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<h2 data-section-id="pdko8n" data-start="0" data-end="50">What are recombinant proteins for cell culture?</h2>
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Recombinant proteins for cell culture are biologically active growth factors, cytokines, and signaling molecules produced using recombinant DNA technology to control specific cellular functions in vitro. Growth factors such as FGF (fibroblast growth factor), EGF (epidermal growth factor), and TGF-&beta; (transforming growth factor beta) regulate cell growth, proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Cytokines including IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 influence immune cell activation, expansion, and function. These proteins are widely used in serum-free and chemically defined media, stem cell and iPSC culture, immune cell expansion, organoid development, hybridoma production, and cell and gene therapy workflows where precise control over cellular signaling is required.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
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<ul>
<li>Includes cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and signaling proteins to support proliferation, differentiation, and maintenance of&nbsp;mammalian cells</li>
<li>Rat, human, and mouse recombinant proteins compatible with translational research models and diverse mammalian cell culture&nbsp;</li>
<li>Optimizing cell metabolic activity, signalling pathways, and experimental reproducibility in vitro using recombinant proteins&nbsp;</li>
<li>Suitable for organoid development, expansion of cells, activation of immune cells, neuronal studies, and protein expression workflow optimization.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 data-section-id="4x59d8" data-start="1050" data-end="1118">How to choose recombinant proteins, cytokines, and growth factors</h2>
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Quality grade: RUO vs. preclinical vs. GMP
Research-use-only (RUO) proteins are suitable for most academic and industrial research applications. Preclinical-grade proteins provide enhanced documentation and quality control for studies supporting clinical development. GMP-grade proteins are manufactured under controlled quality systems with complete traceability and lot-to-lot bioactivity verification, making them appropriate for cell therapy, gene therapy, and other regulated applications.
Expression system and post-translational modifications
The production system can significantly affect protein activity. HEK293 and other mammalian expression systems preserve native human post-translational modifications such as glycosylation and phosphorylation, which are often necessary for full biological function. Bacterial expression systems such as E. coli may offer lower cost and higher yields but cannot reproduce many of these modifications.
Carrier-free formulation
Carrier-free recombinant proteins are formulated without stabilizing proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA). This eliminates potential experimental interference from carrier proteins and supports serum-free, animal-component-free, and GMP-compatible workflows. Carrier-free formulations are especially important when studying sensitive signaling pathways or developing clinical manufacturing processes.
Endotoxin level and purity
Endotoxins can stimulate inflammatory responses and alter cell behavior, particularly in immune cell cultures. For T-cell expansion, stem cell culture, and other sensitive applications, low-endotoxin or endotoxin-free proteins with documented purity above 95% are preferred to ensure reproducible results.
Stability format: standard vs. thermostable
Standard recombinant proteins gradually lose activity during prolonged incubation at 37&deg;C. Thermostable variants, such as engineered FGF2 formulations, maintain biological activity for longer periods and reduce the need for frequent media supplementation. These products can improve workflow efficiency in stem cell maintenance and differentiation protocols.
Storage and reconstitution
Lyophilized recombinant proteins offer extended shelf life and are typically stored frozen until use. After reconstitution, proteins should be aliquoted into single-use portions whenever possible to minimize repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can reduce activity. Proper storage conditions vary by product and should follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
<h2 data-section-id="rxnuuy" data-start="3659" data-end="3704">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-section-id="1fljvas" data-start="4451" data-end="4476">Specifications context</h2>
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Modern recombinant cytokines and growth factors are available in a wide range of formats including carrier-free, low-endotoxin, animal-component-free, and GMP-grade formulations. Many GMP-grade cytokines such as IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 undergo lot-specific bioactivity testing using validated reference standards to ensure consistent biological performance. Mammalian-cell-expressed proteins are increasingly preferred for applications requiring native structure and maximum biological activity.
As of 2026, carrier-free, low-endotoxin recombinant proteins produced in mammalian expression systems have become the preferred choice for stem cell culture, immune cell expansion, organoid development, and advanced biomanufacturing workflows.
For basal media used alongside recombinant proteins, see Classic Media. For additional supplementation reagents, see Cell Culture Supplements &amp; Additives. Browse Mammalian Cell Culture for the broader category.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the expert team</a> at MBP today and get optimized recombinant proteins for your lab.

Recombinant Proteins

MSDS

Growth Factor-eFlyer

Growth Factors and Cytokines-Brochure

Growth Factors and Cytokines-FAQ

Role of Growth Factors in Cell Differentiation-Poster

Recombinant Human CXCL16

Recombinant human CXCL16 (Z102385) by ABM — 10.4 kDa, E. coli, &gt;95% purity, tag-free. Chemoattracts activated lymphocytes at 2.5–12 ng/mL for T cell trafficking and atherosclerosis research.

