Recombinant Chicken Agrin (AGRN)

Chicken Agrin (AGRN) is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan that plays a crucial role in the formation and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). It binds to laminins via its amino-terminal domain and interacts with LRP4 and α-dystroglycan via its carboxy-terminal domain. Agrin is essential for the clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at the NMJ, which is critical for proper synaptic function. In chickens, Agrin is highly conserved and shares significant sequence similarity with its mammalian counterparts. It is expressed in motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers, where it helps maintain the structural integrity of the NMJ. Mutations in the Agrin gene can lead to congenital myasthenic syndromes, which are characterized by muscle weakness and impaired motor function. Additionally, Agrin has been implicated in various biological processes, including cell adhesion, migration, and tissue regeneration.