Description
Biological activity
Background information
FGF8b is one of four isoforms (a, b, e, f) of the Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 (FGF8) and a member of the FGF8 subfamily, which is comprised of FGF8, FGF17, and FGF18.1 It is involved in embryonic development and a heparin-binding protein with strong mitogenic effects, especially potent due to its high receptor-binding affinity.2,3
FGF8 is comprised of 233 amino acids and similar to other members of FGF8 subfamily contains a conserved core of approximately 120 amino acids arranged into a globular domain composed of 12 antiparallel β strands. This core domain is important for receptor binding, while the N- and C-terminal regions influence receptor binding and biological function.4
FGF8b plays essential roles in embryonic development, organogenesis, and progression of certain diseases.
During embryonic development, FGF8b is required before and during gastrulation, a key phase in embryogenesis, where it regulates the brachyury gene, essential for mesoderm formation, and helps align the anteroposterior axis of the embryo with the uterine axis. Furthermore it is a key organizer of the midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB), a critical signaling center that patterns adjacent brain regions In the forebrain, FGF8b helps define cortical areas by regulating transcription factors like Emx2, Pax6, COUP-TF1, and COUP-TF2, establishing anterior–posterior patterning.1,5,6
Apart from its role in developmental processes, FGF8b has also been implicated to play a role in the development and progression of prostate cancer, where is overexpressed, especially in high-grade tumor (92% in Gleason score 8–10). Among the different FGF8 isoforms, it is considered the most oncogenic isoform due to its transforming ability.7
The primary receptor for FGF8b is Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 (FGFR1), particularly the IIIc splice variant. FGF8b binds with high affinity to FGFR1 and also interacts with other FGFRs such as FGFR2, FGFR3, and FGFR4. However, FGFR1 is the main mediator of its signaling during development.8
Applications
MACS GMP Recombinant Human FGF-8b can be used for a variety of applications, including:
- Differentiation of neural progenitor cells.9
- Differentiation of neural progenitor cells into dopaminergic neurons.10
- Survival of neural precursor cells and differentiation into astroglial cells.11
- Stimulation of osteoblast proliferation.12
- Proliferation of endothelial cells.13
- Proliferation of myogenic cells.14
- Tumor growth studies of prostate and breast cancer.7
- Protection of hippocampal cultures from oxidative stress.14
Technical specifications
MACS GMP Recombinant Human FGF-8b is manufactured and released based on the stringent specifications displayed below. Lot-specific results of the respective QC measurements are depicted on each Product Quality Certificate (PQC). Learn more here
- Identity: Confirmed by mass spectrometry and chip electrophoresis. This corresponds to the mature form of FGF-8b.
- Purity: ≥ 95 % as determined by chip electrophoresis.
- Endotoxin content: < 50 EU/mg, as determined by kinetic Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay (Pharmacopoeia Europaea (Ph. Eur.)).
- Residual host cell DNA content: < 150 ng/mg, as determined by quantitative PCR specific for E.coli genomic DNA.
- Residual host cell protein content: < 5 µg/mg, as determined by E.coli HCP ELISA.
MACS GMP Recombinant Human FGF-8b is expressed as a single chain protein, covering amino acids 23-215 (=23-233 of FGF8 with shorter replacement (=isoform 3)) of the amino acid sequence of human interleukin FGF-8b (UniProt P55075-3).
Quality statement
MACS GMP Products are manufactured and tested under a quality management system (ISO 13485) and are in compliance with relevant GMP guidelines. They are designed following the recommendations of USP <1043> on ancillary materials.
Disclaimer
MACS GMP Products are for ex vivo cell processing only, and are not intended for human in vivo applications. For regulatory status in the USA, please contact your local representative.
Overview
MACS GMP Recombinant Human Fibroblast Growth Factor 8b (FGF-8b) is a recombinant protein optimized as an ancillary material for ex vivo cell processing. It is not intended for human in vivo applications.
