Recombinant expression and purification of functional vascular endothelial growth factor-121 in the baculovirus expression system.

OBJECTIVE: To express human vascular endothelial growth factor121 (VEGF121) in insect cells.

METHODS: A gene construct containing VEGF was cloned in the pFastBac-HTA vector, followed by transformation in DH10BAC. The recombinant bacmid was then extracted, and transfected into Sf9 insect cells. The transfected cells were harvested, and then VEGF expression was confirmed by western blotting using specific antibodies. The tube formation assay was used for functional assessment of VEGF.

RESULTS: Our results showed that VEGF could be successfully expressed in the baculovirus system. Purified VEGF was able to stimulate in vitro tube formation of human endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study demonstrated that the recombinantly-produced VEGF can be considered as a promising candidate for therapeutic purposes.