Defensins are a large family of broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides, identified originally in leukocytes of rabbits and humans. The genes encoding alpha human beta and defensins are clustered in a contiguous segment of chromosome 8p23. Defensins are initially synthesized as inactive prodefensins with a signal peptide that is cleaved off by Matrilysin/MMP7 (a tissue metalloproteinase) to generate mature and bioactive defensin peptide. Matrilysin is expressed in Paneth cell granules together with perhaps more than 20 different -defensins (cryptidins). Disruption of the matrilysin gene prevents the normal posttranslational proteolytic activation of intestinal prodefensins. Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) also known as matrilysin and PUMP (EC 3.4.24.23) cleaves a number of substrates including collagen types IV and X, elastin, fibronectin, gelatin, laminin and proteoglycans. MMP-7 is closely related to the stromelysin family members but is encoded by a different gene. MMP-7 is the smallest of all the MMPs consisting of a pro-peptide domain and a catalytic domain. It lacks the hemopexin-like domain common to other members of the MMPs. MMP-7 is secreted as a 28kD proenzyme and can be activated in vitro by organomercurials and trypsin and in vivo by MMP-3 to a 18kD active MMP-7 enzyme. Once activated, MMP-7 can activate pro-MMP-1 and pro-MMP-9 but not pro-MMP-2. MMP-7 is widely expressed having been reported in elevated levels in cycling endometrium as well as in colorectal cancers and adenomas, hepatocellular carcinomas, rectal carcinomas, and approximately 50% of gliomas. Applications: Suitable for use in Western Blot. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. AA Sequence: MRLTVLCAVCLLPGSLALPLPQEAGGMSELQWEQAQDYLKRFYLYDSETKNANSLEAKLKEMQKFFGLPITGMLNSRVIEIMQKPRCGVPDVAEYSLFPNSPKWTSKVVTYRIVSYTRDLPHITVDRLVSKALNMWGKEIPLHFRKVVWGTADIMIGFARGAHGDSYPFDGPGNTLAHAFAPGTGLGGDAHFDEDERWTDGSSLGINFLYAATHELGHSLGMGHSSDPNAVMYPTYGNGDPQNFKLSQDDIKGIQKLYGKRSNSRKK Storage and Stability: Store product at 4C if to be used immediately within two weeks. For long-term storage, aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing and store at -20C. Aliquots are stable at -20C for 12 months after receipt. Dilute required amount only prior to immediate use. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer. Note: Sodium azide is a potent inhibitor of peroxidase and should not be added to HRP conjugates. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Note: Applications are based on unconjugated antibody.
