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Revision as of 15:14, 23 August 2004 by 136.165.148.98 (talk) (→Biological function)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) is a glycoprotein, growth factor or cytokine produced by a number of different tissues to stimulate the bone marrow to produce granulocytes. It also stimulates the survival, proliferation, differentiation and function of neutrophil granulocyte progenitor cells and mature neutrophils.
G-CSF is also known as Colony-Stimulating Factor 3 (CSF 3).
Biological function
G-CSF is produced, amongst others, by endothelium, macrophages and a number of other immune cells. The natural human glycoprotein exists in two forms of 174 and 177amino acid-long protein. The more abundant and more active 174 amino acid form has been used in the development of pharmaceutical products by recombinant DNA technology.
Mouse granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was first recognised and purified in Australia in 1983, and the human form was cloned by groups from Japan and the U.S.A. in 1986.
The receptor, G-CSF-receptor, is present on precursor cells in the bone marrow that, in response to stimulation by G-CSF, proliferate and differentiate into mature granulocytes.
Genetics
The gene for G-CSF is located on chromosome 17, locus q11.2-q12.
Therapeutic use
In oncology and hematology, a recombinant form of G-CSF is used to accellerate recovery from neutropenia. Chemotherapy can cause myelosuppression and unacceptably low levels of white blood cells, making patients prone for infections and sepsis.
"Filgrastim" (Neupogen®) and "PEG-filgrastim" (Neulasta®) are two commercially available forms of rhG-CSF (recombinant human G-CSF) given to stimulate the production of various types of white blood cells, especially granulocytes and macrophages, following chemotherapy. The PEG (polyethylene glycol) form has a much longer half-life, reducing the necessity of daily injections. Recombinant G-CSF is also marketed under the names "Leukine" and "Sargramostim".