Hemopexin, Recombinant Human (HPX, HX, Beta-1B-glycoprotein, FLJ56652, Hemo)

Hemopexin (HPX) is a 60kD plasma glycoprotein with two four-bladed b-propeller folds. This structural motif has been found in other proteins including collagenases and provides sites for protein-protein interactions (1-3). The liver is the major synthesizing organ. Expression in the central nervous system, in the retina, and in peripheral nerves has also been observed. Hemopexin belongs to the family of the acute-phase proteins whose synthesis is induced after an inflammatory event. Hemopexin participates in maintaining and recycling the iron pool by utilizing its high binding affinity toward heme composed of protoporphyrin IX and iron. It also functions in preventing oxidation caused by heme after hemolysis. Hydrophobic heme molecules can intercalate into lipid membranes and participate in the oxidation of lipid membrane components through the Fenton reaction resulting in lipid peroxidation. Hemopexin undergoes a conformational change upon the binding of heme. The conformational change allows hemopexin to interact with a specific receptor, forming a complex which is then internalized. In the plasma, It is likely that heme binds albumin (35-55 g/L) first because of the higher concentration of albumin in plasma than hemopexin (0.5-1.2 g/L), and is then transferred to hemopexin, which has much higher affinity (Kd ~ 1 pM) toward heme. Heme concentrations in plasma increase after hemolysis, which is associated with several pathological conditions such as reperfusion injury and ischemia. The purified, secreted rhHemopexin has the N-terminal sequence of T24PLPPTSAHG. The 445 amino acid residue rhHemopexin predicts a molecular mass of 50kD and migrates as a 71kD band in SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. Source: NS0-derived recombinant human Hemopexin with a C-terminal 6X His tag. Activity: Measured by its ability to bind protoporphyrin IX (PPP-IX). See Assay Protocol on the next page for details. Under the described conditions, rhHemopexin binds > 6uM PPP-IX, resulting in 50% decrease in the fluorescence signal of rhHemopexin. Endotoxin: (same/less than) 1EU/ug of the enzyme as determined by the LAL method. Storage: Samples are stable for up to six months at -20 to -70 degrees C from the date of receipt. Upon receiving, the protein can be aliquoted and stored at -20 to -70 degrees C in a manual defrost freezer for three months without a significant loss of activity. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.