G6PC3

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia


Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) is a glycoprotein that stimulates the bone marrow to produce granulocytes and stem cells and release them into the bloodstream. It is a cytokine and hormone that plays a critical role in hematopoiesis, the process of blood cell production.

Structure and Function[edit | edit source]

G-CSF is a 174-amino acid protein with a molecular weight of approximately 19.6 kDa. It is produced by various tissues, including the endothelium, macrophages, and a number of other immune cells. The primary function of G-CSF is to regulate the production and release of neutrophils from the bone marrow.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

G-CSF binds to the G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR) on the surface of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells in the bone marrow. This binding activates intracellular signaling pathways, including the JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK pathways, leading to the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of neutrophil precursors.

Clinical Applications[edit | edit source]

G-CSF is used clinically to treat neutropenia, a condition characterized by an abnormally low number of neutrophils. It is particularly useful in patients undergoing chemotherapy, which often results in neutropenia. G-CSF reduces the risk of infection in these patients by increasing neutrophil counts.

Recombinant Forms[edit | edit source]

Recombinant forms of G-CSF, such as filgrastim and pegfilgrastim, are widely used in clinical practice. Filgrastim is a non-glycosylated form of G-CSF produced in Escherichia coli, while pegfilgrastim is a pegylated form that has a longer half-life, allowing for less frequent dosing.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects of G-CSF administration include bone pain, headache, and fatigue. More serious side effects can include splenic rupture and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), although these are rare.

Research and Development[edit | edit source]

Ongoing research is exploring the use of G-CSF in other conditions, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, due to its potential to mobilize stem cells and promote tissue repair.

Also see[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD