells, SV40-3T3 cells and mammary epithelial cells.
Cellular functions affected by EGF: mitosis, ion flux, glucose transport, glycolysis, nucleic acid and protein synthesis, survival, growth, proliferation and differentiation.
Biological affects of EGF: inhibition of gastric acid secretion, fetal growth and development and neuromodulation in the central nervous system.
Pathways affected by EGF: EGFR signaling, MAPK cascade, PIP, Ca+2 signaling
Preparation Note
This product was lyophilized from a 0.2 μm-filtered solution of phosphate buffered saline, at pH 7.4. It should be reconstituted by adding the contents of the vial to 1 mg/mL using 10 mM acetic acid. To dilute to lower concentrations, but no fewer than 10 μg/mL, an addition of 0.1% BSA or HSA will be needed. For use in proliferation assays, further dilute the sample with medium without albumin.
Analysis Note
The biological activity of this product is measured in a proliferation assay using BALB/MK cells. The EC50 is defined as the effective concentration of growth factor that elicits a 50% increase in cell growth in a cell based bioassay.
Other Notes
Human EGF (hEGF) is an identical molecule to β-urogastrone, a molecule isolated on the basis of its ability to inhibit gastric acid secretion. EGF is structurally homologous to human transforming growth factor-α, and both exert their actions through EGF receptors. E9644 is the N-terminal methionyl form of natural mature EGF.
Disclaimer
This product should be stored at -20°C and will retain activity for two years. After reconstitution, it can be stored at 2-8°C for one month, or frozen in aliquots at -70°C or -20°C for longer periods.