Integrins are a family of dimeric, transmembrane proteins that mediate cell-cell and extracellular matrix adhesion. Signals transduced by integrins play a role in many biological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, migration and apoptosis. The integrin family is composed of at least 15 alpha and 8 beta subunits that may form over twenty different alpha-beta non-covalently bound dimeric combinations on the cell surface. The alpha subunits all have some homology to each other, as do the beta subunits. Both of the subunits contribute to the binding of the ligand. Integrin alpha subunits contain seven weak sequence repeats in the N-terminal region, which may be important in ligand binding, and have been predicted to fold cooperatively into a single beta-propeller domain with seven beta-sheets. In normal tissue, Integrin alpha-6/beta-1 is a receptor for laminin on human platelets. Integrin alpha-6/beta-4 is a receptor for laminin in epithelial cells and it plays a critical structural role in the hemidesmosome. Various disease states involving epithelial cells have been shown to be associated with alterations in alpha 6 integrin-containing heterodimers. Applications: Suitable for use in Flow Cytometry, Immunohistochemistry, Immunoprecipitation and Inhibition. Other applications have not been tested. Recommended Dilutions: Immunohistochemistry: Frozen tissue sections Optimal dilutions to be determined by researcher. Positive Control: Human tonsil (for Immunohistochemistry) 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. Caution: FITC conjugates are sensitive to light. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Note: Applications are based on unconjugated antibody.
