Betaine, (trimethylglycine) is an organic osmolyte that is available for cells by either choline oxidase-catalyzed synthesis or concentrative uptake by the betaine/GABA transport system (BGT-1). The intracellular accumulation of betaine protects cells from different kinds of stress including long-lasting dehydration, ischemia-reperfusion, and heat shock. Betaine has been considered a “chemical chaperone” because it prevents protein denaturation under adverse conditions, a property that likely contributes to the cytoprotective effects of this osmolyte.
Betaine--homocysteine S-methyltransferase 1, or betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) is the enzyme that is responsible for the metabolic elimination of betaine and homocysteine via their conversion to dimethylglycine and methionine. As such BHMT is one of a handful of key enzymes keenly responsible for betaine levels. BHMT is expressed at high levels in the human liver and kidney, localizing in the ER and cytoplasmic regions. BHMT expression is largely regulated at the level of the gene. BHMT activity becomes essential when folate-dependent remethylation is impaired because of nutritional deficiencies as it then provides the source for methionine. Deficiencies in BHMT can lead a variety of disorders ranging from vascular disease to neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida, fatty liver disease and cirrhosis all which can be linked to betaine metabolism disorders. EMD-Millipore’s Anti-BHMT mouse monoclonal antibody, clone 635, has been tested in western blots using recombinantly expressed BHMT cDNA and by immunohistochemistry on paraffin embedded human liver tissue samples.

Purified recombinant fragment of BHMT expressed in E. coli.

Anti-BHMT Antibody, clone 8C11H5 is a highly specific mouse monoclonal antibody, that targets Betaine--homocysteine S-methyltransferase 1 & has been tested in IHC & western blotting.

Immunohistochemistry Analysis: 1:500-1,000 dilution from a representative lot detected BHMT in human kidney and liver tissues.

Research Category
Neuroscience

Research Sub Category
Developmental Neuroscience

Evaluated by Western Blotting in HepG2 cell lysate.

Western Blotting Analysis: A 1:500 dilution of this antibody detected BHMT in 10 µg of HepG2 cell lysate.

~50 kDa observed. Uncharacterized bands may appear in some lysate(s).

Replaces: MABE536

Mouse monoclonal IgG2b ascitic fluid containing up to 0.1% sodium azide.

Unpurified

Stable for 1 year at -20°C from date of receipt.
Handling Recommendations: Upon receipt and prior to removing the cap, centrifuge the vial and gently mix the solution. Aliquot into microcentrifuge tubes and store at -20°C. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles, which may damage IgG and affect product performance.

Control
HepG2 cell lysate

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