Anti-Cystatin C/CST3 Antibody Picoband®

Cystatin C or cystatin 3, a protein encoded by the CST3 gene, is mainly used as a biomarker of kidney function. Recently, it has been studied for its role in predicting new-onset or deteriorating cardiovascular disease. It also seems to play a role in brain disorders involving amyloid, such as Alzheimer's disease. In humans, all cells with a nucleus (cell core containing the DNA) produce cystatin C as a chain of 120 amino acids. It is found in virtually all tissues and body fluids. It is a potent inhibitor of lysosomal proteinases (enzymes from a special subunit of the cell that break down proteins) and probably one of the most important extracellular inhibitors of cysteine proteases (it prevents the breakdown of proteins outside the cell by a specific type of protein degrading enzymes) . Cystatin C belongs to the type 2 cystatin gene family.

Expressed in submandibular and sublingual saliva but not in parotid saliva (at protein level) . Expressed in various body fluids, such as the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma. Expressed in highest levels in the epididymis, vas deferens, brain, thymus, and ovary and the lowest in the submandibular gland.

Apoptosis, Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular, Caspases, Cell Biology, Cell Type Markers, Intracellular, Neural Stem Cells, Stem Cells, Tags & Cell Markers, Tumor Associated

As an inhibitor of cysteine proteinases, this protein is thought to serve an important physiological role as a local regulator of this enzyme activity.

1. Abrahamson, M., Grubb, A. Increased body temperature accelerates aggregation of the leu68-to-gln mutant cystatin C, the amyloid-forming protein in hereditary cystatin C amyloid angiopathy. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 91: 1416-1420, 1994. 2. Crawford, F. C., Freeman, M. J., Schinka, J. A., Abdullah, L. I., Gold, M., Hartman, R., Krivian, K., Morris, M. D., Richards, D., Duara, R., Anand, R., Mullan, M. J. A polymorphism in the cystatin C gene is a novel risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Neurology 55: 763-768, 2000.

Store at -20°C for one year from date of receipt. After reconstitution, at 4°C for one month. It can also be aliquotted and stored frozen at -20°C for six months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.