HB-EGF is an EGF related growth factor that signals through the EGF receptor, and stimulates the proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMC), fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and keratinocytes. HB-EGF is expressed in numerous cell types and tissues, including vascular endothelial cells and SMC, macrophages, skeletal muscle, keratinocytes, and certain tumor cells. The ability of HB-EGF to specifically bind heparin and heparin sulfate proteoglycans is distinct from other EGF-like molecules, and may be related to the enhanced mitogenic activity, relative to EGF, that HB-EGF exerts on smooth muscle cells. The human HB-EGF gene encodes a 208 amino acid transmembrane protein, which can be proteolytically cleaved to produce soluble HB-EGF. Recombinant human HB-EGF is a 9.7 kDa protein containing 86 amino acid residues, corresponding to the extra-cellular EGF-like and heparin binding domains of the full length HB-EGF protein.

Heparin binding EGF like growth factor has been used as a supplement in the preparation of astrocyte-enriched cultures.

HB-EGF is an EGF related growth factor that signals through the EGF receptor, and stimulates the proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMC), fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and keratinocytes. It is involved in the autocrine or paracrine stimulation of growth of several cells and in stromal proliferation. It has been found to induce tumor growth and angiogenesis and may be a potential therapeutic target. It is also found to be essential in the development of heart and lung.

DLQEADLDLL RVTLSSKPQA LATPNKEEHG KRKKKGKGLG KKRDPCLRKY KDFCIHGECK YVKELRAPS CICHPGYHGE RCHGLSL

Lyophilized from 10 mM Sodium Phosphate, pH 7.5.

Centrifuge the vial prior to opening. Reconstitute in water to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/ml. Do not vortex. This solution can be stored at 2-8°C for up to 1 week. For extended storage, it is recommended to further dilute in a buffer containing a carrier protein (example 0.1% BSA) and store in working aliquots at -20°C to -80°C.