Desmin is the main intermediate filament in mature skeletal, cardiac and smooth-muscle cells. Can be used to distinguish rhabdomyosarcomas and leiomyosarcomas from other soft tissue tumors, lymphomas and carcinomas. Molecular Weight: Calculated from sequence: 53.5396kD Observed (SDS Gel Electrophoresis): 55kD Isoelectric Point: pI 5.16 (calculated from sequence). Applications: Suitable for use as protein standard in 1D and 2D SDS gel electrophoresis, in Immunoassays and in immunization. Other applications not tested. Reconstitution to Filaments: Protofilaments and filament complexes are obtained by dialyzing the reconstituted polypeptide solution stepwise to a concentration of 4M urea and then to low salt condition (50mM sodium chloride, 2mM DTT, 10mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4) For Use in Immunization: The solution can be further dialyzed against PBS (phosphate buffered saline, e.g. Dulbeccos PBS). Storage and Stability Store lyophilized product at -20C. Store reconstituted product in aliquots at -20C to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. 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.