Recombinant Human FGF basic/FGF2/bFGF Protein, Animal-Free

Recombinant Human FGF basic/FGF2/bFGF Protein, Animal-Free Summary

Learn more about Animal-Free Recombinant Proteins

Product Specifications

Product Datasheets

Carrier Free

CF stands for Carrier Free (CF). We typically add Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) as a carrier protein to our recombinant proteins. Adding a carrier protein enhances protein stability, increases shelf-life, and allows the recombinant protein to be stored at a more dilute concentration. The carrier free version does not contain BSA.

In general, we advise purchasing the recombinant protein with BSA for use in cell or tissue culture, or as an ELISA standard. In contrast, the carrier free protein is recommended for applications, in which the presence of BSA could interfere.

Background: FGF basic/FGF2/bFGF

FGF basic (also known as FGF-2 and HBGF-2) is an 18-34 kDa, heparin-binding member of the FGF superfamily of molecules (1-3). Superfamily members are characterized by the presence of a centrally placed beta -trefoil structure. FGF acidic (FGF-1) and FGF basic (FGF-2) were the first two identified FGFs, and the designations acidic and basic refer to their relative isoelectric points. Human FGF basic is 288 amino acids (aa) in length. There are multiple start sites, four of which utilize atypical CUG codons, and one that initiates at an AUG start site (4-6). The four CUG start sites generate high molecular weight (HMW) FGF basic. There is a 34 kDa, 288 aa form, a 24 kDa, 210 aa form, a 22.5 kDa, 201 aa form, and a 22 kDa, 196 aa form. All are retained intracellularly, undergo extensive methylation, and possess one or more nuclear localization signals (NLS) (7-9). The AUG initiating form is 18 kDa and 155 aa in length. There is no signal sequence (ss). It is, however, secreted directly through the plasma membrane via a mechanism that appears to be dependent upon tertiary structure (10). In place of a ss, there is purportedly a 9 aa N-terminal prosegment that precedes a 146 aa mature segment (11). Early isolations of 18 kDa bovine FGF basic yielded 146 aa molecules, an effect attributed to the presence of acid proteases (12). The molecule contains a heparin-binding site (aa residues 128-144), and undergoes phosphorylation at Ser117 (13). There is also an ill-defined C-terminal NLS that may be more “functional” (or 3-dimensional) than structural (7). Human 146 aa FGF basic is 97% aa identical to mouse FGF basic (14).

Manufacturing Specifications

Animal-Free Manufacturing Conditions
Our dedicated controlled-access animal-free laboratories ensure that at no point in production are the products exposed to potential contamination by animal components or byproducts. Every stage of manufacturing is conducted in compliance with R&D Systems' stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Production and purification procedures use equipment and media that are confirmed animal-free.  

 Production

• All molecular biology procedures use animal-free media and dedicated labware.
• Dedicated fermentors are utilized in committed animal-free areas.
  

Purification

• Protein purification columns are animal-free.
• Bulk proteins are filtered using animal-free filters.
• Purified proteins are stored in animal-free containers in a dedicated cold storage room.

Quality Assurance

• Low Endotoxin Level.
• No impairment of biological activity.
• High quality product obtained under stringent conditions.
• For ex vivo research or bioproduction, additional documentation can be provided.
  
  

Please read our complete Animal-Free Statement

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