Tyrosine Hydroxylase is a tetrameric enzyme composed of four 60-68kD subunits. TH catalyzes the hydroxylation of L-tyrosine to L-3,4-dihydroxylphenylalanine (L-dopa) in the brain and adrenal medulla. This is the initial and rate limiting step in the biosynthesis of catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine) that serve as neurotransmitters and hormones. TH is produced from a single gene. Its synthesis is regulated by transcriptional, translational and post-translational mechanisms. In most species, a single form of TH mRNA is produced and translated. Resulting in a single homotetrameric for of the protein. In the monkey, ape and human, TH RNA undergoes alternative splicing resulting in either two (monkey, ape) or four (human) isoforms of TH subunit protein. The four human isoforms are TH-1 (55.6kD), TH-2 (4 additional aa, 56kD), TH-3 (27 additional aa, 58.1kD) and TH-4 (31 addition aa, 58.5kD). Ony humans express all four isoforms. All other antrhropoids express on the TH-1 and TH-2 isoforms. Applications: Suitable for use in Western Blot and Immunoprecipitation. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Western Blot: 1:1000-1:5000 using Chemiluminescence substrates. Immunoprecipitation (Native and denatured TH): 10-20ul antibody per 100-200ug of protein extracts. Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4C for short-term only. For long-term storage, store at -20C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months 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.
