Not available outside of the UK & Ireland.

Application

FETUIN A human has been used to stimulate mRNA expression in human monocytic THP1 cells, human in vitro differentiated adipocytes and C57BL/6 mice.

Biochem/physiol Actions

AHSG (α-2-HS-glycoprotein, also referred to as fetuin-A) is a major serum protein component that exerts various calcium dependent physiological activities, and can mediate growth signaling in certain tumor cells. It also can act as a natural antagonist against specific TGF-β (transforming growth factor β) and BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) signaling proteins. High levels of fetuin-A in the serum is associated with mild osteogenesis imperfecta. On the other hand, reduced levels are seen in Paget′s disease. It is predicted as a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

General description

The gene AHSG (α-2-HS-glycoprotein, also referred to as fetuin-A) is mapped to human chromosome 3q27. Fetuin A/AHSG is a human plasma glycoprotein belonging to the Cystatin family of proteases inhibitors. Fetuin A is highly expressed in embryonic cells and adult hepatocytes, and is expressed to a lesser extent in monocytes/macrophages. The protein has cystatin-like domains, a calcium phosphate-binding site and a TGF (transforming growth factor)-β cytokine-binding motif. Recombinant human fetuin-A is a heterodimeric protein containing a 282 amino acid A chain and a 27 amino acid B chain. Due to glycosylation, recombinant fetuin-A migrates at an apparent molecular weight of 45–55kDa by SDS-PAGE run under nonreducing conditions.

Physical form

Lyophilized from 10 mM Sodium Phosphate, pH 7.8.

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.