Although GeneOptimizer program generates a synonymously
mutated gene that does not alter the amino acid sequence, a
change of overall production rate may impact protein folding and
potentially affect post-translational modifications [34]. We therefore
examined whether sRAGE from OP plasmid transfected cells
is still N-glycosylated and maintains bioactivity. PNGase F treatment
of sRAGE from OP and WT plasmid transfected cells showed
a similar migration pattern in SDS–PAGE (Fig. 6), suggesting that
sRAGE produced from OP-transfected cells is similarly modified.