1
|
Rempfer C, Hoernstein SN, van Gessel N, Graf AW, Spiegelhalder RP, Bertolini A, Bohlender LL, Parsons J, Decker EL, Reski R. Differential prolyl hydroxylation by six Physcomitrella prolyl-4 hydroxylases. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2580-2594. [PMID: 39021582 PMCID: PMC11252719 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydroxylation of prolines to 4-trans-hydroxyproline (Hyp) is mediated by prolyl-4 hydroxylases (P4Hs). In plants, Hyps occur in Hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs), and are frequently O-glycosylated. While both modifications are important, e.g. for cell wall stability, they are undesired in plant-made pharmaceuticals. Sequence motifs for prolyl-hydroxylation were proposed but did not include data from mosses, such as Physcomitrella. We identified six moss P4Hs by phylogenetic reconstruction. Our analysis of 73 Hyps in 24 secretory proteins from multiple mass spectrometry datasets revealed that prolines near other prolines, alanine, serine, threonine and valine were preferentially hydroxylated. About 95 % of Hyps were predictable with combined established methods. In our data, AOV was the most frequent pattern. A combination of 443 AlphaFold models and MS data with 3000 prolines found Hyps mainly on protein surfaces in disordered regions. Moss-produced human erythropoietin (EPO) exhibited O-glycosylation with arabinose chains on two Hyps. This modification was significantly reduced in a p4h1 knock-out (KO) Physcomitrella mutant. Quantitative proteomics with different p4h mutants revealed specific changes in protein amounts, and a modified prolyl-hydroxylation pattern, suggesting a differential function of the Physcomitrella P4Hs. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed a differential effect of single p4h KOs on the expression of the other five p4h genes, suggesting a partial compensation of the mutation. AlphaFold-Multimer models for Physcomitrella P4H1 and its target EPO peptide superposed with the crystal structure of Chlamydomonas P4H1 suggested significant amino acids in the active centre of the enzyme and revealed differences between P4H1 and the other Physcomitrella P4Hs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Rempfer
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine SGBM, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19A, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian N.W. Hoernstein
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nico van Gessel
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas W. Graf
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roxane P. Spiegelhalder
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anne Bertolini
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lennard L. Bohlender
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliana Parsons
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva L. Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine SGBM, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19A, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 18, 79104, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Niederau PA, Eglé P, Willig S, Parsons J, Hoernstein SNW, Decker EL, Reski R. Multifactorial analysis of terminator performance on heterologous gene expression in Physcomitrella. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2024; 43:43. [PMID: 38246952 PMCID: PMC10800305 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-023-03088-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Characterization of Physcomitrella 3'UTRs across different promoters yields endogenous single and double terminators for usage in molecular pharming. The production of recombinant proteins for health applications accounts for a large share of the biopharmaceutical market. While many drugs are produced in microbial and mammalian systems, plants gain more attention as expression hosts to produce eukaryotic proteins. In particular, the good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant moss Physcomitrella (Physcomitrium patens) has outstanding features, such as excellent genetic amenability, reproducible bioreactor cultivation, and humanized protein glycosylation patterns. In this study, we selected and characterized novel terminators for their effects on heterologous gene expression. The Physcomitrella genome contains 53,346 unique 3'UTRs (untranslated regions) of which 7964 transcripts contain at least one intron. Over 91% of 3'UTRs exhibit more than one polyadenylation site, indicating the prevalence of alternative polyadenylation in Physcomitrella. Out of all 3'UTRs, 14 terminator candidates were selected and characterized via transient Dual-Luciferase assays, yielding a collection of endogenous terminators performing equally high as established heterologous terminators CaMV35S, AtHSP90, and NOS. High performing candidates were selected for testing as double terminators which impact reporter levels, dependent on terminator identity and positioning. Testing of 3'UTRs among the different promoters NOS, CaMV35S, and PpActin5 showed an increase of more than 1000-fold between promoters PpActin5 and NOS, whereas terminators increased reporter levels by less than tenfold, demonstrating the stronger effect promoters play as compared to terminators. Among selected terminator attributes, the number of polyadenylation sites as well as polyadenylation signals were found to influence terminator performance the most. Our results improve the biotechnology platform Physcomitrella and further our understanding of how terminators influence gene expression in plants in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pauline Eglé
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sandro Willig
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliana Parsons
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Eva L Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Signalling Research Centre BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tang SN, Barnum CR, Szarzanowicz MJ, Sirirungruang S, Shih PM. Harnessing Plant Sugar Metabolism for Glycoengineering. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1505. [PMID: 38132331 PMCID: PMC10741112 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Plants possess an innate ability to generate vast amounts of sugar and produce a range of sugar-derived compounds that can be utilized for applications in industry, health, and agriculture. Nucleotide sugars lie at the unique intersection of primary and specialized metabolism, enabling the biosynthesis of numerous molecules ranging from small glycosides to complex polysaccharides. Plants are tolerant to perturbations to their balance of nucleotide sugars, allowing for the overproduction of endogenous nucleotide sugars to push flux towards a particular product without necessitating the re-engineering of upstream pathways. Pathways to produce even non-native nucleotide sugars may be introduced to synthesize entirely novel products. Heterologously expressed glycosyltransferases capable of unique sugar chemistries can further widen the synthetic repertoire of a plant, and transporters can increase the amount of nucleotide sugars available to glycosyltransferases. In this opinion piece, we examine recent successes and potential future uses of engineered nucleotide sugar biosynthetic, transport, and utilization pathways to improve the production of target compounds. Additionally, we highlight current efforts to engineer glycosyltransferases. Ultimately, the robust nature of plant sugar biochemistry renders plants a powerful chassis for the production of target glycoconjugates and glycans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia N. Tang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
- Feedstocks Division, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; (M.J.S.)
