Protein Production Method

About

Protein Production Method Inventor George Pierce IP Status Patent pending GSU Case Number 2011-09 Introduction Production of soluble recombinant proteins has been widely explored for over three decades. However, insoluble proteins produced in host cells have been largely ignored due to several challenges involved. Besides, little or no efforts have been made toward enhancing functional recombinant proteins obtained from insoluble proteins or inclusion bodies in host cells. GSU inventors have found a way to take advantage of insoluble proteins in the production of recombinant fusion proteins from host cells. This results in obtaining significantly increased amounts of pure target recombinant protein(s) in fewer steps. Technology GSU has devised a technology for producing heterologous polypeptides, i.e. recombinant proteins from insoluble protein fractions. The process involves producing insoluble recombinant proteins, which are subsequently renatured to a biologically active state. The methodology employs a vector/operon/inducer that increases the amount of insoluble recombinant protein in a host compatible with the vector/operon, followed by growing the host and inducing expression of the fusion protein. Applications Producing a wide variety of heterologous polypeptides in Gram-negative and Gram-positive hosts The heterologous polypeptides comprise proteins or protein fragments useful for human or veterinary therapy as well as diagnostic applications Examples: viral proteins, bacterial proteins, parasitic proteins, fungal proteins, hormones, growth or inhibitory factors, antigenic proteins or antigenic protein fragments Advantages Significant increase in the amount of pure target recombinant proteins Facilitates removal of endotoxins Can be used for soluble and insoluble protein fractions Reduced number of steps Overcomes problems associated with soluble recombinant proteins such as susceptibility to degradation, protein loss etc.