Smoothelin (SMSMO, SMTN, FLJ35365, FLJ38597)

Smoothelin is a constituent of the smooth muscle cell (SMC) cytoskeleton. Antibodies directed to smoothelin are useful tools to monitor SMC differentiation. Smoothelin is exclusively expressed in fully differentiated (contractile) SMCs. RNA and protein analyses revealed a broad species distribution of this protein. Cells with SMC-like characteristics, such as myofibroblasts and myoepithelial cells, as well as skeletal and cardiac muscle do not contain smoothelin. Confocal scanning laser microscopy of tissue sections, as well as transfection studies, show a filamentous organization of smoothelin that is different from that of desmin or vimentin. Smoothelin co- localizes with actin stress fibers. In Western Blots two molecular weight isoforms are detected i.e. a 50kD isoform specific for visceral SMC, and an isoform with a molecular weight of ~100kD in vascular SMC. Human smoothelin is encoded by a single copy gene which is located on chromosome 22. This target is useful to discriminate fully differentiated, contractile SMCs from proliferative SMCs. The distribution of smoothelin- positive cells indicates a correlation between smoothelin expression and smooth muscle tissue contractility. Smoothelin is also a useful tool in the evaluation of atherosclerotic lesions.\n\nApplications:\nSuitable for use in Immunohistochemistry. Other applications not tested.\n\nRecommended Dilutions:\nImmunohistochemistry (Frozen, paraffin): 1:5-1:10 (based on indirect method, with a normal ABC method the dilution can be 5-10 times higher. Heat pretreatment with citrate is recommended. \nOptimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. \n\nPositive control: \nHuman blood vessels in cardiac muscle\n\nStorage and Stability:\nMay be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20 degrees C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Catalog Number

S1014-62D

Size

1ml

Applications

IHC

Hosts

Mouse

Form

Supplied as a liquid, 0.1% sodium azide.

P Type

Mab

Purity

Supernatant

Isotype

IgG1

References

1.Van der Loop FTL, Schaart G, Timmer EDJ, Ramaekers FCS, Van Eys GJJM, 1996, J.Cel.Biol. 134, 401-411. 2.Wehrens XHT, Mies B, Gimona M, Ramaekers FCS, Van Eys GJJM, Small JV, 1997, FEBS Letters 405, 315-320. 3.Van der Loop FTL, Gabbiani G, Kohnen G, Ramaekers FCS, Van Eys GJJM, 1997, Thromb.Vasc.Biol. 17, 665-671.

Additional Info

Recognizes the 59kD isoform of visceral smooth muscle cell (SMC) cytoskeleton and an isoform with a MW of ~100kD in vascular SMC. Discriminates fully differentiated contractile SMCs from proliferative SMCs.