Optimization of genetic constructs for high-level expression of the darbepoetin gene in mammalian cells

Genetic constructs were designed in order to optimize darbepoetin production in CHO cells. They are characterized by a higher level of structural optimization of the darbepoetin gene, a higher gene dose, and the selection of promoter elements that have never been used before for this purpose. A transient transfection of CHO cells by the obtained constructs was performed. It was shown that each of the variable factors in the constructs influenced darbepoetin gene expression. A construct containing a doubled dose of the darbepoetin synthetic gene with optimized codon composition under the control of the CMV-EF1α chimerical promoter was proved to be the most efficient.