| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mfr No | |
| Accession Number | |
| Activity | |
| Alternative Names | Neutrophic factor 4, NT-4, Neurotrophin-5 (NT-5), TrkB receptors |
| Concentration | |
| Form | Lyophilized |
| Formulation | |
| Gene ID | |
| Molecular Weight | |
| Product Type | |
| Purity | |
| Reconstitution | |
| Solubility | Centrifuge the vial before adding solvent (10,000 x g for 5 minutes) to spin down all the powder to the bottom of the vial. The lyophilized product may be difficult to visualize. Add solvent directly to the centrifuged vial. Tap the vial to aid in dissolving the lyophilized product. Tilt and gently roll the liquid over the walls of the vial. Avoid vigorous vortexing. Light vortexing for up to 3 seconds is acceptable if needed. For long-term storage in solution, we recommend preparing a stock solution by dissolving the product in sterile water at a concentration of at least 0.1 mg/mL. Divide the stock solution into small aliquots and store at -20°C. Before use, thaw the relevant vial(s) and dilute to the desired working concentration in your working buffer. It is recommended to prepare fresh solutions in working buffers just before use. For long-term storage of diluted solutions, we recommend adding 0.1% BSA. Repeat freeze-thawing may result in loss of activity. |
| Source | Recombinant, E. coli |
| Storage | |
| Target |
Overview
Recombinant human Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) protein is a research-grade protein/peptide reagent used in research settings. It is commonly applied as a tool reagent related to p75NTR, TrkB receptors biology and/or assay development. It is supplied in Lyophilized format to support flexible downstream use in RUO workflows. Researchers commonly pair it with applications such as Western blot.
Key elements and design rationale
- Molecular identity: MW: 28.1 kDa (dimer).
- Source / origin: Recombinant, E. coli.
- Quality attributes: Purity: ≥98% (HPLC); Bioassay tested: Yes; Sterile / endotoxin-free: Yes.
When used as a biochemical or pharmacological tool, results are best interpreted relative to the experimental system (species, expression level, and assay readout) and with appropriate negative and competition-style controls where relevant. This product is intended for research use only.
Biological background
The neurotrophins ("neuro" means nerve and "trophe" means nutrient) are a family of soluble, basic growth factors which regulate neuronal development, maintenance, survival and death in the CNS and PNS.1Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) is expressed in neurons of the superior cervical, stellate and celiac ganglion,2 T-cells3 and is synthesized by keratinocytes.4The structural hallmark of all the neurotrophins is the characteristic arrangement of the disulfide bridges known as the cysteine knot, which has been found in other growth factors such as PDGF.5The rat and human forms of NT-4 are 96% homologous. NT-4 has been shown to promote dendritic outgrowth and calcium currents in cultured mesencephalic dopamine neurons,6 to promote growth and remodeling of adult motor neuron innervation,7 to be anterograde survival factors for postsynaptic cells8 and to protect against apoptotic neuronal death.9The biological effects of NT-4 are mediated by two receptors: TrkB which is specific for NT-4 and BDNF, and p75NTR which binds all the neurotrophins.10
Research relevance and current trends
- Using high-specificity ligands, toxins, and engineered peptides to dissect closely related receptor/channel subtypes and signaling microdomains.
- Pairing labeled (e.g., fluorescent) proteins/peptides with advanced imaging to map surface expression, trafficking, and nanoscale organization.
- Increasing emphasis on reproducibility through standardized characterization (identity, purity, and lot QC) and transparent reporting of reagent attributes.
Common research applications
- Western blot: commonly used to compare signal, binding, or functional readouts across conditions without implying a specific protocol.
Across these use cases, changes in signal or functional readout are generally interpreted as evidence of differences in target abundance, accessibility, or engagement, but alternative explanations (matrix effects, off-target interactions, or assay artifacts) should be considered.
Notes for experimental interpretation
- Assay context matters: binding assays, functional modulation, and detection workflows can yield different readouts even for the same target system.
- Target complexity: closely related family members, splice variants, and post-translational modifications can influence apparent specificity and potency.
- Matrix and sample effects: buffer composition, detergents, and biological matrices may alter stability or apparent activity; interpret with appropriate controls.
- Control concepts: include negative controls and orthogonal validation (e.g., genetic perturbation or alternative reagents) to support robust interpretation.
Can’t Find What You’re Looking For? We can help you source the best match or customize a recombinant protein solution for your study. Options may include species (human/mouse/rat), protein region/domain (full-length vs fragment), tag or label (His/GST/FLAG/biotin/fluorescent), expression system (E. coli/HEK293/insect), purity grade, formulation (buffer, carrier-free, glycerol-free), activity/functional validation (binding or enzymatic assays), endotoxin level (low-endotoxin for cell-based work), mutants/variants (point mutations, isoforms), and bulk or custom packaging. Click Talk to a Scientist to submit a request form, email us at support@biohippo.com, or explore our Research Services for additional support. Our team will be in contact with you shortly.
Teng, K.K. and Hempstead, B.L.
(2004) Cell Mol. Life Sci. 61, 35.
Roux, P.
et al. (2002) Prog. Neurobiol. 67, 203.
Moalem, G.
et al. (2000) J. Autoimmun. 15, 331.
Marconi, A.
et al. (2003) J. Invest. Dermatol. 121, 1515.
McDonald, N.Q.
et al. (1991) Nature 354, 411.
DeFazio, R.A.
et al. (2000) Neuroscience 99, 297.
Belluardo, N.
et al. (2001) Mol. Cell Neurosci. 18, 56.
Spalding, K.L.
et al. (2002) Mol. Cell Neurosci. 19, 485.
Lobner, D. and Ali, C.
(2002) Brain Res. 954, 42.
Teng, K.K. and Hempstead, B.L.
(2004) Cell Mol. Life Sci. 61, 35.
DeFazio, R.A.
et al. (2000) Neuroscience 99, 297.
Belluardo, N.
et al. (2001) Mol. Cell Neurosci. 18, 56.
