cGMP-dependent Protein kinase Alfa

Protein kinases are a group of enzymes that transfer a phosphate group generally form ATP onto proteins, in a process called phosphorylation. This functions as an on/off switch for many cellular processes, including metabolism, transcription, cell cycle progression, cytoskeletal rearrangement and cell movement, apoptosis, and differentiation (1). They also function in embryonic development, physiological responses, and in the nervous and immune system. Abnormal phosphorylation causes many human diseases, including cancer, and drugs that affect phosphorylation can treat those diseases.  Protein kinases possess a catalytic subunit which transfers the gamma phosphate from nucleoside triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. These enzymes fall into two broad classes, characterized with respect to substrate specificity: serine/threonine specific and tyrosine specific. The vasodialator stimulated phosphoprotein is an in vitro substrate for c-GMP dependent PKG.Thus phosphorylation of VASP is regulated by PKG.

Protein kinase G (PKG) is a member of protein kinase family that is activated by cGMP nucleotides. The activated c-GMP dependent PKG is a pre-requisite for most of the cellular actions of nitric oxide soluble guanylate cyclase pathway.  It plays an important role in regulating cardiovascular, vision, olfaction, neuronal functions and other cellular signal transduction. Fibronectin an extracellular matrix protein up regulates c-GMP dependent PKG through activation of CREBP transcription factor in contractile cells. PKG phosphorylates IP3 receptor and thus regulates its function in vascular smooth muscles and indirectly regulates intracellular ca+2 levels.  PKG is also activated by PKC. PKG is expressed in three variants form PKGalfa, gamma and PKGII, the PKGalfa is widely expressed in tissues.

The PKGalfa subunit is a 671 aa (81kDa) protein.  The PKG-selective antibody was generated against a peptide from the C-terminal peptide unique to PKGalfa subunit. PKG antibodies are affinity purified on immobilized antigen affinity matrix, the affinity purified epitope specific PKGalfa antibody strongly labels a 81kDa PKGalfa subunit protein in PC-PKGa sample.   FabGennix Inc. will conjugate this and other catalog antibodies with enzymes and fluorescent probes upon request at a nominal extra charge.   FabGennix Inc. also provides antibodies against many other ser/threo kinases, for a complete listing please visit our catalog at www.fabgennix.com.  FabGennix Inc., employs cyclic peptide methodology for generating antibodies, which results in higher titer and specificity (6).  FabGennix, Inc., will also provide Western blot positive controls for phosphor and non-phospho ACK1 in ready-to-use buffer for easy identification of respective proteins.  Limited quantities of antigens are also available.  Please enquire for their availability before ordering.

Reactivity:         This antibody detects a strong 81kDa PKG band in PC-PKG samples.  The antibody also reacts to a weak 55kDa and 44kDa proteins, the identity of this protein is not fully  known but could represent limited proteolytic activity in PC-PKG samples.   

Protocols:              Standard protocol for various applications (WB, IMM and IHC) of this antibody is provided with the product specification sheet, however, FabGennix Int. Inc.

Form/Storage:     The antiserum is supplied in antibody stabilization buffer with 0.02% sodium azide.  For long-term storage of antibodies, store at -20^oC.  FabGennix Int. Inc. does not recommend storage of very dilute antibody solutions unless they are prepared in specially formulated multi use antibody dilution buffer (Cat # DilUbuffer).  Working solutions of antibodies in DilUbuffer should be filtered through 0.45¿Ý filter after every use for long-term storage.

For research use only, not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.