BACKGROUND Human Cer1 gene encodes one member of a family of cytokines structurally and functionally related to the Xenopus head-inducing factor, Cerberus (xCer). At the time of its identification, cerberus shared significant homology with only one other protein, the putative rat tumor suppressor protein Dan. The region of homology shared by these genes closely resembles the cysteine knot motif found in a number of signaling molecules, such as members of the TGFβ superfamily.1 CER1 (DAND4 or Cerberus 1), GREM1 (DAND2 or CKTSF1B1), GREM2 (DAND3 or CKTSF1B2), GREM3 (DAND5 or CKTSF1B3 or CER2) and NBL1 (DAND1) are secreted-type DAN domain (DAND) proteins. CER1 and GREM3 are Nodal antagonists, while GREM1 is a BMP antagonist. Nodal and BMP signaling pathways network with WNT signaling pathway during embryogenesis and carcinogenesis. CER1 (Cerberus 1) and GREM3 (CKTSF1B3 or CER2) inhibit NODAL signaling through ACVR1B (ALK4) or ACVR1C (ALK7) to SMAD2 or SMAD3. GREM1 (CKTSF1B1) inhibits BMP signaling through BMPR1A (ALK3), BMPR1B (ALK6) or ACVR1 (ALK2) to SMAD1, SMAD5 or SMAD8. It was shown that CER1 is a common target of WNT and NODAL signaling pathways in human embryonic stem cells.2 Triple TCF/LEF-binding sites were identified within human CER1 promoter. Binding sites for NODAL signaling effectors, SMAD3/SMAD4 and FOXH1, were also conserved among human, chimpanzee, cow and dog CER1 promoters. CER1 mRNA was expressed in human ES cells in the undifferentiated state and in the early endodermal lineage. WNT and NODAL signaling pathways are indispensable for human ES cells. Because CER1 upregulation in human ES cells leads to Nodal signaling inhibition associated with endodermal differentiation, CER1 is a key molecule for the maintenance of human ES cells and plays a pivotal role during early embryogenesis. CER1 is also the pharmacogenomics target in the field of regenerative medicine. However when mouse Cer1 gene was inactivated by replacing the first coding exon with a lacZ reporter gene. Mice homozygous for this allele (Cer1lacZ) showed no apparent perturbation of embryogenesis or later development. Moreover, the lacZ reporter revealed a number of hitherto uncharacterized sites of Cer1 expression in late fetal and adult tissues. Studies suggests that Cer1 is not essential for their morphogenesis, differentiation, or homeostasis.3
REFERENCES
1. Pearce, J.J. H. et al: Dev. Biol. 209:98-110, 1999
2. Katoh, M. & Katoh, M.: Int. J. Mol. Med. 17:795-9, 2006
3. Stanley, E.G. et al: Genesis 26:259–64, 2000
Products are for research use only. They are not intended for human, animal, or diagnostic applications.
Cat.No.: | CP10301 |
Antigen: | Raised against recombinant human Cer1 fragments expressed in E. coli. |
Isotype: | Mouse IgG1 |
Species & predicted species cross- reactivity ( ): | Human, Mouse, Rat |
Applications & Suggested starting dilutions:* | WB 1:1000 IP n/d IHC 1:50 - 1:200 ICC n/d FACS n/d |
Predicted Molecular Weight of protein: | 30 kDa |
Specificity/Sensitivity: | Detects endogenous Cer1 proteins without cross-reactivity with other family members. |
Storage: | Store at -20°C, 4°C for frequent use. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
*Optimal working dilutions must be determined by end user.