Hormones
Product List
Recombinant Mouse Prolactin (Prl) (Active)
Recombinant mouse Prolactin (PRL) is an active protein expressed in E. coli. The gene encoding mouse PRL (amino acids 30-226) was cloned into an expression vector and transformed into E. coli cells. The protein is produced through cell culture, extracted via cell lysis, and purified using affinity chromatography. Purity is assessed via SDS-PAGE and exceeds 98%. Endotoxin content is less than 1.0 EU/µg as determined by the LAL method. Activity is validated by a cell proliferation assay.
PRL plays a crucial role in stress responses and enhances the production of aldosterone and glucocorticoids in various species including rats, guinea pigs, mice, pigs, and humans [1]. In mice and rats, the PRL locus encodes a family of proteins with hormonal and cytokine activities that contribute to the regulation of reproduction [2]. PRL concentrations in the circulation of mice exhibit a well-defined pattern throughout pregnancy [3]. Research studies have shown that PRL signaling mechanisms can be investigated using models like Nb2 cells and mouse mammary gland explants, where PRL influences cell mitogenesis and milk product synthesis [4][5]. Additionally, PRL inhibits cell growth and mineralization in human osteoblasts [6].
PRL is implicated in mammary gland development and tumorigenesis. Mice with disrupted PRL genes exhibit arrested mammary gland development and reduced tumor growth [7]. The hormone activates signaling pathways in mammary tumor cell lines and normal mammary epithelial cells [8]. Furthermore, PRL has been shown to stimulate cell proliferation through specific receptor activation and ion channel modulation [9].
References:
[1] Lefrançois-Martinez, A., Blondet-Trichard, A., Binart, N., Val, P., Chambon, C., Sahut-Barnola, I., et al. (2011). Transcriptional control of adrenal steroidogenesis. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 286(38), 32976-32985. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.m111.218016
[2] Bu, P., Alam, S., Dhakal, P., Vivian, J., & Soares, M. (2016). A prolactin family paralog regulates placental adaptations to a physiological stressor1. Biology of Reproduction, 94(5). https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod.115.138032
[3] Swartz, S., Ogren, L., & Talamantes, F. (1986). The sensitivity of prolactin secretion to dopamine changes during pregnancy in mice. Acta Endocrinologica, 111(4), 567-571. https://doi.org/10.1530/acta.0.1110567
[4] Camarillo, I., & Rillema, J. (1997). Lovastatin inhibits prolactin-induced nb2 cell mitogenesis and milk product synthesis in mouse mammary gland explants. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 216(1), 98-103. https://doi.org/10.3181/00379727-216-44162
[5] Golden, K., & Rillema, J. (1995). Effects of prolactin on galactosyl transferase and -lactalbumin mrna accumulation in mouse mammary gland explants. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 209(4), 392-396. https://doi.org/10.3181/00379727-209-43913
[6] Seriwatanachai, D., Krishnamra, N., & Leeuwen, J. (2009). Evidence for direct effects of prolactin on human osteoblasts: inhibition of cell growth and mineralization. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 107(4), 677-685. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcb.22161
[7] Vomachka, A., Pratt, S., Lockefeer, J., & Horseman, N. (2000). Prolactin gene-disruption arrests mammary gland development and retards t-antigen-induced tumor growth. Oncogene, 19(8), 1077-1084. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.onc.1203348
[8] Clevenger, C., Furth, P., Hankinson, S., & Schuler, L. (2003). The role of prolactin in mammary carcinoma. Endocrine Reviews, 24(1), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2001-0036
[9] Coppenolle, F., Skryma, R., Ouadid-Ahidouch, H., Slomianny, C., Roudbaraki, M., Delcour, P., et al. (2004). Prolactin stimulates cell proliferation through a long form of prolactin receptor and k+ channel activation. Biochemical Journal, 377(3), 569-578. https://doi.org/10.1042/bj20030859
Introduction
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system. They travel through the bloodstream to target organs and tissues, where they regulate various physiological processes. Hormones can be classified into three main categories based on their chemical composition:
Key Biological Properties: Hormones have low molecular weight, act in low concentrations, and are soluble in water, allowing them to be transported via blood . They are not stored beforehand and are secreted in response to specific stimuli.
Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: Hormones are produced by various glands, including the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas. Each gland produces specific hormones that target different tissues and organs .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Hormones interact with specific receptors on target cells. These interactions can be categorized into two types:
- Lipid-Soluble Hormones: These hormones diffuse through the plasma membrane and bind to intracellular receptors, altering gene expression .
- Water-Soluble Hormones: These hormones bind to cell-surface receptors, initiating intracellular signaling cascades .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: Hormone-receptor binding triggers a series of events inside the cell, including protein synthesis, enzyme activation or deactivation, and changes in cell permeability .
Control of Expression and Activity: Hormone levels are regulated by feedback mechanisms. Negative feedback loops maintain hormone concentrations within a narrow range, while positive feedback loops amplify hormone production in response to specific stimuli .
Transcriptional Regulation and Post-Translational Modifications: Hormones can influence gene expression by binding to DNA and regulating transcription. Post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, can also modulate hormone activity .
Biomedical Research: Hormones are used to study various physiological processes and disease mechanisms. For example, insulin is crucial in diabetes research .
Diagnostic Tools: Hormone levels are measured to diagnose endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism and diabetes .
Therapeutic Strategies: Hormone replacement therapies are used to treat conditions like hypothyroidism, menopause, and growth hormone deficiencies .
Development to Aging and Disease: Hormones play a vital role throughout the life cycle. During development, they regulate growth and differentiation. In adulthood, they maintain homeostasis and reproductive functions. As individuals age, hormone levels decline, contributing to age-related changes and diseases .
