Preparation of recombinant human GDNF by baculovirus expression system andanalysis of its biological activities

Recombinant human glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has be en expressed at high levels and produced in large quantities in baculovirus -infected Trichoplusia ni cells (Tn-5B1-4). The glycosylated protein was pu rified using immunoaffinity chromatography and gel filtration. Pure, recomb inant human GDNF promoted the survival and morphological differentiation of embryonic dopaminergic neurons and enhanced axonal regeneration after scia tic nerve transection. Because recombinant bioactive human GDNF can be obta ined in large quantities, and purified to near homogeneity, they are suitab le for evaluation in animal models. (C) 2000 Academic Press.