Anti-QPRT Antibody Picoband®

This gene encodes a key enzyme in catabolism of quinolinate, an intermediate in the tryptophan-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide pathway. Quinolinate acts as a most potent endogenous exitotoxin to neurons. Elevation of quinolinate levels in the brain has been linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and Huntington's disease. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants.

Expressed in immune system and fetal brain, but not in other tissues tested or in multiple hematopoietic cell lines. Predominantly expressed in skin keratinocytes but not in fibroblasts, endothelial cells or melanocytes. Increased in lesional psoriasis skin.

Cytokine that binds to and signals through the IL1RL2/IL-36R receptor which in turn activates NF-kappa-B and MAPK signaling pathways in target cells linked to a pro-inflammatory response. Part of the IL-36 signaling system that is thought to be present in epithelial barriers and to take part in local inflammatory response; similar to the IL-1 system with which it shares the coreceptor IL1RAP. Seems to be involved in skin inflammatory response by acting on keratinocytes, dendritic cells and inly on T-cells to drive tissue infiltration, cell maturation and cell proliferation. In cultured keratinocytes induces the expression of macrophage, T-cell, and neutrophil chemokines, such as CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL2, CCL17, CCL22, CL20, CCL5, CCL2, CCL17, CCL22, CXCL8, CCL20 and CXCL1, and the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-8 and IL-6. In cultured monocytes upregulates expression of IL-1A, IL-1B and IL-6. In myeloid dendritic cells involved in cell maturation by upregulating surface expression of CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR. In monocyte-derived dendritic cells facilitates dendritic cell maturation and drives T-cell proliferation. May play a role in proinflammatory effects in the lung.

1. Fukuoka, S.-I., Nyaruhucha, C. M., Shibata, K. Characterization and functional expression of the cDNA encoding human brain quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1395: 192-201, 1998.

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 freezing and thawing.