Iron is an essential element for a variety physiological process. A variety of proteins are involved in the transport of iron. Most dietary iron exists in the form of ferric iron complexes which must be reduced to yield ferrous ion before it can be taken up by protein transporters such as DCT1 (divalent cation transporter)/NRAMP2/DMT1. These transporters are especially active in small intestine where most dietary iron absorption is conducted. Ferrous Fe (II) is very unstable at physiological pH and quickly oxidized to ferric Fe (III). Therefore, highly specialized transmembrane electron transport system, maintained by ferric reductases, is required for the availability of intracellular ferrous ion. A number of ferric reductases have been identified in yeast, plants, and bacteria but the identity of such proteins remained unknown in the mammals. Most recently, a new gene called Dcytb (for duodenal cytochrome b) has been cloned and characterized in mouse duodenum that may function as mammalian ferric reductase. Dcytb (human 286aa, rat 290aa) is a 6-transmembrane domains protein with ~45% sequence identity with cytochrome b561 reductase. No sequence homology exists with plant and yeast Dcytb. The N-terminus of mouse Dcytb is almost identical with the rabbit's p30 protein called cytochrome b558. Putative biding sites for cytochrome b561 substrates (ascorbic acid and semidehydroascorbic acid) are partially conserved in Dcytb and b561. Unlike most proteins involved in iron metabolism, Dcytb gene lacks a definable iron-responsive element. Dcytb is highly expressed in the brush border membrane of duodenal entrecotes.

Suitable for use in ELISA, Antibody Blocking. Not suitable for use in Western Blot due to low molecular weight. Other applications not tested.

Antibody Blocking: 5-10ug per 1ul D9830-25 (antiserum) or per 1ug D9830-30 (affinity purified antibody). ELISA: 1ug/ml to coat ELISA plates. Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.

May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage, aliquot and store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for at least 6 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.

Mouse, synthetic peptide

Highly purified

~1mg/ml

Supplied as a liquid in PBS, pH 7.2, 0.1% sodium azide.

This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications without the expressed written authorization of United States Biological.