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
| | - Collin R. Barnum
- Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Matthew J. Szarzanowicz
- Feedstocks Division, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; (M.J.S.)
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sasilada Sirirungruang
- Feedstocks Division, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; (M.J.S.)
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Patrick M. Shih
- Feedstocks Division, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; (M.J.S.)
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kittur FS, Hung CY, Li PA, Sane DC, Xie J. Asialo-rhuEPO as a Potential Neuroprotectant for Ischemic Stroke Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:610. [PMID: 37111367 PMCID: PMC10143832 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroprotective drugs to protect the brain against cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury are urgently needed. Mammalian cell-produced recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPOM) has been demonstrated to have excellent neuroprotective functions in preclinical studies, but its neuroprotective properties could not be consistently translated in clinical trials. The clinical failure of rhuEPOM was thought to be mainly due to its erythropoietic activity-associated side effects. To exploit its tissue-protective property, various EPO derivatives with tissue-protective function only have been developed. Among them, asialo-rhuEPO, lacking terminal sialic acid residues, was shown to be neuroprotective but non-erythropoietic. Asialo-rhuEPO can be prepared by enzymatic removal of sialic acid residues from rhuEPOM (asialo-rhuEPOE) or by expressing human EPO gene in glycoengineered transgenic plants (asialo-rhuEPOP). Both types of asialo-rhuEPO, like rhuEPOM, displayed excellent neuroprotective effects by regulating multiple cellular pathways in cerebral I/R animal models. In this review, we describe the structure and properties of EPO and asialo-rhuEPO, summarize the progress on neuroprotective studies of asialo-rhuEPO and rhuEPOM, discuss potential reasons for the clinical failure of rhuEPOM with acute ischemic stroke patients, and advocate future studies needed to develop asialo-rhuEPO as a multimodal neuroprotectant for ischemic stroke treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farooqahmed S. Kittur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA; (C.-Y.H.); (P.A.L.)
| | - Chiu-Yueh Hung
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA; (C.-Y.H.); (P.A.L.)
| | - P. Andy Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA; (C.-Y.H.); (P.A.L.)
