Integrins are heterodimeric proteins made up of alpha and beta subunits. At least 18 alpha and 8 beta subunits have been described in mammals. Integrin family members are membrane receptors involved in cell adhesion and recognition in a variety of processes including embryogenesis, hemostasis, tissue repair, immune response and metastatic diffusion of tumor cells. This gene encodes a beta subunit. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants which encode different protein isoforms have been found for this gene. Applications: Suitable for use in Immunohistochemistry, Immunocytochemistry, Immunoprecipitation, Flow Cytometry and ELISA. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilutions: Immunocytochemistry: 2ug/ml (use on numerous cell lines as long as Ca2+ is present), Immunoprecipitation: 5ug/400ul lysate (0.5% triton PBS plus Ca++) Flow Cytometry: 2-5ug/10e6 cells, in the presence of Ca++. Stimulation of cells: 2-10ug/ml per 10e6 cells. Binding buffer must contain 1mM Ca++ Immunohistochemistry: For use on acetone or mild paraformaldehyde fixed tissue (2-2.5% PFA, short time) frozen and paraffin embedded (1:500, citrate HEIR treated, Qin et al 2003). Ca++ required for binding. Ca++ must be used in blocking, washing, and antibody incubation buffers. Optimal dilution determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months after receipt. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.