| Brevican, also called BEHAB, is a secreted member of the the lectican family of proteoglycans that share a common domain structure. Brevican contains an Ig-like V-set domain, two link domains, a Glu-rich region, a central region with glycosaminoglycan (GAG) modifications, an EGF-like domain, a C-type lectin domain, and a C-terminal Sushi/CRP-like domain. Brevican is restricted to the CNS and is expressed by astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons. A GPI-anchored alternate splice form exists that is truncated following the central (GAG) region. Brevican is cleaved by multiple proteases and exists in a number of distinct fragments. Full-length brevican consists of a 97kD core protein with up to approximately 100kD of attached chondroitin sulfate but not heparan sulfate chains. Brevican associates with the extracellular matrix, perineuronal nets, and astrocyte cell surfaces by means of its chondroitin sulfate, GPI anchor, hyaluronic acid-binding link domains, and the core protein. The secreted isoform is dominant during brain development and is upregulated in astrocytes following brain injury. In human and rat, an under-glycosylated form of brevican is upregulated in highly aggressive glioma but not in low-grade glioma or other brain pathologies. In mouse and rat, levels of an ADAMTS4-generated 55kD N-terminal fragment increase during remodeling after excitotoxic injury. Human brevican shares 90%, 80%, and 80% aa sequence identity with bovine, mouse, and rat brevican, respectively. Within the Iglike and two link domains, brevican shares 45% 51% aa sequence identity with aggrecan, neurocan, and versican. Recombinant protein corresponding to Asp23-Pro911 from human Brevican, with a C-terminal 6-His Tag, expresssed in NS0 cells. Accession/Uniprot: AAH09117 Activity: Measured by its ability to bind biotinylated hyaluronan in a functional ELISA type binding assay with an estimated Kd < 3nM. Storage and Stability: Lyophilized and reconstituted products may be stored at -20C. 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. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer. |
