BTC Mouse
Description
Introduction to BTC Mouse
BTC (Betacellulin) is a recombinant mouse protein belonging to the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) family. It is synthesized as a transmembrane precursor (178 amino acids) and processed into a mature, secreted form (80 amino acids, 9.0 kDa) that binds to EGF receptors (EGFR) and ERBB4, promoting cell proliferation and differentiation . This protein is critical in models of diabetes, neural regeneration, and cancer research.
Biological Functions
BTC Mouse exhibits multifunctional roles in tissue repair and disease modeling:
Pancreatic β-Cell Regeneration
In streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, BTC improved glucose metabolism by:
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Increasing β-cell mass: Enhanced insulin-positive cell count in pancreatic islets by promoting neogenesis from δ-cell precursors and ductal cells .
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Protecting β-cells: Reduced glucose toxicity-mediated apoptosis, preserving insulin-producing islets .
Key Findings (STZ Model):
| Parameter | BTC-Treated Mice | Saline-Treated Mice | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulin-positive cells | ↑ 50% on day 3 post-treatment | ↓ Over time | P < 0.05 |
| PDX-1/somatostatin+ cells | Markedly increased (precursor pool) | Scarce |
Neural Stem Cell Proliferation
Intraventricular infusion of BTC into adult mice stimulated neural stem cell (NSC) niches:
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SOX2+ cell proliferation: Enhanced growth of NSCs and precursor cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) .
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Dose-dependent effects: Optimal efficacy observed with continuous delivery via osmotic minipump .
Diabetes Therapy
BTC’s role in β-cell regeneration has been leveraged in drug delivery systems:
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MOF Zn(BTC)₄-EGCG complex: A metal-organic framework (MOF) loaded with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) showed improved glucose control in diabetic mice. BTC acts as a ligand in the MOF structure, enhancing EGCG’s bioavailability .
| Parameter | EGCG@MOF Zn(BTC)₄ | EGCG Alone |
|---|---|---|
| EGCG loading capacity | Maximized at 12 days (time-dependent) | Lower retention |
| Tumor targeting | Altered crystal structure, improved fragmentation for drug release | Not applicable |
Cancer and Genetic Models
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Biliary Tract Cancer (BTC): Mouse models of BTC (e.g., KRAS(G12V)-induced adenocarcinomas) recapitulate human pathology, aiding therapeutic testing .
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Antibody Development: Polyclonal antibodies (e.g., R&D Systems AF1025-SP) enable detection and neutralization of BTC in Western blot and immunohistochemistry .
β-Cell Regeneration Mechanisms
BTC promotes β-cell neogenesis via:
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Precursor pool expansion: PDX-1/somatostatin+ δ-cells differentiate into β-cells .
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Ductal cell proliferation: BrdU/cytokeratin+ cells increased in pancreatic ducts, supporting islet regeneration .
Critical Data (STZ Model):
| Day | BTC Dose | Insulin-positive islets | PDX-1/somatostatin+ cells |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.2 μg/g | No change | ↑ Precursor pool |
| 3 | 0.2 μg/g | ↑ 50% | ↑ Markedly |
| 17 | 0.2 μg/g | Slight increase | ↓ Over time |
Neural Stem Cell Activation
BTC infusion into the lateral ventricle:
Product Specs
(a) Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis.
(b) Sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis.
Product Science Overview
Betacellulin is a glycoprotein composed of approximately 80 amino acid residues . It is known for its role as a growth-promoting factor, particularly in the context of pancreatic beta cells . The mature form of Betacellulin is a ligand for the EGF receptor (ErbB-1) and can also interact with other members of the ErbB receptor family, including ErbB-2, ErbB-3, and ErbB-4 .
Recombinant Betacellulin (Mouse) is typically produced using bacterial expression systems, such as Escherichia coli . The recombinant protein is purified to high levels of purity, often exceeding 90% as determined by SDS-PAGE . The endotoxin levels are kept low to ensure the protein’s suitability for biological applications .
Recombinant Betacellulin is typically lyophilized and can be stored at -20°C to -80°C for extended periods . Upon reconstitution, it is recommended to store the protein under sterile conditions to maintain its stability and activity .
Betacellulin’s role as a potent growth factor and its interactions with the EGF receptor family make it a valuable tool in both basic and applied biological research.
