A novel tri-primer PCR method (TP-PCR) for rapid construction of fpg gene

A novel tri-primer polymerase chain reaction method (TP-PCR) was developed for the construction of a fused fpg gene, in which no endonuclease and ligase were used. Instead, two templates and three specifically designed primers were applied. Results showed that pheB and gfp genes, which encodes the catechol 2, 3-dioxygenase and the green fluorescent protein (GFP), respectively, were successfully fused into an fpg gene through the rapid TP-PCR system, indicating that TP-PCR method could be a useful tool for DNA fragment fusion in which no proper endonuclease sites were available.

Preparation of Escherichia coli cell extract for highly productive cell-free protein expression

As structural genomics and proteomics research has become popular, the importance of cell-free protein synthesis systems has been realized for high-throughput expression. Our group has established a high-throughput pipeline for protein sample preparation for structural genomics and proteomics by using cell-free protein synthesis. Among the many procedures for cell-free protein synthesis, the preparation of the cell extract is a crucial step to establish a highly efficient and reproducible workflow. In this article, we describe a detailed protocol for E. coli cell extract preparation for cell-free protein synthesis, which we have developed and routinely use. The cell extract prepared according to this protocol is used for many of our cell-free synthesis applications, including high-throughput protein expression using PCR-amplified templates and large-scale protein production for structure determinations.

Cloning single-chain antibody fragments (scFv) from hybridoma cells

Despite the availability of antibody libraries for the selection of receptor molecules, the large number of established and well-characterized hybridoma lines still represent a useful source for recombinant antibody genes. This protocol describes the PCR amplification, cloning, and a small-scale expression test for the generation of scFv fragments from hybridoma cell lines. Particular emphasis was placed on frequently observed problems and pitfalls of this method.

Industry perspective for biotech products

This presentation, held at the Joint PDA/EMEA Virus Safety Forum, provided an industry perspective on virus safety for biotech products. After discussion of the various groups of biologicals for human use, the presentation focused on a specific group of biologicals, the cell-derived rDNA products. The current authority guidelines of this group of well-defined biotech products were discussed, and a representative case study addressing virus safety aspects was presented. Questions for discussion were raised which illustrated the need for discussion between regulators and industry concerning updated guidance for this group of biologicals.