In Vitro Expression of the CtsK Gene in Bacterial Expression System, Escherichia coli

Cathepsin K encoded by the CtsK gene is an enzyme responsible for bone remodeling through ossification in human. Therefore, it could be used as an effective treatment approach for a variety of orthopedic disorders including bone fractures. With the availability of recombinant Cathepsin K produced in the country and its incorporation to novel biopharmaceuticals, it would uplift disease treatment approaches in Sri Lanka.

As an initial step of recombinant production of Cathepsin K, this study was aimed at expressing the catalytic domains of the CtsK gene in an E.coli expression system which included DNA extraction from whole blood of human, DNA quantification, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, gel band dissection and purification, restriction enzyme digestion, ligation, molecular cloning and bacterial expression.

The project was developed and conducted through Section of Genetics at the Institute for Research & Development in Health & Social Care(IRD) in collaboration with the Department of Nanotechnology in the Faculty of Technology at the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka and the Faculty of Science at Horizon Campus, Malabe. Ethical clearance for the project was received from the Ethics Review Committee of the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. Funding in majority for the project was provided by the IRD.