Microbial transglutaminase-mediated formation of erythropoietin-polyester conjugates.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone that has been used to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease and in cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy. Here, we investigated the accessibility of the glutamine (Gln, Q) residues of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) towards a thermoresistant variant microbial transglutaminase (mTGase), TG with the aim of developing novel rHuEPO conjugates that may potentially enhance its biological efficacy. As a model bioconjugation, we studied the reactivity of rHuEPO towards TG with a low molar mass amine group containing substrate, monodansyl cadaverine (MDC).

Use of primary human liver cells originating from discarded grafts in a bioreactor for liver support therapy and the prospects of culturing adult liver stem cells in bioreactors: a morphologic study.

Introduction: The development of a bioreactor providing a three-dimensional network of interwoven capillary membranes with integrated oxygenation and decentralized mass exchange enables the culture of primary human liver cells from discarded donor organs for extracorporeal liver support.

Methods: Primary liver cells were isolated from 54 discarded organs (donor age 56.7+/-13.

Extracorporeal liver support: porcine or human cell based systems?

Initial results of the clinical use of primary porcine liver cells for extracorporeal liver support are being reviewed as the cell source is controversial. According to Eurotransplant data 20-25% of explanted donor livers are not transplanted, due to factors such as steatosis or cirrhosis. This number corresponds to the number of patients with acute liver failure who require bridging therapy to transplantation.