Growth Factors & Cytokines

Relaxin-2 is a peptide hormone structurally related to insulin, which is expressed in the placenta, decidua, prostate, and ovaries during pregnancy. Of the three known relaxin genes, relaxin-2 is the only relaxin known to circulate in the blood. Relaxin-2 binds specifically to the LGR7 and LGR8 receptors, previously identified as “orphan” G protein-coupled receptors. Signaling by relaxin-2 through its target receptors enhances the growth of pubic ligaments, and the ripening of the cervix during birth. Recombinant Human Relaxin-2 is a non-glycosylated, 6.0 kDa, disulfide-linked, heterodimeric protein consisting of a 24 amino acid A-chain, and a 29 amino acid B-chain.