Not available outside of the UK & Ireland.

Application

Relaxin-2 human has been used to study the effect of testosterone on the expression of relaxin receptor in the knee joint.

It has also been used to study its effect on human endometrial carcinoma cell lines.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Of the three known relaxin genes, Relaxin-2 (RLN2) is the only relaxin known to circulate in the blood. Relaxin-2 binds specifically to the LGR7 (leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 7) and LGR8 receptors, previously identified as an "orphan" G protein coupled receptors. Signaling by Relaxin-2 through its target receptors enhances the growth of pubic ligaments and ripening of the cervix during birth. Relaxin-2 also participates in cancer progression. In prostate cancer, it is responsible for tumor growth and vascularisation. Relaxin-2 is also linked with anti-fibrotic and cardioprotective effects.

General description

Relaxin-2 is a peptide hormone structurally related to insulin. The gene is mapped to human chromosome 9p24. It is expressed in the placenta, decidua, prostate, corpus luteum, endometrium, mammary glands, heart, and brain. It is also expressed in the ovary during pregnancy. Recombinant relaxin-2 is a nonglycosylated 6kDa disulfide linked heterodimeric protein consisting of a 24 amino acid A-chain and a 29 amino acid B-chain.

Physical form

Lyophilized with no additives.

Reconstitution

Centrifuge the vial prior to opening. Reconstitute in water to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/ml. Do not vortex. This solution can be stored at 2-8°C for up to 1 week. For extended storage, it is recommended to further dilute in a buffer containing a carrier protein (example 0.1% BSA) and store in working aliquots at -20°C to -80°C.

Sequence

A-Chain: QLYSALANKC CHVGCTKRSL ARFC B-Chain: DSWMEEVIKL CGRELVRAQI AICGMSTWS