The BMPs belong to the TGF- Beta superfamily, whose members are widely represented throughout the animal kingdom. The BMPs are important regulators of key events in the processes of bone formation during embryogenesis, postnatal growth, remodeling and regeneration of the skeleton. The BMPs function by binding to a receptor complex that is found on all normal cells and is composed of type-I and –II receptors. The primary unit of bone formation is osteoblast, the bone-forming cell. These osteoblast cells respond to physical loading by transducing signals that alter gene expression patterns, and Cbfa (core binding factor), the osteoblast specific transcription factor plays an important role in osteoblast differentiation and function.
Localization studies in both human and mouse tissues have demonstrated high levels of mRNA expression and protein synthesis for various BMPs in kidney, heart, lung, small intestine, limb bud and teeth. Several BMPs have been implicated in early skeletal development, including BMP-2, -4, -5, -7, -14 (CDMP-1/GDF-5), other members, such as BMP-3, -6, -7 and –13 (CDMP- 2/GDF-6) may be involved in later stages of skeletal formation.
BMP4/BMP-2B is a vital regulatory molecule that functions throughout development in mesoderm induction, tooth development, limb formation, bone induction, and fracture repair. In human it is expressed as 408aa protein (Chr 14q22) in lungs, kidney and is secreted in extracellular matrix.
Source:Recombinant protein corresponding to human BMP-4 expressed in mouse myeloma cell line, NSO.
Molecular Weight:~26kD, due to glycosylation the rhBMP-4 migrates as an ~36kD protein under non-reducing conditions and as 18kD protein under reducing conditions in SDS-PAGE.
Biological Activity:Determined by its ability to induce alkaline Phosphatase production by mouse ATDC-5 chodrogenic cells. The expected ED50 for this effect is 10-30ng/ml.
Endotoxin:<1.0ng/1ug
Applications:Suitable for use in ELISA and Western Blot. Other applications not tested.
Recommended Dilution:ELISA: 1:10,000-1:30,000Western Blot: 1-2ug/ml with appropriate secondary reagents to detect human BMP-4Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.
Storage and Stability:Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20°C. Stable for 12 months at -20°C. Reconstitute with buffer. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Reconstituted product is stable for 6 months at -20°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.
