Target-directed development and preclinical characterization of the proposed biosimilar rituximab GP2013.

Biosimilar development involves a target-directed iterative process to ensure a similar product to the originator. Here we report the preclinical development of the proposed biosimilar rituximab (GP2013). Post-translational modifications and bioactivities of GP2013 versus originator rituximab were engineered and monitored to ensure similar pharmacological profiles.

Synthesis of apolipoprotein A-1 in pig brain microvascular endothelial cells.

In an approach toward the identification of hitherto unknown proteins involved in the function of the blood-brain barrier, we constructed a pig brain microvessel-derived cDNA library that is enriched in blood-brain barrier specific sequences by means of subtractive cloning. Sequence analysis of selected clones revealed that one of the cDNAs encoded porcine apolipoprotein (apo) A-1. The identity of apo A-1 mRNA was further confirmed by in vitro translation of RNA from brain microvascular endothelial cells and subsequent immunoprecipitation with an antibody against human apo A-1.

Embryonic MAP2 lacks the cross-linking sidearm sequences and dendritic targeting signal of adult MAP2.

The most prominent microtubule-associated protein of the neuronal cytoskeleton is MAP2. In the brain it exists as a pair of high-molecular weight proteins, MAP2a and MAP2b, and a smaller form, MAP2c, which is particularly abundant in the developing brain. High-molecular weight MAP2 is expressed in dendrites, where its messenger RNA is also located, but is not found in axons; it has been shown to be present in fine filaments that crosslink dendritic microtubules.

Cloning and expression of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase from isolated porcine brain capillaries.

In order to understand the mechanisms regulating the blood-brain barrier we isolated a cDNA clone for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase from purified porcine brain capillaries by cross-species DNA hybridization using a DNA fragment from a rat kidney cDNA clone. The sequence of the porcine gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase cDNA shows 84% identity in the coding region to the sequence of human placenta gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase cDNA. The derived protein sequences of the human and porcine gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase are 98% similar.