Expression and characterization of hydrophobin HGFI fused with the cell-specific peptide TPS in Pichia pastoris

► The hydrophobin hgfI gene and tps peptide were fused and expressed in Pichia pastoris. ► The expressed fusion protein TLH preserved the properties of the hydrophobin HGFI. ► The TLH modified PCL could specially facilitate EPC, especially EPC (human) adhesion. ► The finding will be of potential application in EPC culture and cell-based therapies.