General description

Neuropoietin is a newly identified member of the IL-6 cytokine family. Members of this family, including IL-6, IL-11, oncostatin M, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), cardiotrophin-like cytokine, and CNTF, display a four-helix bundle structure, and signal through gp130-containing receptor complexes. Neuropoietin, which is predominantly expressed in neuroepithelia during embryonic life, acts through a receptor complex comprising CNTF receptor-α component, gp130, and LIF receptor. Like CNTF, it promotes the survival of embryonic motor neurons and could increase the proliferation of neural precursor cells in the presence of EGF and FGF-2. Interestingly, the human Neuropoietin gene has evolved toward a pseudogene, suggesting that the alternative signaling via CNTF is an effective compensatory pathway. Recombinant murine Neuropoietin is a 19.8 kDa protein containing 183 amino acid residues.

Physical form

Sterile filtered through a 0.2 micron filter. Lyophilized from 2.5 mM Tris, pH 10.2 and 0.5 mM DTT.

Reconstitution

Centrifuge the vial prior to opening. Reconstitute in water to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/mL. Do not vortex. This solution can be stored at 2-8°C for up to 1 week. For extended storage, it is recommended to further dilute in a buffer containing a carrier protein (example 0.1% BSA) and store in working aliquots at -20°C to -80°C.