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Recombinant human activin E PLUS™ protein

QK067

Brand: Qkine

Human recombinant activin E PLUS protein is an optimised biologically active truncation of the mature domain of human activin E protein.  Activin E is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily, a group of proteins that play key roles in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and inflammation. The tag-free form of activin E PLUS is of significant interest for drug discovery across various fields. An Avi-tag version, recombinant human activin E PLUS Avi-tag protein (Qk082), is also available upon request.

High purity 23.2 kDa dimer comprising truncated mature domain, animal origin-free (AOF) and carrier-protein free (CF).

Currency: 

Product name Catalog number Pack size Price Price (USD) Price (GBP) Price (EUR)
Recombinant human activin E PLUS™ protein, 25 µg QK067-0025 25 µg (select above) $ 355.00 £ 255.00 € 298.00
Recombinant human activin E PLUS™ protein, 50 µg QK067-0050 50 µg (select above) $ 515.00 £ 380.00 € 444.00
Recombinant human activin E PLUS™ protein, 100 µg QK067-0100 100 µg (select above) $ 760.00 £ 560.00 € 655.00
Recombinant human activin E PLUS™ protein, 500 µg QK067-0500 500 µg (select above) $ 3,100.00 £ 2,300.00 € 2,687.00
Recombinant human activin E PLUS™ protein, 1000 µg QK067-1000 1000 µg (select above) $ 4,950.00 £ 3,600.00 € 4,205.00

Note: prices shown do not include shipping and handling charges.

Qkine company name and logo are the property of Qkine Ltd. UK.

Alternative protein names
INHBE
Activin beta-E chain
Inhibin beta E chain
Species reactivity
human

Summary

  • Highly pure optimised form of the mature domain of activin E (UniProt number: P58166)
  • >98%, by SDS-PAGE quantitative densitometry
  • Source: Expressed in E. coli
  • 23.2 kDa, dimer
  • Animal origin-free (AOF) and carrier protein-free
  • Manufactured in Cambridge, UK
  • Lyophilized from ACN/TFA
  • Resuspend in 10 mM HCl at >100 µg/ml (provided with protein and free of charge), prepare single-use aliquots, add carrier protein if desired and store frozen at -20°C or -80°C
Handling and Storage FAQ

Featured applications

  • Drug discovery in endocrinology
  • Drug discovery in inflammation
  • Drug discovery in metabolism
  • Development of metabolic therapeutics
  • Cell growth, differentiation, and inflammation 

Bioactivity

Qkine Activin E PLUS bioassay (Qk067)

Recombinant activin E PLUS activity was determined using a Smad reporter assay in HEK293 cells co-transfected with the activin E co-receptor ALK7. Cells were treated in triplicate with a serial dilution of activin E PLUS for 6 hours. Firefly activity was measured and normalised to the control Renilla luciferase activity. Data from Qk067 lot 204646. EC50 = 0.16 ng/ml (6.8 pM).

Purity

Qkine Activin E PLUS SDS page (Qk067)

Recombinant activin E PLUS migrates as a major band at approximately 23 kDa (dimer) in non-reducing (NR) conditions. Upon reduction (R), only the monomer band at approximately 12 kDa is visible. No contaminating protein bands are present. The purified recombinant protein (3 µg) was resolved using 15% w/v SDS-PAGE in reduced (+β-mercaptoethanol, R) and non-reduced (NR) conditions and stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R250. Data from Qk067 lot #204646.

Further quality assays

  • Mass spectrometry, single species with the expected mass
  • Endotoxin: <0.005 EU/μg protein (below the level of detection)
  • Recovery from stock vial: >95%

Protein background

Activin E is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, a group of proteins that play a key role in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and inflammation. Like other activins, activin E is a dimeric protein, consisting of two subunits connected by a disulfide bond. These subunits are produced from precursor molecules that undergo cleavage to form the active protein. Activin E has a characteristic cystine knot motif, common in the TGF-beta family and crucial for its function [1].

Activin E was initially identified for its role in reproductive biology but has since been implicated in broader biological processes, including metabolic regulation. It is primarily expressed in the liver and has been implicated in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism [2,3]. It has been detected in adipose tissue and the gastrointestinal tract.

Activin E signals through the ALK7 receptor in liver and adipose tissues, specifically using the ActRIIA and ActRIIB receptors, while resisting antagonists like follistatin [1]. Receptor binding activates the SMAD2/3 pathway in adipocytes, linking it to adipose tissue regulation and positioning it as a potential target for treating obesity and metabolic disorders by enhancing insulin sensitivity and thermogenesis. Blocking activin E may also serve as an anti-diabetic strategy by improving adipose energy metabolism [1].

Activin E shares functions with other activins, such as enhancing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) binding in the ovarian follicle, promoting spermatogenesis, and participating in androgen synthesis. These varied roles make it a protein of interest for drug discovery across multiple fields, including endocrinology, metabolism, and inflammation. Understanding the activin E signaling pathways and biological effects could open new avenues for therapeutic interventions in obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases [2].

Background references

  1. Vestal, K. A. et al. Activin E is a transforming growth factor β ligand that signals specifically through activin receptor-like kinase 7. Biochem. J. 481, 547–564 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1042/BCJ20230404
  2. Griffin, J. D. et al. Hepatic Activin E mediates liver-adipose inter-organ communication, suppressing adipose lipolysis in response to elevated serum fatty acids. Mol. Metab. 78, 101830 (2023). doi: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101830
  3. Hashimoto, O. et al. Activin E controls energy homeostasis in both brown and white adipose tissues as a hepatokine. Cell Rep. 25, 1193–1203 (2018). doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.10.008