PRODUCTION OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE RECOMBINANT BOVINE FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (RECBFSH) IN THE BACULOVIRUS EXPRESSION SYSTEM

摘要

The invention provides methods for the production of recombinant bovine Follicle Stimulating Hormone (bFSH) as well as vectors and cells for use in said methods. In particular the invention provides baculovirus based vectors which are capable of expression of bFSH in insect cells. bFSH is a heterodimeric protein belonging to a family of glycoprotein hormones which are produced in the pituitary or the placenta. It finds its use in many fertility related applications. Expression of bFSH in baculovirus/insect cell systems leads to a recombinant bFSH which has an unexpected high activity in a human FSH receptor assay and/or a bovine immature oocyte assay. The genes encoding the subunits of bFSH may be present on one baculovirus derived vector or on two or more vectors which are to be cotransfected.