Recombinant Human Betacellulin

Betacellulin (BTC) is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of cytokines and appears to play a role in the growth and differentiation of pancreatic beta cells. BTC and Activin A synergistically can convert AR42J rat pancreatic cells from amylase-secreting cells to insulin-producing cells. Human BTC is initially synthesized as a glycosylated transmembrane precursor protein, which is then proteolytically cleaved to generate its mature form. At the amino acid sequence level, human mature BTC protein exhibits 80% identity with mouse BTC protein. BTC is expressed in most tissues including kidney, uterus, liver and pancreas. It is also present in bodily fluids, such as in serum, milk, and colostrum.