StemBeads® Qkine GDNF

Product: Qk-SBGD1 Category:

£290.00

StemBeads® Qkine GDNF is a patented growth factor supplement that offers a novel way to culture cells with native GDNF more efficiently, with greater control and fewer medium changes. StemBeads® Qkine GDNF has been tested on neural progenitor cell (NPC) media, including neural progenitor expansion medium (NPEM), with enhanced cellular profiles.

StemBeads® revolutionary controlled-release protein technology combined with Qkine high purity and bioactivity animal origin-free growth factors and cytokines stabilizes growth factor levels for increased cell culture consistency and reproducibility.

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£290.00

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1000 µg will be dispatched as 2 x 500 µg.

Buy online with secure credit card or purchase order. For any questions, please email ryan.weber@matriqx.com

Summary:

  • High purity GDNF (Uniprot: P39905)
  • Micro-encapsulated high purity protein

  • StemBeads® technology for controlled-release

  • Lot-to-lot consistency in bioactivity

  • Product supplied in liquid form

Featured applications:

  • Neural differentiation from pluripotent stem cells

  • Differentiation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons

Alternative protein names
Species reactivity
Frequently used together
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We are a company founded and run by scientists to provide a service and support innovation in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.  All our products are exceptionally high purity, with complete characterisation and bioactivity analysis on every lot.

Protein background

StemBeads® Qkine GDNF is a patented growth factor supplement that offers a novel way to culture cells with native Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor more efficiently, with greater control and fewer medium changes. GDNF is key for supporting neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and neuronal differentiation. StemBeads® Qkine GDNF are microbeads composed of an FDA approved, biodegradable PLGA polymer that is loaded with Qkine recombinant human GDNF (Qk051) and release the encapsulated protein at a constant rate. Controlled delivery and stable levels overcome the 34 minute half-life (Figure 1) of GDNF and improve cell cultures while saving researchers valuable time and resources.

StemBeads are a revolutionary controlled-release growth factor technology. The StemBeads product is currently used for improved cell culture in more than 100 scientific laboratories globally. StemBeads technology encapsulates a growth factor in a PLGA hydrogel that stabilizes the protein and releases it steadily over several days. With growth factor levels stabilized, spontaneous differentiation is reduced, pluripotency is increased, and feeding schedules are reduced to only 2-3 times per week. StemBeads are added to your medium to achieve a desired growth factor release, sustained over several days. Following, the beads are washed from the culture, the medium is replaced, and the process repeated as required.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a neurotrophic factor and a member of the GDNF family of ligands (GFL) which include neurturin, artemin, and persephin [1,2]. GFLs regulate several biological processes including cell survival, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell migration, and neurite outgrowth [1,3,4]. GDNF protein plays a crucial role in the development, growth, and survival of neurons in particular midbrain dopaminergic neurons [5]. It promotes the axon growth and innervation of dopamine neurons. It also facilitates the differentiation of neural progenitors to astrocytes and is involved in neuroprotection[6,7]. In addition, it is involved in kidney development and spermatogenesis [8,9].

In cell culture, GDNF supports the survival and growth of neurons and astrocytes. It is used in combination with other growth factors to differentiate human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors into neurons and astrocytes. GDNF is used for the differentiation, survival, and maturation of dopaminergic neurons with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), FGF-8a/FGF-8b, and Shh [10-13]. Glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons are obtained with combinations of BDNF, GDNF, NT-3, or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) [14-16]. Also, the culture of cortical organoids requires BDNF and GDNF for maturation [17,18]. Finally, it can be used to generate and maintain astrocytes along with ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) [19-21].

Background references

Additional resources

FAQ

Will StemBeads® interfere with my downstream application of the cells?

StemBeads® can be easily removed prior to analysis by washing 1-2 times with PBS, DMEM, F12 or any other basal medium preferred. For suspension cultures, there are a variety of strainer pore sizes to allow for separation. Cells cultured with StemBeads® have been used in a variety of downstream applications, including but not limited to: immunofluorescence, FACS, RNA/DNA extraction, nucleofection, differentiation etc.

What if I want to use a different concentration, can the protein release be adjusted?

The protein concentration can be adjusted based on the number of StemBeads® that you use. The release rate has a linear correlation with the amount of StemBeads® used. For example, 8 µl of StemBeads® per ml of media releases at a concentration of 10 ng/ml. However, if you desire half of that concentration, such as 5 ng/ml, then adjust the concentration to 4 µl of StemBeads® per ml media to achieve the concentration of 5 ng/ml.

How often do I change media when using StemBeads®?

With growth factor levels stabilized, spontaneous differentiation is reduced, pluripotency is increased, and feeding schedules are reduced to only 2-3 times per week. StemBeads are added to your medium to achieve a desired growth factor release, sustained over several days. Following, the beads are washed from the culture, the medium is replaced, and the process repeated as required.

The pH indicator in my growth medium appears very yellow when not changing media daily. Is this a problem?

No, this is not a problem or indication of cell quality. Extensive testing has been performed to access the cell quality when using StemBeads®. All phenotypic and functional assays have shown cell quality as good or better than current feeding regimens. For best assessment of cells, wash cells once prior to observation.

How is GDNF used in cell culture?

GDNF is used as a growth factor which is supplemented in cell culture media to promote the differentiation, growth, and maturation of dopaminergic neurons.

How is GDNF used to treat Parkinson’s disease?

GDNF has shown potential therapeutic applications for Parkinson’s disease. Clinical trials using it has shown improved motor function which could slow the progression of the disease.

What is the difference between NGF, GDNF and BDNF?

NGF, GDNF, and BDNF are all part of the neurotrophins or neurotrophic factors family. They all regulate the development, growth, and survival of neurons and have more specific roles. NGF is associated with the growth and maintenance of sensory and sympathetic neurons. BDNF and GDNF are both associated with dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic neurons. In addition, BDNF plays a crucial role in synapses formation whereas GDNF is involved in the growth and maintenance of other glial cells such as astrocytes.

What is the function of GDNF?

GDNF protein plays a crucial role in the development, growth, and survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons.

Which cells release GDNF?

GDNF is mainly released by glial cells such as astrocytes, Schwann cells, and satellite cells.

Our products are for research use only and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Products are not for resale.

For use in manufacturing of cellular or gene therapy products. Not intended for in vivo applications.

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