Application
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) from murine submaxillary gland
has been used as a mitogen, triggering the cell to commence mitosis, in a
variety of cell lines.[1] In tissue cultures, EGF acts to reduce or
eliminate the requirement for serum[2] and can be used in conjunction with
other media additives and hormone.[3] The working concentration for EGF is
generally 0.1-10 ng/mL.
Biochem/physiol Actions
EGF is mitogenic for a variety of epidermal and epithelial
cells, including fibroblasts, glial cells, vascular and corneal endothelial
cells, bovine granulosa, HeLa cells, SV40-3T3 cells and mammary epithelial
cells, rabbit chondrocytes. EGF also plays a biological role in inhibition of
gastric acid secretion, support of growth during fetal development and
neuromodulation in the central nervous system. Stimulation of ion fluxes,
glucose transport, glycolysis, and synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins are all cellular
metabolic effects of EGF.
Preparation Note
This product was lyophilized from a solution in 1 mL of 5 mM
ammonium acetate at pH 6.5. It should be reconstituted by adding the contents
of the vial to a solution containing 0.1-1.0% BSA or 1-10% serum in buffered
saline or tissue culture medium.
Analysis Note
The biological activity of this product is measured by an
ability to stimulate the EGF-responsive mouse BALB/MK cells. The EC50 is
defined as the effective concentration of growth factor that elicits a 50%
increase in cell growth in a cell based bioassay.
Other Notes
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a small mitogenic
polypeptide present throughout a large number of tissues and body fluids in
many mammalian species. EGF is a member of a growth factor family characterized
by 6 conserved cysteine motifs that form three disulfide bonds. Human EGF is an
identical molecule to ß-urogastrone, a molecule isolated on the basis of its
ability to inhibit gastric acid secretion. EGF is structurally homologous to
human transforming growth factor-a, and both exert their actions through EGF
receptors.
Disclaimer
This product should be stored at 2-8°C. After
reconstitution, it can be stored at 2-8°C for two weeks, or frozen in aliquots
at -20°C for longer periods.
