The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine that controls the production, differentiation, and function of macrophages. The active form of the protein is found extracellularly as a disulfide-linked homodimer, and is thought to be produced by proteolytic cleavage of membrane-bound precursors. The encoded protein may be involved in development of the placenta. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2011]
Store at -20C. Supplied in 50mM Tris-Glycine(pH 7.4), 0.15M NaCl, 40%Glycerol, 0.01% sodium azide and 0.05% BSA. Stable for 12 months from date of receipt.
