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Revision as of 21:46, 29 March 2004 by Jfdwolff (talk | contribs) (Started)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF or colony-stimulating factor 3) is a growth factor produced by a number of different tissues to stimulate the bone marrow to produce granulocytes.
Biological function
G-CSF is produced, amongst others, by endothelium, macrophages and a number of other immune cells. It is a 177-180 amino acid-long protein. The receptor, G-CSF-receptor, is present on bone marrow precursors 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). The PEG (polyethylene glycol) form has a much longer half-life, reducing the necessity of daily injections.