Overview
Leptin is a protein hormone primarily secreted by adipocytes (fat cells) and plays a critical role in regulating energy homeostasis. It acts on receptors in the hypothalamus to suppress appetite and increase energy expenditure. Discovered in 1994, leptin has since been extensively studied for its implications in obesity, metabolic syndromes, and endocrine disorders. In rodents and humans, leptin levels correlate with body fat mass, making it a key biomarker in obesity research. The hormone's signaling pathway is complex, involving multiple receptors and downstream effects, including modulation of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Leptin is a 16 kDa protein composed of 167 amino acids, with a structure resembling cytokines. It is highly stable in physiological buffers but sensitive to extreme pH and proteolytic degradation. The hormone circulates in the bloodstream, often bound to leptin-binding proteins, which modulate its bioavailability. For laboratory use, recombinant leptin is typically supplied as a lyophilized powder, requiring reconstitution in sterile buffers. Purity is critical for experimental consistency, with HPLC and SDS-PAGE commonly used to verify quality. Storage at -20°C or lower is recommended to maintain activity over time.
Main Applications
Leptin is pivotal in biomedical research, particularly in studies of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. It is used to investigate mechanisms of appetite regulation, insulin resistance, and adipose tissue function. Clinically, leptin replacement therapy is approved for congenital leptin deficiency, a rare condition causing severe obesity. In drug development, leptin analogs and antagonists are explored for treating metabolic diseases. Additionally, leptin assays are employed in diagnostic labs to assess metabolic health, though interpretation requires context due to variable secretion patterns.
Safety and Storage
Leptin should be handled following biosafety level 1 (BSL-1) guidelines, using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and lab coats. Avoid inhalation or skin contact, as repeated exposure may cause sensitization. Spills should be cleaned with appropriate disinfectants. For storage, lyophilized leptin is stable for years at -20°C or -80°C, while reconstituted solutions should be aliquoted and used within weeks to prevent degradation. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can reduce bioactivity. Always verify supplier specifications for stability data.
B2B Procurement Guide
When procuring leptin for research or clinical use, prioritize suppliers with certified Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) or ISO compliance. Key considerations include batch-to-batch consistency, endotoxin levels (<1 EU/μg), and activity validation (e.g., cell-based assays). Pricing varies by purity (e.g., >95% vs. >98%) and scale (research vs. bulk). Negotiate volume discounts for large orders, and request certificates of analysis (CoA) for traceability. For long-term projects, secure supply agreements to mitigate shortages. Domestic suppliers may offer faster delivery but compare lead times and cold-chain logistics.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：ELISA试剂盒、小鼠ELISA试剂盒、生化试剂盒、细胞因子检测试剂盒、人ELISA检测试剂盒、姐检测试剂盒、酶免检测试剂盒、酶联免疫吸附测定试剂盒
- 主营：10ul吸头、巴氏吸管、离心管、大鼠白蛋白、透析袋、琼脂糖、国产试剂
- 主营：钠尿肽、试剂盒、同源物、检测方、ep300检测、大鼠c-肽(、大鼠e选择素、大鼠janus激酶、大鼠ⅱ型胶原、大鼠ⅳ型胶原、大鼠klotho蛋白、大鼠ⅲ型胶原、大鼠nadh脱氢酶1、大鼠ⅵ型胶原α1、elisa 检测试剂盒、结合蛋白、微球蛋白、抗胰蛋白酶、淋巴瘤因子、蛋白磷酸酶、死亡激动剂、核心域蛋白1、激活蛋白激酶、细胞激活因子
- 主营：中药标准品、标准品对照品、天然化合物、标准品、分析试剂、细胞实验、动物实验、中药提取物、单体化合物、科研实验用
- 主营：检测试剂盒、Elisa试剂盒
- 主营：elisa试剂盒、人elisa试剂盒、小鼠elisa试剂盒、大鼠elisa试剂盒、植物elisa试剂盒、鱼elisa试剂盒、猪elisa试剂盒、牛elisa试剂盒、鸡elisa试剂盒、兔elisa试剂盒、犬elisa试剂盒
- 主营：大鼠组胺、试剂盒
- 主营：ELISA试剂盒、细胞培养系列、PCR相关、大鼠白蛋白、透析袋系列、实验耗材系列、实验室试剂系列
- 主营：ELISA试剂盒、PCR试剂盒、生化试剂盒、大鼠雌激素ELISAKit、科研试剂
- 主营：桤木酮、bakuchiol、秦皮素、兔抗大鼠IgG、阿魏酸、黄连碱、试剂盒、14475-63-9、氢鄂贝定、湖贝甲素、高三尖杉、白蜡树苷、胰蛋白酶、贝母素甲、贝母素乙、西贝母碱、裕贝甲素、金丝桃素、白蜡树素、萃淋树脂、苍术内酯i、土贝母苷丙、补骨脂甲素、氢浙贝母碱、氨基异丁酸、葡萄糖二酸
- 主营：Elisa试剂盒、生化试剂盒、蛋白试剂盒、ELISA检测试剂盒、细胞试剂盒
- 主营：ELISA试剂盒、PCR试剂盒、生化试剂盒、大鼠源性成分PCR试剂盒、脂蛋白、关基因、亲环素、钾通道、列抗体、ntp溶液、蛋白酶、脑蛋白、病毒抗、蛋白质、239抗体、dtt溶液、科研试剂
- 主营：培养添加因子、标记试剂盒、特色二抗、驴抗大鼠IgG、单抗融合套装、ELISA试剂盒、蛋白纯化试剂盒
- 主营：兽药残留胶快速检测卡、霉菌毒素检测试剂盒、磺胺类胶体金快速检测、金刚烷胺快速检测卡、甲硝唑快速检测卡、克百威快速检测卡、孔雀石绿快速检测卡、地西泮快速检测卡、氟虫腈快速检测卡、苯醚甲环唑快速检测卡、呋喃唑酮代谢物快速检
- 主营：人elisa试剂盒、小鼠elisa试剂盒、其他种属elisa试剂盒、大鼠elisa试剂盒、植物elisa试剂盒、elisa试剂盒、elisa