Characterisation of antibodies to Migration Stimulating Factor (MSF). Detection of MSF isoforms.

DRAFT To be completed
Migration Stimulating Factor (MSF) is a 70kDa truncated isoform of fibronectin (FN).
Unlike FN, MSF is not a matrix molecule but a soluble factor which exhibits a range of
potent cytokine-like bioactivities not displayed by full-length FN. Two isoforms of human
MSF (MSF+aa and MSF-aa), as well as murine Migration Stimulating Factor (mMSF) have
been cloned. In this communication we report the characterisation of various polyclonal and
monoclonal antibodies to human and murine MSF. In particular:
(i) Specific MSF-identification antibodies that recognise both MSF+aa and MSF-aa;
(ii) Specific mMSF-identification antibodies;
(iii) Identification antibodies that recognise MSF-aa but not MSF+aa;
(iv) MSF-function-neutralising antibodies that recognise MSF+aa, MSF-aa, mMSF
and the gelatin-binding domain of FN/MSF (Gel-BD) but not full-length FN.