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Efficient Production and Characterization of Recombinant Human NELL1 Protein in Human Embryonic Kidney 293-F Cells

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Abstract

NELL1 is a secretory protein that induces osteogenic differentiation and bone formation by osteoblastic cells. Because of its potent osteoinductive activity, NELL1 may be useful for bone regeneration therapy. However, at present, we have little knowledge regarding NELL1 receptors and NELL1-mediated signaling pathways. We have previously produced NELL1 using an insect’s cell expression system; however, the protein was relatively unstable and was degraded by proteases released from dead cells. In the present study, NELL1 protein was expressed in human embryonic kidney 293-F cells. Stable cell lines expressing NELL1 fused to a C-terminal hexahistidine-tag were obtained by G418 selection of transfected cells. Cells grown in serum-free medium showed high levels of NELL1 protein production (approximately 4 mg/l cell culture) for up to 6 months. NELL1 protein was purified from culture medium using a one-step nickel-chelate affinity chromatography protocol. Purified NELL1 protein immobilized onto culture dishes induced the expression of both early and late osteogenic markers on mouse mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells. When NELL1-expressing 293-F cells were grown on gelatin-coated glass cover slips, recombinant NELL1 was deposited in the extracellular matrix after detachment of cells. These results suggest that NELL1 acts as an extracellular matrix component. Recombinant NELL1 formed multimers and was glycosylated. An abundant source of functionally active NELL1 protein will be useful for more advanced studies, such as the development of novel techniques for bone regeneration.

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Acknowledgments

This work was partially supported by a Grant-in-aid (nos. 18108003, 23510255) for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan

    Ai Hasebe, Hiroki Tashima, Teruhiko Ide, Masumi Iijima, Nobuo Yoshimoto, Shun’ichi Kuroda & Tomoaki Niimi

  2. Dental and Craniofacial Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA

    Kang Ting

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  1. Ai Hasebe
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  2. Hiroki Tashima
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  3. Teruhiko Ide
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  4. Masumi Iijima
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  5. Nobuo Yoshimoto
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  6. Kang Ting
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  7. Shun’ichi Kuroda
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Correspondence to Shun’ichi Kuroda or Tomoaki Niimi.

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Hasebe, A., Tashima, H., Ide, T. et al. Efficient Production and Characterization of Recombinant Human NELL1 Protein in Human Embryonic Kidney 293-F Cells. Mol Biotechnol 51, 58–66 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12033-011-9440-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12033-011-9440-4

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