FGF 2 Mouse

Fibroblast Growth Factor-Basic Mouse Recombinant
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Description

Neurogenesis and CNS Development

  • FGF-2 knockout (FGF-2⁻/⁻) mice exhibit reduced neuronal density in the motor cortex and delayed wound healing .

  • HMW FGF-2 regulates cortical architecture by modulating transcription factors like NANOG and GATA4 during embryonic development .

Cardiovascular System

  • FGF-2LMW knockout mice: Impaired left ventricular function, increased myocardial stiffness, and altered diastolic filling .

  • FGF-2HMW overexpression: Enhances capillary density and activates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways .

Bone Regeneration

  • FGF-2LMW promotes osteoblast proliferation but inhibits differentiation at low concentrations (10 ng/mL) .

  • HMW isoforms drive bone repair via FGFR1 signaling, with transgenic mice showing accelerated fracture healing .

Stem Cell Culture

  • FGF-2 is essential for maintaining undifferentiated embryonic stem cells by suppressing differentiation via gremlin-mediated BMP inhibition .

Mental Health

  • Both LMW and HMW FGF-2 isoforms reverse depression-like behaviors in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice by reducing oxidative stress and normalizing BDNF/FGFR1 signaling .

Disease Models

  • In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) models, FGF-2LMW depletion exacerbates motor deficits, while HMW isoforms show neuroprotective effects .

Product Specs

Introduction
Fibroblast growth factor-basic (FGF-basic), also known as FGF-2, is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. These proteins exhibit broad mitogenic and angiogenic activities, influencing various biological processes such as limb and nervous system development, wound healing, and tumor growth. FGF-basic mRNA undergoes alternative splicing and translation initiation, resulting in five isoforms with distinct properties. The isoforms initiated from a CUG codon are localized in the nucleus and contribute to intracrine effects, while the AUG-initiated isoform is primarily cytosolic, mediating paracrine and autocrine effects. FGFs act as potent mitogens for various cell types in vitro and exhibit angiogenic properties in vivo. Notably, the tissue distribution and concentration of different FGFs can vary.
Description
Recombinant Mouse Fibroblast Growth Factor-basic (FGF-2) is produced in E. coli. It is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain consisting of 146 amino acids, with a molecular mass of 16.3 kDa. The protein is purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Physical Appearance
Sterile white lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder.
Formulation
FGF-basic was lyophilized from a solution containing 5mM Na₂HPO₄ (pH 7.5) and 50mM NaCl.
Solubility
To reconstitute lyophilized Fibroblast Growth Factor-basic, it is recommended to dissolve the protein in sterile 18 MΩ·cm H₂O at a concentration of at least 100 µg/ml. This solution can then be further diluted into other aqueous solutions as needed.
Stability
Lyophilized Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 is stable at room temperature for up to 3 weeks; however, for long-term storage, it is recommended to store the lyophilized protein desiccated at temperatures below -18°C. After reconstitution, FGF-basic can be stored at 4°C for 2-7 days. For extended storage periods, it is advisable to store the protein at -18°C. To enhance stability during storage, consider adding a carrier protein such as 0.1% HSA or BSA. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Purity
The purity of the protein is greater than 95% as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis.
Biological Activity
The biological activity of FGF-basic was evaluated by measuring the dose-dependent proliferation of BALB/3T3 cells. The activity was determined to be less than 1 ng/ml, corresponding to a specific activity of 1,000,000 units/mg.
Protein Content
Protein concentration was determined using two independent methods: 1) UV spectroscopy at 280 nm, employing an absorbance value of 0.885 as the extinction coefficient for a 0.1% (1 mg/ml) solution. This value was calculated using the PC GENE computer analysis program for protein sequences (IntelliGenetics). 2) Analysis by RP-HPLC, using a calibrated solution of FGF-2 as a reference standard.
Synonyms

HBGF-2, Prostatropin, FGF-2, FGB-b.

Source
Escherichia Coli.
Amino Acid Sequence
MPALPEDGGA AFPPGHFKDP KRLYCKNGGF FLRIHPDGRV DGVREKSDPH VKLQLQAEER GVVSIKGVCA NRYLAMKEDG RLLASKCVTE ECFFFERLES NNYNTYRSRK YSSWYVALKR TGQYKLGSKT GPGQKAILFL PMSAKS.

Q&A

What are the key experimental models for studying FGF-2’s role in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration?

