SURFACTANT PROTEIN C (SP-C, Pro, SFTPC, SFTP2)

There are four surfactant-specific proteins, designated surfactant protein A (SP-A), SP-B, SP-C and SP-D respectively. SP-A and SP-D are hydrophilic surfactant proteins and are members of the collectin family. SP-B and SP-C are hydrophobic surfactant proteins and may be the most appropriate indicators for the evolutionary origin of surfactant. SP-C is a 34-35 amino acid peptide, of 4kD that is proteolytically processed from a 21kD precursor protein. SP-C is initiated early in the embryogenic period of lung formation, where SP-C transcripts are detected uniformly in epithelial cells lining the primitive airways. During lung development SP-C expression is decreased in cells of the proximal conducting portion of the lung. Ultimately SP-C is expressed selectively in type II epithelial cells in the alveolus of the lung. SP-C is secreted into the airspace where it enhances the spreading and stability of surfactant phospholipids in the alveolus. SP-C plays an important role in the spreading and stabilization of phospholipid films in the alveolus. SP-C is essential for air-breathing in mammals and is therefore largely conserved. Deficiency of SP-C and other surfactant components is associated with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants and adults with respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Applications: Suitable for use in Western Blot and Immunohistochemistry. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Western Blot: 1:50 Immunohistochemistry (frozen and paraffin): 1:50 Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, aliquot and store at -20 degrees C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months at -20 degrees 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.