Abstract
The gene for human pituitary somatotropin (hGH) has been inserted into the plasmid PBr 322 in E.coli K12 by recombinant DNA techniques. The recombinant bacteria have been grown in batch culture and the hGH extracted from the disintegrated cells. Conventional biochemical separation methods such as ion exchange and gel chromatography have been used for purification in a scale suitable for industrial production.
The biosynthetic hGH appears to be identical with regards to molecular weight and sequence with the exception of an N-terminal methionine. No contaminating proteins are present. Biological activity, determined by weight gain in hypophysectomized rats and sulfate incorporation into connective tissue appears to be identical to that of the pituitary hormone. Extensive toxicoligical studies suggest that the product should be safe for human use.
We conclude that the biosynthetic human growth hormone is comparable to the pituitary hormone and this product once available should alleviate the shortage of hormone for the treatment of hypopituitary dwarfism.
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Fryklund, L., Fhölenhag, K., Holmström, B. et al. Biosynthetic human growth hormone produced in E. coli. Pediatr Res 15, 1552 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198112000-00103
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198112000-00103
