Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD, also known as Delta-9 desaturase) is an iron containing membrane enzyme. It catalyzes the rate limiting step in the biosynthesis of mono-unsaturated fatty acids. The enzyme inserts a cis double bond between the C9 and the C10 positions in the acyl-CoA derivatives of saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid and stearic acids to produce palmitoleoyl- and oleoyl-CoA, respectively. Mono-unsaturated fatty acids play an important role in many processes, including energy metabolism (triacylglycerol storage in adipose tissues), anti-oxidation, lipid acivated signal transduction, apoptosis, mitogenesis in certain tumors, and activate certain hormone receptors. SCD genes are tightly regulated by signals such as insulin, leptin, carbohydrate, fatty acids and temperature. Three SCD genes SCD1, SCD2 and SCD3 have been identified in mouse. All three genes have been mapped at mouse chromosome 19 D2. However, in human only one structural SCD-gene (chromosome 10) encoding two SCD transcripts has been identified. The SCD-gene products (SCD-1, 2 and 3) are integral membrane proteins with four TM domains containing a novel sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) binding site. SREBP regulates enzymes involved in cholesterol, triglyceride and fatty acid metabolism. The SCD enzymes have a 30aa N-terminal seq responsible for their rapid degradation and short half life of 3-4 hours.

SCD-1: The enzyme (mouse 355aa, rat 358aa; ~37 KDa), is constitutively expressed in adipose tissue and is induced in liver in response to fat free, high carbohydrate diet. The SCD-1 expression is higher in female than male mouse. Although, the enzyme is expressed in undifferentiated sebocytes of skin at a lower level than SCD-3, its expression is crucial to the differentiation of sebocytes. The loss of gene expression results in asebia characterized by hypoplastic sebaceous and meibomian glands, flaky skin and alopecia. The repression of RNA levels and enzyme activity of hepatic SCD-1 by Leptin has been shown to significantly reduce the triglyceride storage, VLDL production and therefore an increase in fatty acid oxidation. Inhibition of SCD-1 could be of benefit for treatment of obesity, hepatic steatosis and other metabolic disorders.

SCD-3: Is an integral membrane protein (mouse 359aa) with four TM domains. SCD-3 expression is limited to the differentiated sebaceous glands in mouse skin. The mouse SCD-3 protein is ~89 and 85% identical to SCD-1 and SCD-2, respectively. The enzyme is more abundant (four fold higher) in male than female. The novel sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) and NF-Y binding sites, present in SCD-1 and -2, is not non-functional in SCD-3.

* Expected antibody crossreactivity information is mostly based upon high (>70%) sequence conservation of antigenic/control peptides in various species. When antibody crossreactivity has actually been experimentally confirmed in various species, it will be mentioned in the appropriate data sheets.

"Neat Antisera or antisera" are the unpurified antiserum and it is suitable for ELISA and Western.
"Affinity pure" IgG may be more suitable for immunohistochemical (IHC) applications and to reduce background in most immunological applications including ELISA and Western.
"Control peptides" can not be used for Western as they are very short peptides. They are intended for ELISA or antibody blocking studies to establish antibody specificity.
Western blot +ve protein controls, where available, are semi-pure, pure or recombinant proteins that are formulated in SDS-PAGE sample buffer. They are recommended to be used for Western (load 10 ul/lane) for visualization with antibodies.