Answer:
Mouse models targeting FGF-2 signaling pathways provide critical insights into its dual role in neurodevelopment and neuroprotection. Three primary models are used:

Model TypeGenotypePhenotypeKey Applications
FGF-2 KnockoutFGF-2 −/−Increased DA neuron density during development; reduced survival post-lesion Assessing compensatory mechanisms in neurodevelopment vs. neurodegeneration
FGF-2 TransgenicTgFGF-2 +/−Reduced DA neuron density; enhanced protection against 6-OHDA toxicity Evaluating endogenous FGF-2 neuroprotection
FGFR3 HeterozygousFGFR3 +/−Reduced DA neuron numbers in substantia nigra Investigating receptor-specific signaling

These models highlight FGF-2’s context-dependent effects: while FGF-2 −/− mice show increased DA neuron density during development, they exhibit reduced survival post-6-OHDA lesion, suggesting failed compensatory mechanisms in adulthood . Transgenic mice (TgFGF-2 +/−) demonstrate enhanced neuroprotection, indicating FGF-2’s therapeutic potential in Parkinson’s disease models .

How does FGF-2 signaling differ in neurodevelopment vs. neurodegeneration scenarios?

Answer:
FGF-2 exhibits dual roles depending on the biological context:

ContextMechanismExperimental Evidence
DevelopmentRegulates DA neuron density and substantia nigra volume via FGFR3 signalingFGF-2 −/− mice show increased DA neurons, while TgFGF-2 +/− mice exhibit reduced density
NeurodegenerationProtects DA neurons from 6-OHDA toxicity; promotes neurogenesis in Alzheimer’s modelsTgFGF-2 +/− mice show enhanced survival post-lesion ; AAV2/1-FGF2 restores hippocampal neurogenesis in APP+PS1 mice

This dichotomy underscores the need for context-specific experimental designs:

  • Developmental studies require analysis of embryonic/adult FGF-2-deficient mice.

  • Neurodegeneration models should include neurotoxin (e.g., 6-OHDA, Aβ) exposure and assessments of neuroprotection/neurogenesis.

What methodological challenges arise when interpreting FGF-2 knockout vs. overexpression models?

Answer:
Interpreting FGF-2 mutant phenotypes requires addressing compensatory mechanisms and isoform-specific effects:

ChallengeMitigation StrategyExample
Compensation in FGF-2 −/− miceCross-comparison with FGFR3-deficient mice to isolate receptor-specific effectsFGFR3 +/− mice show reduced DA neurons, confirming FGFR3’s role in FGF-2 signaling
Variable overexpression outcomesQuantify FGF-2 isoforms (18kDa vs. 22kDa) via Western blot or ELISATgFGF-2 mice show reduced tyrosine hydroxylase expression despite FGF-2 overexpression
Strain-specific effectsUse littermate controls and standardize genetic backgrounds (e.g., C57BL/6J)FGF-2 −/− mice on 129P2/OlaHsd:Black Swiss vs. TgFGF-2 on FVB/N backgrounds

How does FGF-2 gene transfer enhance neurogenesis in Alzheimer’s disease models?

Answer:
FGF-2 gene delivery via AAV2/1 vectors promotes neurogenesis and Aβ clearance through multiple pathways:

MechanismExperimental EvidenceOutcome
NeurogenesisIncreased doublecortin+/BrdU+/NeuN+ cells in dentate gyrus Restored spatial memory in APP+PS1 mice
Aβ clearanceEnhanced microglial phagocytosis of Aβ oligomers Reduced fibrillar Aβ in hippocampus
Synaptic plasticityImproved long-term potentiation in J20 mice Enhanced c-fos expression

AAV2/1-FGF2 injection timing is critical:

  • Pre-symptomatic treatment: Prevents neurogenesis inhibition.

  • Post-symptomatic treatment: Reverses existing deficits .

What contradictions exist in FGF-2’s role in neurodevelopment vs. neurodegeneration?

Answer:
FGF-2’s effects are paradoxical across developmental vs. pathological contexts:

ContextObservationProposed Explanation
DevelopmentFGF-2 −/− mice: ↑ DA neurons Compensatory upregulation of other growth factors (e.g., BDNF)
NeurodegenerationFGF-2 −/− mice: ↓ DA neuron survival post-lesion Loss of FGF-2’s neurotrophic support in adulthood
Transgenic modelsTgFGF-2 +/− mice: ↓ DA neuron density Chronic overexpression may suppress DA differentiation

These contradictions highlight the non-linear dose-response relationship of FGF-2, necessitating time-dependent experimental designs to disentangle developmental vs. regenerative roles.

How does FGF-2 influence cardiovascular regulation in neural circuits?

