| Recombinant Mouse Lipocalin-13, also known as Odorant-Binding Protein 2a, is a member of the Lipocalin family of small secreted proteins, which are involved in a variety of biological processes including chemical communication, cell proliferation and differentiation, metabolism, reproduction, immune responses, and cancer development (1). Members of this family share a highly-conserved tertiary structure with a characteristic beta -barrel at the center (1). This central cavity binds to small lipophilic molecules, including fatty acids, retinol, steroids, odorants, and pheromones, allowing Lipocalins to regulate the transportation, stability, release, and activity of these molecules (1). Mouse Lipocalin-13 is synthesized as a 176 amino acid (aa) precursor that contains a 19 aa signal sequence and a 157 aa mature region. It has been suggested that the Lipocalin-13 precursor undergoes proteolytic processing because two isoforms with molecular weights between 20 and 29 kD have been identified on SDS-PAGE (2). Mature mouse Lipocalin-13 shares 69% and 36% aa sequence identity with the rat and human orthologs, respectively. Lipocalin-13 is expressed and secreted by multiple tissues in mice including liver, pancreas, and skeletal muscle (2). It has been shown to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism (2, 3). Lipocalin-13 deficiency is associated with obesity and is thought to contribute to hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis in obese mice (2, 3). Additionally, Lipocalin-13 has been shown to have anti-diabetogenic effects. It suppresses hepatic glucose production, uptake of circulating glucose by adipocytes, and induction of fatty acid oxidation by liver, possibly by stimulating CPT-1 alpha production (1-3) Recombinant protein corresponding to Ala19-Asp176 from mouse Lipocalin-13, expressed in E coli. Molecular Weight: ~18kD (reducing conditions) N-Terminal Sequence Analysis: Ala19 Biological Activity: Measured by its ability to bind all-trans-retinoic acid. The concentration of all-trans-retinoic acid required to quench 50% of Trp fluorescence in Recombinant Mouse Lipocalin-13 is approximately 3-18uM. Storage and Stability: Lyophilized and reconstituted products are stable for 6 months after receipt at -20C. Reconstitute with sterile PBS. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. |
