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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

Growth Factors and Cytokines-Brochure

MSDS

Growth Factor-eFlyer

Growth Factors and Cytokines-FAQ

Role of Growth Factors in Cell Differentiation-Poster

Recombinant Human RANKL (TNFSF11)

Z102265 by Applied Biological Materials is recombinant human RANKL (TNFSF11), expressed in E. coli with &gt;95% purity by SDS-PAGE and &lt;1.0 EU/µg endotoxin by LAL. This tag-free lyophilized protein is used for osteoclastogenesis assays, bone remodeling research, and RANKL–RANK–OPG axis studies. Available in 10 µg and 1.0 mg quantities.

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Recombinant Human RANKL (TNFSF11), 10 µg

Recombinant Human RANKL (TNFSF11), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human RANTES  (CCL5)

Z100785 by Applied Biological Materials is E. coli-expressed recombinant human RANTES (CCL5 / Regulated upon Activation, Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted), an 8 kDa CC chemokine with two disulfide bonds. Purity &gt;95% by SDS-PAGE; endotoxin &lt;1.0 EU/µg by LAL. Signals through CCR1, CCR3, and CCR5 to chemoattract memory T cells, monocytes, eosinophils, and NK cells. Contact MBP for pack sizes and pricing.

Recombinant Human RANTES  (CCL5), 20 µg

Recombinant Human RANTES (CCL5), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human Resistin (RETN)

Z100805 by Applied Biological Materials is E. coli-expressed recombinant human Resistin (RETN / FIZZ3 / ADSF), a 10 kDa adipokine supplied as lyophilized powder. Purity &gt;95% by SDS-PAGE; endotoxin &lt;1.0 EU/µg by LAL. Bioactivity confirmed by stimulation of lipolysis in cultured human adipocytes. Available in 25 µg and 1.0 mg; contact MBP for pricing.

Recombinant Human Resistin (RETN), 25 µg

Recombinant Human Resistin (RETN), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human Resistin-like beta (RETNLB), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human Resistin-like beta (RETNLB) Z101959 by ABM — E. coli-expressed, 9.6 kDa, supplied in PBS. For mucosal immunity, inflammatory signaling, and RELM family cytokine research. 1.0 mg.

Quantity

Recombinant Human S100A13

Recombinant Human S100A13, catalog Z102195 by ABM. E. coli-expressed, 11.5 kDa, >95% purity, lyophilized. Calcium-binding S100 family protein; component of the FGF1 non-classical secretion pathway. Endotoxin &lt;1.0 EU/µg.

Recombinant Human S100A13, 10 µg

Recombinant Human S100A13, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human S100A4

Recombinant Human S100A4 (FSP1/MTS1), Z101505 by ABM. Expressed in E. coli; 12 kDa; &gt;95% purity; tag-free. Lyophilized in PBS + 1.0 mM DTT. Reconstitute in sterile distilled water to ≥0.1 mg/mL. For metastasis and fibrosis research.

Recombinant Human S100A4, 10 µg

Recombinant Human S100A4, 50 µg

Recombinant Human S100A4, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human SCF

Z100815 by Applied Biological Materials is E. coli-expressed recombinant human Stem Cell Factor (SCF / KITLG / c-Kit Ligand / MGF), a monomeric 18.7 kDa growth factor supplied as lyophilized powder. Purity &gt;95% by SDS-PAGE; endotoxin &lt;1.0 EU/µg by LAL. Bioactivity confirmed by dose-dependent TF-1 cell proliferation (ED50 ≤0.1 ng/mL). Available in 10 µg, 100 µg, and 10×100 µg; contact MBP for pricing.

Recombinant Human SCF, 10 µg

Recombinant Human SCF, 100 µg

Recombinant Human SCF, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human SERPINF1

Z100765 by ABM — Recombinant Human SERPINF1 (PEDF), 45 kDa, tag-free, expressed in E. coli. Purity &gt;95% by SDS-PAGE, endotoxin &lt;1.0 EU/µg. Available in 10 µg, 500 µg, and 1.0 mg formats.

Recombinant Human SERPINF1, 10 µg

Recombinant Human SERPINF1, 500 µg

Recombinant Human SERPINF1, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human SHH

Recombinant Human SHH (Sonic Hedgehog), catalog Z101675 by ABM. E. coli-expressed, 20.1 kDa, >95% purity, lyophilized. Bioactive Hedgehog morphogen, ED50 0.1–0.4 µg/mL. Endotoxin &lt;1.0 EU/µg.

Recombinant Human SHH, 30 µg

Recombinant Human SHH, 100 µg

Recombinant Human SHH, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human SOD1

Z100795 by ABM — Recombinant Human SOD1 (Cu-Zn Superoxide Dismutase), 17 kDa, tag-free, expressed in E. coli. Purity &gt;95% by SDS-PAGE, endotoxin &lt;1.0 EU/µg, enzymatic activity ≥1.0 × 10⁴ IU/mg. Available in 100 µg and 1.0 mg.

Recombinant Human SOD1, 100 µg

Recombinant Human SOD1, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human TAFA2 (FAM19A2)

Recombinant Human TAFA2 (FAM19A2), catalog Z102635 by ABM. E. coli-expressed, 11.5 kDa, >95% purity, lyophilized. Brain-enriched chemokine-like protein; FAM19A family. Endotoxin &lt;1.0 EU/µg.

Recombinant Human TAFA2 (FAM19A2), 10 µg

Recombinant Human TAFA2 (FAM19A2), 0.5 mg

Recombinant Human TARC (CCL17)

Z100835 by Applied Biological Materials is E. coli-expressed recombinant human TARC (Thymus and Activation-Regulated Chemokine / CCL17 / ABCD-2 / SCYA17), an 8 kDa CC chemokine and selective CCR4 ligand supplied as lyophilized powder. Purity &gt;95% by SDS-PAGE; endotoxin &lt;1.0 EU/µg by LAL. Bioactivity confirmed by T cell chemotaxis at 2–40 ng/mL. Available in 20 µg and 1.0 mg; contact MBP for pricing.