G120K-hGH

Overview

G120K-hGH is a genetically modified variant of human growth hormone (hGH) that has been engineered to have specific alterations in its amino acid sequence. The modification involves the substitution of glycine at position 120 with lysine, hence the name G120K-hGH. This alteration is designed to affect the hormone's biological activity, stability, or interaction with its receptor.

Structure and Function

Human growth hormone is a peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in growth, metabolism, and cell regeneration. It is composed of 191 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 22 kDa. The G120K mutation is located in a region of the hormone that is important for its interaction with the growth hormone receptor.

Amino Acid Substitution

The substitution of glycine (a small, non-polar amino acid) with lysine (a larger, positively charged amino acid) at position 120 can lead to changes in the hormone's three-dimensional structure. This can affect how the hormone binds to its receptor and can alter its biological activity.

Biological Implications

The G120K-hGH variant has been studied for its potential therapeutic applications. Alterations in the hormone's activity can lead to different effects on growth and metabolism, which may be beneficial in certain medical conditions.

Therapeutic Applications

Research into G120K-hGH has explored its use in conditions such as growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and chronic kidney disease. The modified hormone may offer advantages in terms of efficacy, reduced side effects, or altered pharmacokinetics compared to native hGH.

Research and Development

The development of G120K-hGH involves advanced techniques in protein engineering and recombinant DNA technology. Researchers use these methods to produce the modified hormone in laboratory settings, often using Escherichia coli or other expression systems.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are essential to evaluate the safety and efficacy of G120K-hGH in humans. These trials assess various parameters, including dosage, administration routes, and potential side effects.

Also see

• Human growth hormone
• Growth hormone receptor
• Protein engineering
• Recombinant DNA technology

References

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