A Recombinant Human Collagen and RADA-16 Fusion Protein Promotes Hemostasis and Rapid Wound Healing.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Recombinant human collagen (rhCol) and self-assembling peptides like RADA-16 have shown potential in tissue repair.
• Limitations exist in their individual applications for hemostasis and tissue regeneration.
• Developing advanced biomaterials is crucial for improving regenerative therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and characterize a novel fusion protein, rhCR, combining human collagen and RADA-16.
• To evaluate the self-assembly, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of rhCR.
• To assess the efficacy of rhCR in hemostasis and wound healing applications.

Main Methods:

• Genetic engineering was used to create the rhCR fusion protein, expressed in Pichia pastoris.
• rhCR self-assembly into nanofibers, mechanical properties (elasticity, swelling), and in vitro biocompatibility with fibroblasts (L929) were assessed.
• In vivo studies included a mouse liver hemorrhage model and a mouse full-thickness skin defect model.

Main Results:

• rhCR successfully self-assembled into a stable nanofiber network with good mechanical properties.
• In vitro, rhCR enhanced fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, and migration, upregulating key genes (Vim, Fgf, Vegf, Tgf-β3).
• In vivo, rhCR significantly reduced blood loss in liver injury and accelerated skin wound healing (2.6x untreated, 1.7x rhCol).

Conclusions:

• The rhCR fusion protein effectively combines the benefits of collagen and RADA-16 for enhanced hemostatic and regenerative functions.
• rhCR demonstrates superior performance over rhCol alone in accelerating wound healing and improving tissue repair quality.
• This rhCR biomaterial shows significant promise for diverse regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications.