| abstract |
The present invention provides a transformed silkworm which has anpolynucleotide encoding human collagen within the genomic DNA and producesnrecombinant human collagen as a part of proteins in the cocoon or the silk gland; anprocess for producing recombinant human collagen by using this transformednsilkworm; and a recombinant vector for use in the generation of the transformednsilkworm. Since human collagen is collected from the cocoon discharged by thisntransformed silkworm or its silk gland, highly pure human collagen can benconveniently obtained in a large amount. Moreover, because the recombinantnhuman collagen produced by the transformed silkworm is safe collagen which isnfree from any fear of the contamination with pathogens such as viruses or prionsnand exhibits no antigenicity toward humans. Thus, it can be utilized in variousnindustrial fields including medicines, foods, cosmetics and the like. |