BMP8A, Recombinant, Human, (BMP-8A, Bone Morphogenetic Protein 8A)

MP-8, also known as osteogenic protein 2 (OP-2), was first isolated from a hippocampal library in a screen to identify relatives of BMP-7/OP-1. BMPs are a family of structurally and functionally related proteins and represent a subfamily of the transforming growth factor b (TGF-b) superfamily. BMPs are involved in a wide range of processes including embryogenesis, tissue morphogenesis, cell differentiation and migration, and tumorigenesis. Cellular responses to BMPs are mediated by hetero-oligomeric complexes of type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors. BMP-8a and BMP-8b, produced from separate genes, share 98% aa sequence identity in human but only 74% in mouse within the mature regions. Human BMP-8a is synthesized as a 402aa precursor protein that is cleaved between aa263 and aa264 to release the C-terminal mature protein. Mature human BMP-8a shares 90% and 68% aa sequence identity with mouse mature BMP-8a and -8b, respectively. BMP-8a is expressed during pregnancy in the deciduum and trophoblast cells, by inner root sheath cells of developing hair follicles, and by the epididymis and spermatids. In the mouse it cooperates with BMP-7 in the maintenance of spermatogenesis but is not required for the initiation of spermatogenesis. BMP-8b, in contrast, is required for both the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis. BMP-8a is induced during osteoblast differentiation at the onset of mineralization and during the osteogenic phase of bone repair in osteoblasts and osteocytes. BMP-8a/b is also highly expressed in osteosarcomas. Source: Recombinant corresponding to aa264-402 from human BMP-8a expressed in CHO cell line. Molecular Weight: ~15.7kD Biological Activity: Measured by its ability to inhibit the cell growth of DU145 human prostate carcinoma cells. The ED50 for this effect is typically 0.2-1ug/ml. Endotoxin: ~1EU/1ug (LAL) Storage and Stability: Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20 degrees C. Stable for 12 months at -20 degrees C. Reconstitute with sterile buffer. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20 degrees C. Reconstituted product is stable for 3 months at -20 degrees C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.