Actin, a ubiquitous eukaryotic protein, is the major component of the cytoskeleton. At least six isoforms are known in mammals. Nonmuscle b- and y-actin, also known as cytoplasmic actin, are predominantly expressed in nonmuscle cells, controlling cell structure and motility. a-cardiac and a-skeletal actin are expressed in striated cardiac and skeletal muscles, respectively; two smooth muscle actins, a- and y-actin, are found primarily in vascular smooth muscle and enteric smooth muscle, respectively. These actin isoforms regulate the contractile potential of muscle cells. Actin exists mainly as a fibrous polymer, F-actin. In response to cytoskeletal reorganizing signals during processes such as cytokinesis, endocytosis, or stress, cofilin promotes fragmentation and depolymerization of F-actin, resulting in an increase in the monomeric globular form, G-actin. The ARP2/3 complex stabilizes F-actin fragments and promotes formation of new actin filaments. Research studies have shown that actin is hyperphosphorylated in primary breast tumors. Cleavage of actin under apoptotic conditions has been observed in vitro and in cardiac and skeletal muscle, as shown in research studies. Actin cleavage by caspase-3 may accelerate ubiquitin/proteasome-dependent muscle proteolysis.

Applications:
Suitable for use in Western Blot. Other applications not tested.

Recommended Dilutions:
Western Blot: 1:1000. Incubate membrane with diluted antibody in 5% nonfat dry milk, 1X TBS, 0.1% Tween-20 at 4°C with gentle shaking, overnight.
Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.

Storage and Stability:
Store product at 4°C if to be used immediately within two weeks. For long-term storage, aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing and store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable at -20°C for 12 months after receipt. Dilute required amount only prior to immediate use. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer. Note: Sodium azide is a potent inhibitor of peroxidase and should not be added to HRP conjugates. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.