Introduction
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a cytokine that plays a crucial role in the production, differentiation, and function of granulocytes and macrophages, which are essential components of the immune system. The active form of GM-CSF exists as a homodimer in the extracellular space. The gene encoding GM-CSF is located within a cluster of related genes on chromosome 5q31. This region is known to be susceptible to interstitial deletions associated with 5q- syndrome and acute myelogenous leukemia. Notably, this gene cluster also harbors genes encoding other interleukins, specifically interleukins 4, 5, and 13. GM-CSF exerts its effects by stimulating the growth and differentiation of hematopoietic precursor cells, giving rise to various blood cell lineages, including granulocytes, macrophages, eosinophils, and erythrocytes.
Description
Recombinant Human GM-CSF, expressed in Sf9 insect cells, is a single, glycosylated polypeptide chain comprising 127 amino acids (residues 18-144) with a molecular weight of 14.6 kDa. This protein is engineered with a C-terminal His-tag (6x His) to facilitate purification, which is achieved using proprietary chromatographic methods.
Physical Appearance
White, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, sterile-filtered.
Formulation
The lyophilized protein is supplied in a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) matrix.
Solubility
To reconstitute the lyophilized Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor, it is recommended to dissolve it in sterile 18 MΩ-cm H2O at a concentration of at least 100 µg/ml. This solution can be further diluted in other aqueous solutions as needed.
Stability
Lyophilized Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor exhibits stability at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. However, it is advisable to store the lyophilized product desiccated at a temperature below -18°C. Upon reconstitution, GM-CSF should be stored at 4°C for a period of 2-7 days. For long-term storage, it is recommended to aliquot and store the reconstituted protein at -18°C. The addition of a carrier protein (0.1% HSA or BSA) is recommended for long-term storage. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided.
Purity
The purity of the protein is determined to be greater than 98.0% by SDS-PAGE analysis.
Biological Activity
The ED50, determined by the dose-dependent stimulation of human TF-1 cell proliferation (a human erythroleukemic indicator cell line), is less than 0.1 ng/ml. This corresponds to a Specific Activity of 10,000,000 IU/mg.
Synonyms
CSF-2, MGI-1GM, GMCSF, Pluripoietin-alpha, Molgramostin, Sargramostim.
Amino Acid Sequence
The sequence of the first five N-terminal amino acids was determined and was found to be Ala-Pro-Ala-Arg-Ser.