US4601980A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Microbial expression of a gene for human growth hormone
Assignee: Genentech Inc
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Filing: 1982-03-09
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Granted: 1986-07-22
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Expires: 2002-03-09
Abstract
Abstract Described are methods and means for the construction and microbial expression of quasi-synthetic genes arising from the combination of organic synthesis and enzymatic reverse transcription from messenger RNA sequences incomplete from the standpoint of the desired protein product. Preferred products of expression lack bio-inactivating leader sequences common in eukaryotic expression products but problematic with regard to microbial cleavage to yield bioactive material. Illustrative is a preferred embodiment in which a gene coding for human growth hormone (useful in, e.g., treatment of hypopituitary dwarfism) is constructed and expressed.
Inventors
- 👤 David V. Goeddel
- 👤 Herbert L. Heyneker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 22:32
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12N; C12N15/00; C12N15/09; C12N15/63; C12N15/66; C07; C07K; C07K14/00; C07K14/435; C07K14/575; C07K14/61; C12N1/00; C12N1/20; C12N1/205; C12N15/10; C12N15/11; C12N15/62; C12N15/70; C12P; C12P21/00; C12P21/02; C07K2319/00; C07K2319/01; C07K2319/02; C07K2319/50; C07K2319/70; C07K2319/74; C07K2319/75; C12R; C12R2001/00; C12R2001/01; C12R2001/185; C12R2001/19; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S930/00; Y10S930/01; Y10S930/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of producing human growth hormone which comprises: (a) disposing a culture of bacterial transformants comprising plasmids which, in a transformant bacterium, will express a gene for human growth hormone unaccompanied by the leader sequence of human growth hormone or other extraneous protein bound thereto within a fermenter vessel comprising aeration and agitation means in an aqueous, nutriment-containing fermentation broth; (b) growing up the culture under aeration and agitation while supplying additional nutriments as required to maintain vigorous growth; (c) separating the resulting cellular mass from the fermentation broth; (d) lysing the cells to free the contents thereof; (e) separating cellular debris from supernatant; and (f) isolating and purifying human growth hormone contained in the supernatant.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of producing human growth hormone which comprises: (a) disposing a culture of bacterial transformants comprising plasmids which, in a transformant bacterium, will express a gene for human growth hormone unaccompanied by the leader sequence of human growth hormone or other extraneous protein bound thereto within a fermenter vessel comprising aeration and agitation means in an aqueous, nutriment-containing fermentation broth; (b) growing up the culture under aeration and agitation while supplying additional nutriments as required to maintain vigorous growth; (c) separating the resulting cellular mass from the fermentation broth; (d) lysing the cells to free the contents thereof; (e) separating cellular debris from supernatant; and (f) isolating and purifying human growth hormone contained in the supernatant.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
53 words
A method for producing human growth hormone which method comprises culturing bacterial transformants containing recombinant plasmids which will, in a transformant bacterium, express a gene for human growth hormone unaccompanied by the leader sequence of human growth hormone or other extraneous protein bound thereto, and isolating and purifying said expressed human growth hormone.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
53 words
A method for producing human growth hormone which method comprises culturing bacterial transformants containing recombinant plasmids which will, in a transformant bacterium, express a gene for human growth hormone unaccompanied by the leader sequence of human growth hormone or other extraneous protein bound thereto, and isolating and purifying said expressed human growth hormone.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the bacteria are transformant E. coli having a selection characteristic and wherein selection pressure is applied to discourage competition by wild-type E. coli.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-07-21 | 1990-01-20 | 1990-07-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-07-21 | 1994-01-20 | 1994-07-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-07-21 | 1998-01-20 | 1998-07-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |