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Preparation and Characterization of Mono-PEGylated Epidermal Growth Factor: Evaluation of in Vitro Biologic Activity

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Abstract

Purpose. To isolate mono-PEGylated epidermal growth factor (EGF) isoforms, identify the site of PEGylation, and evaluate the biologic activity of each isoform.

Methods. EGF was PEGylated with an NHS-PEG derivative (Mw 3,400). Mono-PEGylated EGF fraction was separated by gel-filtration HPLC and three mono-PEGylated EGF isoforms were purified by RP-HPLC. Tryptic digestion mapping of both EGF and mono-PEGylated EGF isoforms was performed to identify the PEGylation sites using RP-HPLC. The digested fragments were also analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectroscopy for further verification of the three PEG conjugation sites. The biologic activity of positional isoforms was evaluated by a cell proliferation assay and a receptor tyrosine kinase activity assay to determine the effect of PEGylation site on its activity.

Results. Mono-PEGylated EGF was composed of three positional isomers. Tryptic digestion mapping and MALDI-TOF analysis permitted the identification of the PEGylated site of the three isoforms at N-terminus, Lysine 28, and Lysine 48. PEG-N-terminus EGF, among the three positional isomers, showed the highest activity in a cell proliferation assay and in a receptor-binding assay.

Conclusion. This study demonstrates that biologic activities of mono-PEGylated EGF isomers are highly dependent upon the site of PEGylation in EGF.

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  1. Department of Biologic Sciences Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Taejon, 305-701, Korea

    Haeshin Lee & Tae Gwan Park

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  1. Haeshin Lee
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Lee, H., Park, T.G. Preparation and Characterization of Mono-PEGylated Epidermal Growth Factor: Evaluation of in Vitro Biologic Activity. Pharm Res 19, 845–851 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016113117851

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