Answer:
FGF-2 is critical for central blood pressure regulation via autonomic nervous system development:

MechanismExperimental EvidenceFunctional Impact
Neural circuit developmentFGF2 −/− mice: Hypotension; rescued by Wnt-1-driven cFGF2 expression in CNS Normalized blood pressure response to isoproterenol
Vascular smooth muscle signalingFGF-2 induces K⁺ channel-mediated vasodilation Dispensable for adult cardiovascular homeostasis

Key insight: FGF-2’s role in neural circuit formation during embryogenesis is essential for autonomic control of blood pressure, but not required for adult maintenance .

What technical considerations are critical when using FGF-2 in vitro/in vivo models?

Answer:
FGF-2’s isoform-specific activity and purity directly impact experimental outcomes:

ParameterSpecificationImpact
SourceRecombinant mouse FGF-2 (E. coli-derived; >98% purity) Avoids confounding factors from mammalian cell-derived contaminants
ActivityED₅₀ <1.5 ng/mL (3T3 proliferation assay) Standardize dosing across studies to ensure reproducibility
StabilityLyophilized storage at -20°C; avoid freeze-thaw cycles Minimize protein degradation during long-term experiments

In vivo delivery: AAV2/1-FGF2 shows efficient hippocampal targeting but requires optimization of serotype and titer to avoid off-target effects .

How does FGF-2 deficiency impact peripheral vs. central nervous system pathologies?

Answer:
FGF-2’s role varies significantly between PNS and CNS:

SystemPhenotypeMechanism
Peripheral Nervous SystemFGF-2 −/− mice: Normal development; impaired regeneration post-injury FGF-2 regulates Schwann cell responses to axonal damage
Central Nervous SystemFGF-2 −/− mice: Cerebral cortex defects; reduced DA neuron survival Required for neurogenesis and neuroprotection

Key takeaway: FGF-2 is dispensable for PNS development but essential for CNS plasticity, guiding targeted therapeutic strategies in peripheral vs. central neuropathies .

What unresolved questions remain in FGF-2’s neurobiological research?

Answer:

QuestionPotential ApproachRelevance
Why do FGF-2 KO mice show increased DA neurons developmentally?Compare transcriptional profiles of FGF-2 −/− vs. WT mice in embryonic SNpcClarify compensatory signaling pathways
How does FGF-2 modulate Aβ clearance in Alzheimer’s models?Use TgFGF-2 mice with Aβ-reporter systems to track microglial phagocytosisDevelop FGF-2-based AD therapies
Can FGF-2’s dual role in development/neurodegeneration be therapeutically exploited?Design inducible FGF-2 transgenes for stage-specific activationPrevent developmental toxicity while enhancing neuroprotection

These questions underscore the need for multi-omics approaches (e.g., single-cell RNA-seq, proteomics) to resolve FGF-2’s context-dependent signaling networks.

How should researchers validate FGF-2’s therapeutic efficacy in preclinical models?

Answer:
Therapeutic validation requires rigorous multi-parameter analysis:

ParameterAssessment MethodExample
NeuroprotectionStereological counting of DA neurons in SNpc; TH immunohistochemistry TgFGF-2 +/− mice: ↓ TH expression but ↑ survival post-6-OHDA
NeurogenesisBrdU/NeuN co-labeling; c-fos expression in dentate gyrus AAV2/1-FGF2: ↑ doublecortin+ cells in APP+PS1 mice
Behavioral outcomesRadial arm water maze; rotarod tests AAV2/1-FGF2: Improved spatial memory in Alzheimer’s models

Critical controls: Use dose-response curves and vehicle-injected littermates to rule out confounding variables .

Product Science Overview

Structure and Properties

FGF-2 is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain. The mouse recombinant version of FGF-2 is produced in E. coli and consists of 146 amino acids, with a molecular mass of approximately 16.3 kDa . The protein is highly purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques to ensure its bioactivity and stability.

Biological Functions

FGF-2 interacts with high-affinity transmembrane receptors, known as fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), to influence cell proliferation and tissue neovascularization . It is mitogenic for many cell types, both epithelial and mesenchymal, and shows potent angiogenic activity, which is crucial for wound healing and tissue regeneration .

Applications

Recombinant FGF-2 is widely used in cell culture applications due to its ability to promote cell growth and differentiation. It is particularly useful in the proliferation of adipose-derived mesenchymal cells and enhancing chondrogenesis in three-dimensional micromass culture . Additionally, FGF-2 has been implicated in tumor angiogenesis, making it a valuable tool in cancer research .

Storage and Handling

The lyophilized form of mouse FGF-2 should be stored at 2°C to 8°C, preferably desiccated. Once reconstituted, it should be stored at ≤-20°C to maintain its stability and bioactivity . It is essential to minimize freeze-thaw cycles to preserve the protein’s integrity.

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