Recombinant Human Betacellulin (B268-GRP)

Betacellulin, also known as BTC, is a member of the EGF family of cytokines. BTC is initially synthesized as a glycosylated transmembrane precursor protein, which is processed by proteolytic cleavage to produce the mature sequence (1). Several tissues including kidney, liver, pancreas, uterus, small intestine as well as certain tumor cells express BTC (2). In addition, it can also be found in bodily fluids including serum, milk and colostrum (3). BTC is a potent mitogen for retinal pigment epithelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts (4). It also promotes pancreatic beta-cell growth and differentiation (5). The primary receptor for BTC is the receptor for EGF, specifically ErbB-1 and ErbB-4 (6).