| | - David C. Sane
- Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA;
| | - Jiahua Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA; (C.-Y.H.); (P.A.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lüth VM, Rempfer C, van Gessel N, Herzog O, Hanser M, Braun M, Decker EL, Reski R. A Physcomitrella PIN protein acts in spermatogenesis and sporophyte retention. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 237:2118-2135. [PMID: 36696950 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The auxin efflux PIN-FORMED (PIN) proteins are conserved in all land plants and important players in plant development. In the moss Physcomitrella (Physcomitrium patens), three canonical PINs (PpPINA-C) are expressed in the leafy shoot (gametophore). PpPINA and PpPINB show functional activity in vegetative growth and sporophyte development. Here, we examined the role of PpPINC in the life cycle of Physcomitrella. We established reporter and knockout lines for PpPINC and analysed vegetative and reproductive tissues using microscopy and transcriptomic sequencing of moss gametangia. PpPINC is expressed in immature leaves, mature gametangia and during sporophyte development. The sperm cells (spermatozoids) of pinC knockout mutants exhibit increased motility and an altered flagella phenotype. Furthermore, the pinC mutants have a higher portion of differentially expressed genes related to spermatogenesis, increased fertility and an increased abortion rate of premeiotic sporophytes. Here, we show that PpPINC is important for spermatogenesis and sporophyte retention. We propose an evolutionary conserved way of polar growth during early moss embryo development and sporophyte attachment to the gametophore while suggesting the mechanical function in sporophyte retention of a ring structure, the Lorch ring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Volker M Lüth
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christine Rempfer
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nico van Gessel
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Herzog
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Hanser
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marion Braun
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva L Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT - Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Karki U, Wright T, Xu J. High yield secretion of human erythropoietin from tobacco cells for ex vivo differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells towards red blood cells. J Biotechnol 2022; 355:10-20. [PMID: 35777457 PMCID: PMC9492895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human erythropoietin (EPO) is a key cytokine in erythropoiesis by regulating differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells into red blood cells (RBCs). Plant cell cultures are considered as promising alternative bioproduction platforms for EPO. To overcome the bottlenecks of low protein productivity and secretion, EPO was expressed in tobacco BY-2 cells with a designer peptide tag, termed (SP)20 that consists of 20 tandem repeats of a "Ser-Pro" motif. This de novo designed tag directed extensive O-glycosylation on each Pro residue in plant cells and acted as a molecular carrier to promote the extracellular secretion of EPO. To facilitate the establishment of stable and high-expression BY-2 cell lines, EPO molecules were co-expressed with a reporter protein GFP, which could be used as a visual marker to monitor the protein expression during the subculture. The engineered (SP)20 glycomodule substantially increased the secreted yields of EPO up to 4.31 μg/mL. The (SP)20-tagged EPOs exhibited the expected activity in promoting the proliferation of TF-1 cells, though their EC50 was 12-fold higher than that of EPO standard. The (SP)20-tagged EPOs could also stimulate the ex vivo expansion and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cell (CD34+ cells) towards RBCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uddhab Karki
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, USA
| | | | - Jianfeng Xu
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, USA; College of Agriculture, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
van der Kaaij A, van Noort K, Nibbering P, Wilbers RHP, Schots A. Glyco-Engineering Plants to Produce Helminth Glycoproteins as Prospective Biopharmaceuticals: Recent Advances, Challenges and Future Prospects. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:882835. [PMID: 35574113 PMCID: PMC9100689 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.882835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Glycoproteins are the dominant category among approved biopharmaceuticals, indicating their importance as therapeutic proteins. Glycoproteins are decorated with carbohydrate structures (or glycans) in a process called glycosylation. Glycosylation is a post-translational modification that is present in all kingdoms of life, albeit with differences in core modifications, terminal glycan structures, and incorporation of different sugar residues. Glycans play pivotal roles in many biological processes and can impact the efficacy of therapeutic glycoproteins. The majority of biopharmaceuticals are based on human glycoproteins, but non-human glycoproteins, originating from for instance parasitic worms (helminths), form an untapped pool of potential therapeutics for immune-related diseases and vaccine candidates. The production of sufficient quantities of correctly glycosylated putative therapeutic helminth proteins is often challenging and requires extensive engineering of the glycosylation pathway. Therefore, a flexible glycoprotein production system is required that allows straightforward introduction of heterologous glycosylation machinery composed of glycosyltransferases and glycosidases to obtain desired glycan structures. The glycome of plants creates an ideal starting point for N- and O-glyco-engineering of helminth glycans. Plants are also tolerant toward the introduction of heterologous glycosylation enzymes as well as the obtained glycans. Thus, a potent production platform emerges that enables the production of recombinant helminth proteins with unusual glycans. In this review, we discuss recent advances in plant glyco-engineering of potentially therapeutic helminth glycoproteins, challenges and their future prospects.
