Biochem/physiol Actions

Growth factor, augmenter of liver regeneration (GFER) controls mitochondrial fission and apoptosis in liver ischemia. Isoform 1 of GFER regenerates the redox-active disulfide bonds in CHCHD4/MIA40, a chaperone essential for disulfide bond formation and protein folding in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. The reduced form of coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 4 (CHCHD4/MIA40) forms a transient intermolecular disulfide bridge with GFER/ERV1 (sulfhydryl oxidase), resulting in regeneration of the essential disulfide bonds in CHCHD4/MIA40, while GFER/ERV1 becomes re-oxidized by donating electrons to cytochrome c or molecular oxygen. The isoform 2 of GFER may act as an autocrine hepatotropic growth factor promoting liver regeneration.

General description

Growth factor, augmenter of liver regeneration (GFER) is also known as FAD-linked sulfhydryl oxidase ALR, which belongs to the Erv1/ALR family of proteins. This family can be found in higher and lower eukaryotes. There are two isoform of GFER: Isoform 1 and isoform 2. Isoform 2 missing 1 – 80 aa. Isoform 1 is mainly located in mitochondrial intermembrane space, while Isoform 2 is secreted to cytoplasm.

Physical form

Lyophilized from 0.22 µm filtered solution in 20 mM Tris, 100 mM NaCl, pH 8.0. 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 100 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.