Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor
Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) is a growth factor or cytokine produced by a number of different tissues to stimulate the bone marrow to produce granulocytes.G-CSF is also known as Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) and Colony-Stimulating Factor 3 (CSF 3).
Biological function
G-CSF is produced, amongst others, by endothelium, macrophages and a number of other immune cells. It is a 177-180 amino acid-long protein.
The receptor, G-CSF-receptor, is present on precursor cells in the bone marrow that, in response to stimulation by G-CSF, proliferate and differentiate into mature granulocytes.
Genetics
The gene for G-CSF is located on chromosome 17, locus q11.2-q12.
Therapeutic use
In oncology and hematology, a recombinant form of G-CSF is used to accellerate recovery from neutropenia. Chemotherapy can cause myelosuppression and unacceptably low levels of white blood cells, making patients prone for infections and sepsis.
"Filgrastim" (Neupogen®) and "PEG-filgrastim" (Neulasta®) are two commercially available forms of rhG-CSF (recombinant human G-CSF) given to stimulate the production of various types of white blood cells, especially granulocytes and macrophages, following chemotherapy. The PEG (polyethylene glycol) form has a much longer half-life, reducing the necessity of daily injections. Recombinant G-CSF is also marketed under the names "Leukine" and "Sargramostim".