Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
(Cat. No.: C029)


Background:
        Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a small mitogenic protein that is thought to be involved in mechanisms such as normal cell growth, oncogenesis, and wound healing. This protein shows both strong sequential and functional homology with human type-alpha transforming growth factor (hTGF alpha), which is a competitor for EGF receptor sites. EGF is a small 53 amino acid residue long protein that contains three disulfide briges.

Description:
        Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a polypeptide growth factor which stimulates the proliferation of a wide range of epidermal and epithelial cells. Human EGF is a 6.2 kDa protein containing 53 amino acid residues.

Quality Control:
        Biological activity: The ED50, calculated by the dose-dependant proliferation of murine BALB/c 3T3 cells is less then 2 ng/ml, corresponding to a specific activity of 5.0x 105 IU/ mg.
        Purity: Greater than 95% as determined by
                    (a) Analysis by SEC-HPLC.
                    (b) Analysis by reducing and non-reducing SDS-PAGE Silver Stained gel.
        Molecular weight: 6.0KD+/-10% determined by reduced SDS-PAGE.
        Isoelectric Point: the main zone between 4.0~5.0 analysis by IEF.
        UV scan: the maximal absorption wave is 275+/-3nm.
        Amino-Acid Sequence: The sequence of the first fifteen N-terminal amino acids was determined and was found to be Asn-Ser-Asp-Ser-Glu-Cys-Pro-Leu-Ser-His-Asp-Gly-Tyr- Cys-Leu.
        Residual DNA: less than 1ng/ug analysis by solid phase blot.
        Residual host cell protein: less than 0.1% analysis by ELISA.
        Endotoxin: Less than 0.3ng/µg (0.3IEU/µg) determined by LAL test.

Formulation: The protein was lyophilized from a concentrated (1mg/ml) solution with no additives.

Storage: Lyophilized rHuEGF although stable at room temperature for 3 weeks, should be stored desiccated below -18oC. Upon reconstitution rHuEGF should be stored at 4oC between 2-7 days and for future use below -18oC. For long-term storage it is recommended to add a carrier protein (0.1% HSA or BSA).
        Please avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

Reconstitution: It is recommended to reconstitute the lyophilized rHuEGF in sterile 18M¦¸-cm H2O not less than 100µg/ml, which can then be further diluted to other aqueous solutions.