[Production of recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor in Escherichia coli cells]

Here we describe the synthesis of the gene encoding human keratinocyte growth factor (hKGF) and the construction of vectors for cytoplasmic production of hKGF in Escherichia coli cells. The level of recombinant protein expression was 1-1.5% of the total cell protein. hKGF was purified to homogeneity by three-step ion-exchange and affinity chromatography. The protein is biologically active: it stimulates dose-dependent protein synthesis in cultured human epidermal keratinocytes.