Collapse
|
8
|
Ruiz-Molina N, Parsons J, Müller M, Hoernstein SNW, Bohlender LL, Pumple S, Zipfel PF, Häffner K, Reski R, Decker EL. A synthetic protein as efficient multitarget regulator against complement over-activation. Commun Biol 2022; 5:152. [PMID: 35194132 PMCID: PMC8863895 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system constitutes the innate defense against pathogens. Its dysregulation leads to diseases and is a critical determinant in many viral infections, e.g., COVID-19. Factor H (FH) is the main regulator of the alternative pathway of complement activation and could be a therapy to restore homeostasis. However, recombinant FH is not available. Engineered FH versions may be alternative therapeutics. Here, we designed a synthetic protein, MFHR13, as a multitarget complement regulator. It combines the dimerization and C5-regulatory domains of human FH-related protein 1 (FHR1) with the C3-regulatory and cell surface recognition domains of human FH, including SCR 13. In summary, the fusion protein MFHR13 comprises SCRs FHR11-2:FH1-4:FH13:FH19-20. It protects sheep erythrocytes from complement attack exhibiting 26 and 4-fold the regulatory activity of eculizumab and human FH, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrate that MFHR13 and FHR1 bind to all proteins forming the membrane attack complex, which contributes to the mechanistic understanding of FHR1. We consider MFHR13 a promising candidate as therapeutic for complement-associated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ruiz-Molina
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliana Parsons
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Madeleine Müller
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Lennard L Bohlender
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Steffen Pumple
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Karsten Häffner
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva L Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bohlender LL, Parsons J, Hoernstein SNW, Bangert N, Rodríguez-Jahnke F, Reski R, Decker EL. Unexpected Arabinosylation after Humanization of Plant Protein N-Glycosylation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:838365. [PMID: 35252146 PMCID: PMC8894861 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.838365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
As biopharmaceuticals, recombinant proteins have become indispensable tools in medicine. An increasing demand, not only in quantity but also in diversity, drives the constant development and improvement of production platforms. The N-glycosylation pattern on biopharmaceuticals plays an important role in activity, serum half-life and immunogenicity. Therefore, production platforms with tailored protein N-glycosylation are of great interest. Plant-based systems have already demonstrated their potential to produce pharmaceutically relevant recombinant proteins, although their N-glycan patterns differ from those in humans. Plants have shown great plasticity towards the manipulation of their glycosylation machinery, and some have already been glyco-engineered in order to avoid the attachment of plant-typical, putatively immunogenic sugar residues. This resulted in complex-type N-glycans with a core structure identical to the human one. Compared to humans, plants lack the ability to elongate these N-glycans with β1,4-linked galactoses and terminal sialic acids. However, these modifications, which require the activity of several mammalian enzymes, have already been achieved for Nicotiana benthamiana and the moss Physcomitrella. Here, we present the first step towards sialylation of recombinant glycoproteins in Physcomitrella, human β1,4-linked terminal N-glycan galactosylation, which was achieved by the introduction of a chimeric β1,4-galactosyltransferase (FTGT). This chimeric enzyme consists of the moss α1,4-fucosyltransferase transmembrane domain, fused to the catalytic domain of the human β1,4-galactosyltransferase. Stable FTGT expression led to the desired β1,4-galactosylation. However, additional pentoses of unknown identity were also observed. The nature of these pentoses was subsequently determined by Western blot and enzymatic digestion followed by mass spectrometric analysis and resulted in their identification as α-linked arabinoses. Since a pentosylation of β1,4-galactosylated N-glycans was reported earlier, e.g., on recombinant human erythropoietin produced in glyco-engineered Nicotiana tabacum, this phenomenon is of a more general importance for plant-based production platforms. Arabinoses, which are absent in humans, may prevent the full humanization of plant-derived products. Therefore, the identification of these pentoses as arabinoses is important as it creates the basis for their abolishment to ensure the production of safe biopharmaceuticals in plant-based systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lennard L. Bohlender
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliana Parsons
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Nina Bangert
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fernando Rodríguez-Jahnke
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva L. Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Eva L. Decker,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Improving Protein Quantity and Quality—The Next Level of Plant Molecular Farming. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031326. [PMID: 35163249 PMCID: PMC8836236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants offer several unique advantages in the production of recombinant pharmaceuticals for humans and animals. Although numerous recombinant proteins have been expressed in plants, only a small fraction have been successfully put into use. The hugely distinct expression systems between plant and animal cells frequently cause insufficient yield of the recombinant proteins with poor or undesired activity. To overcome the issues that greatly constrain the development of plant-produced pharmaceuticals, great efforts have been made to improve expression systems and develop alternative strategies to increase both the quantity and quality of the recombinant proteins. Recent technological revolutions, such as targeted genome editing, deconstructed vectors, virus-like particles, and humanized glycosylation, have led to great advances in plant molecular farming to meet the industrial manufacturing and clinical application standards. In this review, we discuss the technological advances made in various plant expression platforms, with special focus on the upstream designs and milestone achievements in improving the yield and glycosylation of the plant-produced pharmaceutical proteins.
