Description
Stromal Cell-derived Factor 1 (SDF-1), also known as CXCL12 or Pre-B-cell growth-stimulating factor, is a member of the CXC chemokine ligand superfamily. It performs an essential role in cell migration and proliferation and also participates in tissue-specific physiological processes such as neuromodulation. SDF-1 is also involved in many pathological processes including HIV infection, metastatic malignancy, chronic inflammatory disorders, and benign proliferative diseases. SDF-1 is mostly regulated at the splicing level, as opposed to the transcriptional level. Six alternatively spliced CXCL12/SDF-1 isoforms have been identified, including SDF-1α, SDF-1β, and SDF-1γ. The alpha and beta isoforms are ubiquitously expressed, while the gamma isoform is primarily expressed in the heart. Different splicing variants share agonist potency to their cognate receptor, CXCR4, but are characterized by distinct properties. Understanding the functional diversity of the different splicing variants will help in developing therapeutic strategies. Mouse SDF-1β consists of 93 amino acids and has a molecular mass of about 10.6 kD. The protein exists as a monomer or dimer in solution, and each protomeric unit has three parallel beta-strands with an overlying alpha-helix. Mouse SDF-1β shares a high percentage of its amino acid sequence identity with its counterparts from human (92%), Rhesus monkey (93%), dog (91%), cattle (90%), and rat (97%). This beta isoform of SDF-1 differs from the alpha isoform because it is encoded from an additional exon, which encodes only four residues that protect the rest of the protein from proteolytic degradation in blood. This protection distinguishes SDF-1β and allows it to function much more effectively within the vascular system than other isoforms. SDF-1β functions mainly in highly vascularized organs and is known to facilitate angiogenesis. However, polymorphisms in SDF-1β are known to predispose systemic sclerosis patients to microvascular diseases. It has potential as a therapeutic, as it can also help with the employment of grafted cells, due to its influence over cell migration and inflammation. The LEGEND MAX™ Mouse SDF-1β ELISA kit is a Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) with a 96-well strip plate that is pre-coated with a rat monoclonal anti-mouse SDF-1β antibody. The Detection Antibody is a biotinylated rat monoclonal anti-mouse SDF-1β antibody. This kit is specifically designed to accurately measure and distinguish SDF-1β from SDF-1α in serum, plasma, and cell culture supernatant, and is analytically validated with ready-to-use reagents.
