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Recombinant human IGF-2 protein (Qk118)
Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 (IGF-2) is a growth factor that promotes cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival, particularly during fetal development. IGF-2 also regulates tissue growth and muscle regeneration.
Qkine has optimised the IGF-2 manufacture process to produce a highly bioactive protein with excellent lot-to-lot consistency for enhanced experimental reproducibility.
Qkine human IGF-2 is a highly pure 7.5 kDa monomer, animal origin-free (AOF) and carrier-protein-free (CF).
Orders are typically shipped same or next day (except Friday).
Easy world-wide ordering, direct or through our distributors.
1000µg will be despatched as 2 x 500µg
Fast and free shipping.
Buy online with secure credit card or purchase order.
For any questions, please email orders@qkine.com
Summary
High purity human IGF-2 protein (Uniprot: P01344)
>98%, by SDS-PAGE quantitative densitometry
7.5 kDa
Expressed in E. coli.
Animal origin-free (AOF) and carrier protein-free.
Manufactured in our Cambridge, UK laboratories
Lyophilized from acetonitrile/TFA
Resuspend in water at >100 µg/ml, prepare single use aliquots, add carrier protein if desired and store frozen at -20°C or -80°C
Featured applications
Enhancement of cell proliferation
Prenatal development
Promotion of muscle cell differentiation
Involvement in tumor growth
Diabetes and metabolic disorder research
Influence in osteoblast proliferation and differentiation
human
species similarity:
mouse – 91%
rat – 94%
porcine – 98%
bovine – 95%
Bioactivity
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Recombinant IGF-2 activity was determined using an SRE reporter assay on transfected MCF-7 cells. Cells were treated in triplicate with a serial dilution of IGF-2 for 4 hours. Firefly activity was measured and normalised to the control Renilla luciferase activity. Data from Qk118 lot 204687. EC50 = 58 ng/ml (7.8 nM)
Purity
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Recombinant IGF-2 migrates at approximately 7.5 kDa in reduced (R) and non-reduced (NR) conditions. No contaminating protein bands are present. The purified recombinant protein (3 µg) was resolved using 18% w/v SDS-PAGE in reduced (+β-mercaptoethanol, R) and non-reduced (NR) conditions and stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R250. Data from Qk118 lot #204687.
Further quality assays
Mass spectrometry: single species with expected mass
Analytical reversed-phase: single sharp peak
Endotoxin: <0.005 EU/μg protein (below level of detection)
Recovery from stock vial >95%
We are a company founded and run by scientists to support innovation in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. To enhance reliability and reproducibility in your applications, all our products are exceptionally high purity, with complete characterisation and bioactivity analysis on every lot.
Qkine IGF-2 is as biologically active as the comparable alternative supplier protein
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IGF-2 activity was determined using the serum response element (SRE) firefly luciferase reporter assay in transfected MCF-7 cells. Cells were treated in triplicate with a serial dilution of IGF-2 (Qk118, green) or alternative supplier IGF-2 (supplier B, black). Firefly luciferase activity was measured and normalized to the control Renilla luciferase activity. Data from Qk118 lot #204687.
Protein background
IGF-2, or Insulin-like Growth Factor 2, is a protein hormone that plays a crucial role in growth and development, particularly during fetal development. It is part of the insulin-like growth factor family, which includes IGF-1 and insulin. IGF-2 is a single-chain polypeptide consisting of 67 amino acids, with a molecular weight of 7.5 kDa. The protein’s three-dimensional structure is characterized by three alpha-helices stabilized by three disulfide bonds [1]. These disulfide bonds are formed between six conserved cysteine residues, which are critical for maintaining the protein’s tertiary structure and biological activity. The overall fold of IGF-2 is similar to that of insulin, reflecting their evolutionary relationship [2].
IGF-2 has numerous applications across various fields. In prenatal development, it is crucial for fetal growth and development, influencing organ size and body composition. It’s used as a marker in prenatal diagnostics to assess fetal growth and potential developmental issues [3]. In cancer research, IGF-2 has been implicated in various cancers, including colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer. It’s being studied as a potential biomarker for early cancer detection and as a target for cancer therapies. Given its role in glucose metabolism, IGF-2 is also being investigated in the context of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, with researchers exploring its potential in developing new treatments [4].
IGF-2 has tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, particularly in wound healing and tissue repair. IGF-2 has neuroprotective effects, suggesting potential applications in treating neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. IGF-2 gene polymorphisms are used as genetic markers for selective breeding to improve meat quality and production efficiency [5]. Additionally, as a growth factor, IGF-2 is monitored in sports medicine to detect potential abuse for performance enhancement. The ongoing research into IGF-2’s structure and functions continues to open new avenues for applications in medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture, underlining its significance across multiple disciplines [6].
Additional resources
FAQ
IGF-2 is a growth factor crucial for fetal growth and development, regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. It’s involved in muscle formation and can impact cancer through abnormal signaling.
IGF-2 is primarily found in fetal tissues, including the liver, muscles, and brain. It’s also present in lower amounts in adults, mainly in tissues involved in growth and regeneration.
IGF-2 is a growth factor, specifically part of the insulin-like growth factor family, which promotes cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation.
The IGF-2 gene encodes for the insulin-like growth factor 2 protein. The gene’s expression is tightly regulated.
IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) which mediates most of IGF-2’s growth-promoting effects, including cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. IGF-2 receptor (IGF-2R) which regulates IGF-2 degradation and clearance rather than signaling for growth. Insulin receptor (IR) (isoform IR-A) which mediates some of IGF-2’s metabolic and growth effects.
The IGF-2 receptor (IGF-2R), also known as the mannose-6-phosphate receptor (M6P receptor), functions in regulating IGF-2 levels by binding to and facilitating its degradation. Unlike the IGF-1 receptor, IGF-2R does not promote cell growth or survival. Instead, it acts as a scavenger receptor, helping to control IGF-2 activity and prevent excessive cell proliferation.
PI3K/Akt pathway – Activation of PI3K leads to the phosphorylation of Akt, which then regulates downstream targets involved in anti-apoptotic signaling, protein synthesis, and glucose metabolism.
MAPK/ERK pathway – Promotion of gene transcription related to growth and cell cycle progression.
IGF-2 is used to promote cell growth, differentiation, and survival, particularly in stem cell cultures, like iPSCs, and during the differentiation of muscle cells and other tissue-specific cells.
Our products are for research use only and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Products are not for resale.
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