Gibco™ Human Dkk-1 Recombinant Protein

Description

Carrier-Free Reconstitution: Centrifuge the vial briefly, before opening to bring the contents to the bottom. Reconstitute the lyophilized protein in sterile, distilled water to a concentration of 0.1-0.5 mg/mL. Apportion the reconstituted protein into working aliquots and store at ≤-20°C. Make any further dilutions of the reconstituted protein in low endotoxin medium or a buffered solution containing a carrier protein such as heat inactivated FCS or tissue culture grade BSA. Storage: Store the lyophilized protein at 2-8°C or -20°C long term, preferably desiccated. Upon reconstitution, apportion into working aliquots and store at ≤-20°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

DKK-1 is a member of the DKK protein family which also includes DKK-2, DKK-3 and DKK-4. DKK-1 was originally identified as a Xenopus head-forming molecule that behaves as an antagonist for Wnt signaling. Subsequent studies have shown that DKK-1 and DKK-4 play important regulatory roles in the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway by forming inhibitory complexes with LDL receptor-related proteins 5 and 6 (LRP5 and LRP6), which are essential components of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling system. LRP5 and LRP6 are single-pass transmembrane proteins that appear to act as co-receptors for Wnt ligands involved in the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling cascade. It has been suggested that by inhibiting Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, which is essential for posterior patterning in vertebrates, DKK-1 permits anterior development. This notion is supported by the finding that mice deficient of DKK-1 expression lack head formation and die during embryogenesis.