Production and analysis of the biological properties of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor chimeric form

The aim of this work was to design and study biological properties of the recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), «linked» to apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) by a peptide linker, for obtaining in perspective a prolong form of the drug based on this cytokine.

Material and methods. The nucleotide sequences of the genes encoding G-CSF and apoA-I were designed and optimized for expression in Pichia pastoris yeast using several computer programs. The assembly of the gene coding for the G-CSF-apoA-I chimeric cytokine, its cloning in the pPICZa-A vector, and expression in P. pastoris cells were performed using standard genetic engineering methods. Purification of the chimeric cytokine was carried out by two-stage ion-exchange chromatography. The biological activity of the chimera was determined in vitro on rat and human bone marrow cells (BMC) using flow cytometry, cell cycle analysis and myelograms.

Results. A recombinant P pastoris X-33 yeast strain producing a chimeric cytokine containing the amino acid sequence G-CSF from the N-terminus, and mature human apoA-I from the C-terminus was constructed. In experiments on BMC of rat, it was shown that G-CSF-apoA-I increases the number of granulocytes in 1.8-2 times less compared with G-CSF. At the same time, the chimeric cytokine maintained the viability of monocytic and lymphocytic cells. Unlike G-CSF, the chimera increased the number of blast cells and normalized neutrophil segmentation, reducing the number of anomalies 1.5 times more efficiently.

Conclusion. A new chimeric cytokine G-CSF-apoA-I was constructed, exhibiting the properties of not only a colony-stimulating factor, but also a growth factor, supporting the viability of other types of BMC.

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