| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mfr No | |
| Activity | |
| Alternative Names | Val66Met proBrain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (WT-human), Sortilin 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. Repeat freeze-thawing may result in loss of activity. |
| Source | Recombinant, E. coli |
| Storage | |
| Target |
Overview
Recombinant human Val66Met proBDNF protein is a research-grade protein/peptide reagent used in research settings. It is commonly applied as a tool reagent related to p75NTR, Sortilin 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: 51.45 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
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophic factor that bind p75NTR as well as TrkB receptors1,2. BDNF supports the survival of many cell types3-8 and also modulates hippocampal plasticity and hippocampal-dependent memory in cell models and in animals9.The BDNF gene, like other peptide growth factors, encodes a precursor peptide (proBDNF), which is proteolytically cleaved to form the mature protein10. proBDNF has been shown to be a pro-apoptotic ligand for sympathetic neurons expressing both p75NTR and sortilin11, and to be involved in long-term potentiation (LTP) stage of the memory-related modifications in synaptic transmission12.A nonconservative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the human BDNF gene has been identified at nucleotide 196 (G/A) producing an amino acid substitution (Valine to Methionine) at codon 66 (Val66Met, rs 6265). Although located in the 5' pro-BDNF region, this SNP resulted in striking deficits in the cellular distribution and regulated secretion of the mature protein, BDNF and hence in corresponding alterations of human hippocampal function and episodic memory in vivo9.Egan MF. et al demonstrated the molecular mechanisms that control activity-dependent BDNF secretion and showed that depolarization-dependent secretion of BDNF in hippocampal neurons is significantly impaired when this Val66Met SNP occurs. Using double-staining techniques, they demonstrated that Val-BDNF-containing secretory granules are colocalized with synaptophysin, a marker for synapses. In contrast, Val66Met-BDNF aggregates are accumulated in the cell body and rarely colocalize with synaptophysin. This suggests that even if it can be secreted in small amounts near the cell body through the constitutive pathway, the Met-BDNF protein cannot be secreted at synapses9. Studies of heterozygote BDNF knockout rodents, who presumably have intermediate BDNF levels, demonstrate clear physiological13 and behavioral14 abnormalities, suggesting that secretion levels are critical.Multiple studies over the recent decades in humans, in vivo in animal models and in vitro found an association between the Val66Met polymorphism and bipolar and unipolar disorders15, Schizophrenia16, 17, anxiety-related behavior18,19 and controversial association with ADHD20,21.The data emerged from the analysis of the Val66Met phenotype in various syndromes and diseases reveal the importance of the pro-region of the BDNF polypeptide, particular Valine66 and perhaps the nearby sequence, in intracellular trafficking and secretion of BDNF.
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.
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Acheson, A.
et al. (1995) Nature374, 450.
Morse, J.K.
et al. (1993) J. Neurosci.13, 4146.
Hyman, C.
et al. (1991) Nature350, 230.
Friedman, B.
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et al. (1993) Neuron10, 359.
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et al. (2005) J. Neurosci.25, 5455.
