Gibco™ Human Activin A Recombinant Protein 

Description

Carrier-Free Reconstitution: We recommend that this vial be briefly centrifuged prior to opening to bring the contents to the bottom. Reconstitute lyophilized recombinant human Activin A in sterile PBS containing 0.1% human serum albumin. Further dilutions should be made in low endotoxin medium or a buffered solution containing a carrier protein such as heat inactivated FCS or tissue culture grade BSA. Storage: Store this lyophilized preparation at <-20°C, preferably desiccated. Upon reconstitution, apportion into working aliquots and store at <-20°C. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

Activins are dimeric growth and differentiation factors which belong to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily of structurally related signaling proteins. Activins signal through a heteromeric complex of receptor serine kinases which include at least two type I ( I and IB) and two type II (II and IIB) receptors. These receptors are all transmembrane proteins, composed of a ligand-binding extracellular domain with cysteine-rich region, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain with predicted serine/threonine specificity. Type I receptors are essential for signaling; and type II receptors are required for binding ligands and for expression of type I receptors. Type I and II receptors form a stable complex after ligand binding, resulting in phosphorylation of type I receptors by type II receptors. Activin A mutations are associated with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive.