Proteins are organic molecules made from amino acids that exist in all living organisms. Proteins serve a range of vital biological functions, including: catalyzing metabolic reactions, transporting and storing molecules (such as oxygen), controlling growth and differentiation, and transmitting nerve impulses. Peptides are similar to proteins but are distinguished by their smaller size; they are short chains of amino acid monomers with fewer than fifty amino acids.
We offer over 8,000 natural and recombinant proteins and peptides, including: CD antigens, chemokines, cytokines, enzymes, growth factors, hormones, immunoglobin proteins, neurotrophins, signalling proteins, and viral and bacterial antigens. Our proteins and peptides are high purity reagents extracted from the tissues and fluids of multiple species or produced in mammalian, bacterial, or insect expression systems. Every product is validated with standard QC procedures and tested for bioactivity and low endotoxicity.
The Cluster of Differentiation (often abbreviated as CD) nomenclature system was designed to classify antigens found on the surface of a cell. CD antigens do not belong to any one class of molecule and their functions range from cell surface receptors and glycans, to enzymes and adhesion molecules.
Chemokines are a group of small cytokines (~ 8-10 kDa) which are secreted by cells and help influence both the innate and adaptive immune system. The term chemokine refers to their ability to induce chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells.
The term cytokine applies to a wide range of small proteins and peptides which are very important to cell signalling and are involved in a diverse range of functions, including: autocrine signalling, endocrine signalling, paracrine signalling, and anti-inflammatory pathways.
Enzymes are biological catalysts which accelerate the rate at which chemical reactions occur and are essential for digestion and metabolism. Most enzymes are proteins except for a few notable exceptions, such as, ribozymes which are catalytic RNA molecules.
Growth factors are signaling proteins that play key roles in cellular function, including: cell growth, proliferation, migration, mitogenesis, wound healing, and differentiation. Growth factors bind to receptors on the target cell and initiate biochemical cascades which regulate cellular processes.
Hormones are proteins, peptides, or lipids that are produced by an endocrine gland and released into the blood in order to elicit a specific response from cells, tissues, or organs in other parts of the body. Hormones bind to receptors on the target cell and initiate biochemical cascades which regulate cellular processes.
Neurotrophins are a subclass of growth factors that influence the survival, differentiation, development, and function of neurons in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Once secreted, neurotrophins either act by inducing differentiation of progenitor cells to form neurons or by preventing a neuron from initiating apoptosis.
Signaling proteins are involved in a variety of complex intracellular signaling pathways that function to regulate cellular processes and physiological effects. Popular signaling pathways include: MAPK / ERK, AMPK, Hedgehog, Hippo, JAK-STAT, mTor, Nodal, Notch, TGF beta, VEGF, and Wnt.