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Recombinant Human CXCL2

Z100295 by ABM (Applied Biological Materials) is Recombinant Human CXCL2 — 8 kDa, tag-free, E. coli expression, >95% purity by SDS-PAGE, <1.0 EU/µg endotoxin. 10 µg lyophilized powder. CXCR2 ligand; chemoattraction of CXCR2-transfected cells at 10–100 ng/mL. Research use only.

Recombinant Human CXCL2, 10 µg

Recombinant Human CXCL2, 100 µg

Recombinant Human CXCL2, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human CXCL4 (PF4)

Z101005 by Applied Biological Materials is recombinant human CXCL4 (Platelet Factor 4, PF-4), an 8 kDa CXC chemokine expressed in E. coli with >95% purity. CXCL4 inhibits FGF-2-driven endothelial proliferation with ED50 5–15 µg/mL in NR6R-3T3 fibroblasts. Lyophilized from 20 mM PBS/1.5 M NaCl pH 7.4; reconstitute in distilled water. Available from MBP for anti-angiogenesis, platelet biology, and HIT research.

Recombinant Human CXCL4 (PF4), 20 µg

Recombinant Human CXCL4 (PF4), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1)

Recombinant Human Cardiotrophin-1 (Z102365) by ABM. CTF1, 21 kDa, >95% purity, E. coli. ED50 ≤0.5 ng/mL. Cardiac hypertrophy, STAT3 signaling, and neuroprotection research.

Recombinant Human Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), 10 µg

Recombinant Human Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), 100 µg

Recombinant Human Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human Chemerin

Recombinant human Chemerin (Z102205) by ABM — 16 kDa, E. coli, &gt;95% purity, tag-free. Chemotaxis ED50 4–20 ng/mL on CMKLR1 cells for dendritic cell recruitment and adipogenesis research.

Recombinant Human Chemerin, 25 µg

Recombinant Human Chemerin, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human DHH

Z101695 by Applied Biological Materials is recombinant human Desert Hedgehog (DHH), expressed in E. coli with &gt;95% purity by SDS-PAGE and an ED50 of 15–45 µg/mL in C3H10T1/2 fibroblast alkaline phosphatase assays. This tag-free lyophilized protein supports Hedgehog pathway research, male reproductive biology, and peripheral nerve development studies. Available in 50 µg, 250 µg, and 1.0 mg quantities.

Recombinant Human DHH, 50 µg

Recombinant Human DHH, 250 µg

Recombinant Human DHH, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human EG-VEGF (PROK1)

Z100145 by ABM (Applied Biological Materials) is Recombinant Human EG-VEGF (PROK1, Prokineticin-1) — 10 kDa, tag-free, E. coli expression, &gt;95% purity by SDS-PAGE, lyophilized from PBS, 20 µg/unit. Endocrine-selective angiogenic factor; PROKR1/PROKR2 ligand. Research use only.

Recombinant Human EG-VEGF (PROK1), 20 µg

Recombinant Human EG-VEGF (PROK1), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human EGF, 1.0 mg

Z100139 by ABM — recombinant human EGF (UniProt P01133); 6.5 kDa; E. coli expressed; &gt;95% purity by SDS-PAGE; ED50 &lt;2 ng/mL (HeLa proliferation); &lt;1.0 EU/µg endotoxin; 1.0 mg.

Recombinant Human EGFL7

Z101535 by Applied Biological Materials (ABM) is a tag-free recombinant human EGFL7 (EGF-Like Domain-Containing Protein 7; VE-statin) expressed in insect cells, with greater than 95% purity by SDS-PAGE, a molecular weight of 31 kDa, and biological activity confirmed by NOTCH1 binding in functional ELISA. Supplied as lyophilized powder for angiogenesis, NOTCH signaling, and vascular biology research.

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Recombinant Human ENA-78 (CXCL5)

Recombinant Human ENA-78 CXCL5 (Z100165) by ABM is a tag-free, E. coli-expressed lyophilized chemokine, 8 kDa, >95% pure, endotoxin &lt;1.0 EU/µg, with neutrophil chemoattraction activity at 2.0–40.0 ng/mL via CXCR2.

Recombinant Human ENA-78 (CXCL5), 20 µg

Recombinant Human ENA-78 (CXCL5), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human EPO

Z101435 by Applied Biological Materials (ABM) is a tag-free recombinant human Erythropoietin (EPO) expressed in CHO cells, with greater than 95% purity by SDS-PAGE, a glycosylated form migrating at approximately 35 kDa, and ED50 below 0.2 ng/mL on TF-1 cells. Supplied as lyophilized powder for erythropoiesis, hematopoietic stem cell, and EPO receptor signaling research.

Recombinant Human EPO, 50 µg

Recombinant Human EPO, 500 µg

Recombinant Human EPO, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human Eotaxin (CCL11)

Recombinant Human Eotaxin (CCL11), SKU Z100175 — E. coli-expressed, &gt;97% purity, ED50 1–5 ng/mL (CCR3 chemotaxis), &lt;0.10 EU/µg endotoxin, lyophilized. For chemotaxis assays, allergic inflammation research, and CCR3 biology. Research use only.