title: Quantitative RT-PCR as an alternative to late-stage bioassays for vascular endothelial growth factor.
abstract: We have investigated the use of quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) as an alternative to a selection of late-stage functional bioassays for determination of the potency of preparations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Responses were measured in cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Late-stage responses measured were cell survival and proliferation, and production of interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tissue factor. The dose-response range was similar across the assays, increasing from 2 ng/mL VEGF and reaching a maximum between 30 ng/mL and 125 ng/mL VEGF. A number of VEGF-induced mRNA species demonstrated dose-response curves suitable for VEGF potency determination. IL-8 mRNA induction after 45 min incubation with VEGF, which showed maximal responses between 15.6 ng/mL and 62.5 ng/mL VEGF, was selected for further characterization. This gene-expression bioassay was robust across a range of cell seeding densities and could be used for samples processed immediately following incubation with VEGF and for cell lysates stored at -80 degrees C for 3 months. We also compared this gene-expression bioassay and the assays of late-stage responses in the potency measurement of the inhibitors of VEGF activity, anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody MAB293, and a VEGF soluble receptor VEGFsR1 preparation. We present a critical evaluation of the use of qRT-PCR in assaying the potency of VEGF and its inhibitors, and of the potential of this platform for measuring the potency of other biological therapeutics.
authors: Biotherapeutics Division, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3QG, UK. cburns@nibsc.ac.uk
authors: Chris J
authors: CJ
authors: Burns
authors: Marta M C G
authors: MM
authors: Silva
authors: Elaine
authors: E
authors: Gray
authors: C Jane
authors: CJ
authors: Robinson
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology; D001681:Biological Assay; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D013925:Thromboplastin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015850:Interleukin-6; D016209:Interleukin-8; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D013925:Thromboplastin