Expressing Recombinant Coagulation Factors in Yeast and Insect Cells

Coagulation activity is controlled by a complex network of proteins. This cascade of proteins activation and deactivation is delicately controlled by protein interactions and by positive and/or negative feedbacks from end products. In this study we are expressing several coagulation factors (Factor II, VII, IX, X, AT3, factor V B domain and factor VIII domains) in e.coli, mammalian cells, yeast and insect cells based vector systems. The proteins will be used to select for specific aptamers against the surface of the protein molecules. As part of a novel microwave-array mass spectrometry device these aptamers will be used for the qualitative and quantitative study of protein-protein interactions. RNA aptamers against factor IX have been shown as potential candidates for therapeutical use in anticoagulation (Rusconi et al. Nature 2002). Most interestingly, the antidot of the aptamer was represented by its antisense sequence.