Anti-Nestin Antibody

Nestin is a member of the class IV intermediate filament protein family which is expressed in neuronal stem cells. The molecular weight of human Nestin as determined by SDS-PAGE mobility is about 240 kDa. However the real molecular weight is considerably less than this, at 177 kDa, the disparity being likely due to the highly charged region of the C-terminal segment. Nestin is relatively poorly conserved in protein sequence across species boundaries, so that the mouse and human proteins have an overall identity of only 62%. As a result antibodies to the human protein often fail to recognize the rodent homologue and vice versa. However this antibody stains both rodent and human Nestin. Antibodies to Nestin are widely used to identify neural stem cells.

Spin vial briefly before opening. Reconstitute with 100 μL sterile-filtered, ultrapure water to achieve a 1 mg/mL concentration. Centrifuge to remove any insoluble material. After reconstitution of lyophilized antibody, aliquot and store at -20°C for a higher stability. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

This antibody is specific for the 240 kDa Nestin protein by WB on developing rat brain (P18) homogenate. A much weaker band at approx. 90 kDa may also be seen. This is suggested to be a breakdown product of the 240 kDa band. Human, Rodent.