Hyperexpression of biologically active human chorionic gonadotropin using the methylotropic yeast, Pichia pastoris

Abstract

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone, is composed of an α subunit noncovalently associated with the hormone-specific β subunit. The objective of the present study was recombinant expression of properly folded, biologically active hCG and its subunits using an expression system that could be used for structure-function studies while providing adequate quantities of the hormone for immunocontraceptive studies. We report here expression of biologically active hCG and its subunits using a yeast expression system, Pichia pastoris. The recombinant hCGα and hCGβ subunits were secreted into the medium and the levels of expression achieved at shake culture level were 24 and 2.7-3 mg/l secretory medium respectively. Co-expression of both subunits in the same cell resulted in secretion of heterodimeric hCG into the medium. The pichia-expressed hCG was immunologically similar to the native hormone, capable of binding to the LH receptors and stimulating a biological response in vitro. Surprisingly, the maximal response obtained was twice that obtained with the native hCG. The level of expression of hCG achieved was 12-16 mg/l secretory medium and is expected to increase several-fold in a fermentor. Thus the Pichia expression system is capable of hyperexpressing properly folded, biologically active hCG and is suitable for structure- function studies of the hormone.