Biochem/physiol Actions

Receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-4 (ErbB4) binds to and is activated by neuregulins-2 and -3, heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor and β-cellulin. Ligand binding induces a variety of cellular responses including mitogenesis and differentiation. Multiple proteolytic events allow for the release of a cytoplasmic fragment and an extracellular fragment. ErbB4 appears to play important roles in neuronal development, development of the heart and cancer. Mutations in this gene have been associated with cancer. Other single-nucleotide polymorphisms and a risk haplotype have been linked to schizophrenia.

General description

Receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-4 (ErbB4), also known as Her4, is a single-pass type I transmembrane glycoprotein that is a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase receptors. ErbB family members serve as receptors for the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of growth factors. ErbB4 is expressed in normal skeletal muscle, heart, pituitary, brain and several breast carcinomas. ERBB4 contains multiple furin-like cysteine rich domains, a tyrosine kinase domain, a phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase binding site and a PDZ domain binding motif. The gene encoding this protein is localized on human chromosome 2q34.

Physical form

Lyophilized from 0.22 µm filtered solution in PBS, pH7.4. Generally 5-8% Mannitol or trehalose is added as a protectant before lyophilization.

Reconstitution

Centrifuge the vial prior to opening. Reconstitute in sterile PBS, pH 7.4 to a concentration of 50 µg/mL. Do not vortex. This solution can be stored at 2-8°C for up to 1 month. For extended storage, it is recommended to store at -20°C.