B-Raf (N-terminus) polyclonal, anti-human, mouse, rat

Background:
The Ras-Raf-MAP kinase signaling pathway is involved in control of cell proliferation and differentiation. The Raf kinase family includes A-Raf, B-Raf, and C-Raf. Each family member has three highly conserved regions (CR1-3). The N-terminal CR1 contains the Ras-GTP-binding domain. The CR2 contains a negative regulatory serine residue (C-Raf (S259)/B-Raf(S365)) that may bind 14-3-3 proteins. The CR3 is the catalytic domain that contains phosphorylation sites for Raf-regulating enzymes within two segments, the N-region and the activation segment. Activation of C-Raf involves phosphorylation at many sites including Ser-338, Tyr-341, and multiple catalytic domain sites. In B-Raf, multiple phosphorylation sites have been identified, but their specific roles are uncertain. Phosphorylation of Ser-446 may prime B-Raf for activation, and Ser-446 and/or Ser-447 phosphorylation may be critical for B-Raf biological activity during PC12 differentiation. Ser-579 is required for growth factor activation and kinase activity. Thus, multiple sites of phosphorylation within Rafs may be important for regulation of their activity.

Immunogen: A synthetic peptide (coupled to KLH) corresponding to amino acid residues in the N-terminus of human B-Raf. This sequence has high homology with similar regions in rat and mouse B-Raf, and has low homology to other Raf family members.

Specificity: This antibody was affinity purified using B-Raf (N-terminus) peptide (without carrier). The antibody detects 105 and 95 kDa* bands corresponding to the molecular mass of B-Raf. The doublet observed in Jurkat cells may represent multipe isoforms of the B-Raf, since all bands are blocked specifically with B-Raf (N-terminus) peptide.

Buffer/Storage:
Rabbit polyclonal, affinity-purified antibody is supplied in 100µl phosphate-buffered saline, 50% glycerol, 1 mg/ml BSA, and 0.05% sodium azide. Store at –20°C. Stable for 1 year.