Ca2+ plays a critical role in intracellular signaling. Intracellular Ca2+ levels are tightly controlled by continuos removal of Ca2+ via ATP-driven Ca2+ pump in the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane, and Ca2+ transport system, the Na+/Ca2+ exchangers (NCX), in the plasma membrane. NCX can move Ca2+ either into or out of cells, depending on the net Na+, Ca2+, and K+ gradient across the membrane. In most cells, 3 Na+ are exchanged for 1 Ca2+. In mammals, at least 5 distinct genes code for the exchangers: Three NCX (NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3), and two in the NCKX family (NCKX1 and NCKX2). NCX share significant sequence homology (~70%), display 11 TM domains, a large central, intracellular hydrophilic regulatory loop between TM5 and 6, extracellular N-terminus and cytoplasmic C-terminus. The N-terminal signal peptide is cleaved off from the mature exchanger protein.

In vertebrate photoreceptors, some neurons, and certain other cells, 3 K+ are transported in the same direction as Ca2+, with coupling ratio of 4 Na+ to 1 Ca2+ plus 1 K+ by new class of exchangers called NCKX for K+-dependent Na/Ca+2 exchangers. NCKX share the general topology and functional properties of NCX proteins. Rod exchangers also contains a large hydrophilic segment at the its N-terminus that is not found in NCX. NCKX1 (human 1099/1081 aa, bovine 1199 aa) is expressed in retinal rod cells. NCKX2 (rat 670 aa) shares 80% identity with NCKX1. The two hydrophilic loops are also much shorter in NKKX2 than in NCKX1, accounting largely for the difference between the size of the two proteins. NCKX2 is expressed in various regions of the brain (striatum, parietal cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, etc).

Suitable for use in ELISA, Antibody Blocking. Not suitable for use in Western Blot. Other applications not tested.

ELISA: 0.5-1ug/ml. Coat with 1ug Control Peptide. Antibody Blocking: 05-1ug/ml per 1ug N0559-03 (affinity purified antibody) or 1ul N0560-50 (antiserum).

Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.

May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage, 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.

Rat 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.