Collapse
|
11
|
Stenitzer D, Mócsai R, Zechmeister H, Reski R, Decker EL, Altmann F. O-methylated N-glycans Distinguish Mosses from Vascular Plants. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010136. [PMID: 35053284 PMCID: PMC8773788 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the animal kingdom, a stunning variety of N-glycan structures have emerged with phylogenetic specificities of various kinds. In the plant kingdom, however, N-glycosylation appears to be strictly conservative and uniform. From mosses to all kinds of gymno- and angiosperms, land plants mainly express structures with the common pentasaccharide core substituted with xylose, core α1,3-fucose, maybe terminal GlcNAc residues and Lewis A determinants. In contrast, green algae biosynthesise unique and unusual N-glycan structures with uncommon monosaccharides, a plethora of different structures and various kinds of O-methylation. Mosses, a group of plants that are separated by at least 400 million years of evolution from vascular plants, have hitherto been seen as harbouring an N-glycosylation machinery identical to that of vascular plants. To challenge this view, we analysed the N-glycomes of several moss species using MALDI-TOF/TOF, PGC-MS/MS and GC-MS. While all species contained the plant-typical heptasaccharide with no, one or two terminal GlcNAc residues (MMXF, MGnXF and GnGnXF, respectively), many species exhibited MS signals with 14.02 Da increments as characteristic for O-methylation. Throughout all analysed moss N-glycans, the level of methylation differed strongly even within the same family. In some species, methylated glycans dominated, while others had no methylation at all. GC-MS revealed the main glycan from Funaria hygrometrica to contain 2,6-O-methylated terminal mannose. Some mosses additionally presented very large, likewise methylated complex-type N-glycans. This first finding of the methylation of N-glycans in land plants mirrors the presumable phylogenetic relation of mosses to green algae, where the O-methylation of mannose and many other monosaccharides is a common trait.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Stenitzer
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Réka Mócsai
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Harald Zechmeister
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, 1030 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (R.R.); (E.L.D.)
| | - Eva L. Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (R.R.); (E.L.D.)
| | - Friedrich Altmann
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.); (R.M.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Schwestka J, König-Beihammer J, Shin YJ, Vavra U, Kienzl NF, Grünwald-Gruber C, Maresch D, Klausberger M, Laurent E, Stadler M, Manhart G, Huber J, Hofner M, Vierlinger K, Weinhäusel A, Swoboda I, Binder CJ, Gerner W, Grebien F, Altmann F, Mach L, Stöger E, Strasser R. Impact of Specific N-Glycan Modifications on the Use of Plant-Produced SARS-CoV-2 Antigens in Serological Assays. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:747500. [PMID: 34646292 PMCID: PMC8503525 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.747500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein plays a key role in the virus-host cell interaction, and viral infection. The RBD is a major target for neutralizing antibodies, whilst recombinant RBD is commonly used as an antigen in serological assays. Such assays are essential tools to gain control over the pandemic and detect the extent and durability of an immune response in infected or vaccinated populations. Transient expression in plants can contribute to the fast production of viral antigens, which are required by industry in high amounts. Whilst plant-produced RBDs are glycosylated, N-glycan modifications in plants differ from humans. This can give rise to the formation of carbohydrate epitopes that can be recognized by anti-carbohydrate antibodies present in human sera. For the performance of serological tests using plant-produced recombinant viral antigens, such cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) could result in false positives. Here, we transiently expressed an RBD variant in wild-type and glycoengineered Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and characterized the impact of different plant-specific N-glycans on RBD reactivity in serological assays. While the overall performance of the different RBD glycoforms was comparable to each other and to a human cell line produced RBD, there was a higher tendency toward false positive results with sera containing allergy-related CCD-antibodies when an RBD carrying β1,2-xylose and core α1,3-fucose was used. These rare events could be further minimized by pre-incubating sera from allergic individuals with a CCD-inhibitor. Thereby, false positive signals obtained from anti-CCD antibodies, could be reduced by 90%, on average.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Schwestka
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia König-Beihammer
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yun-Ji Shin
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Vavra
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nikolaus F. Kienzl
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Grünwald-Gruber
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Maresch
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Miriam Klausberger
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Laurent
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Core Facility Biomolecular & Cellular Analysis, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Stadler
- Institute of Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriele Manhart
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasmin Huber
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuela Hofner
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klemens Vierlinger
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Weinhäusel
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ines Swoboda
- Biotechnology Section, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph J. Binder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wilhelm Gerner
- Institute of Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Grebien
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Friedrich Altmann
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Mach
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Stöger
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mócsai R, Göritzer K, Stenitzer D, Maresch D, Strasser R, Altmann F. Prolyl Hydroxylase Paralogs in Nicotiana benthamiana Show High Similarity With Regard to Substrate Specificity. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:636597. [PMID: 33737944 PMCID: PMC7960765 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.636597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Plant glycoproteins display a characteristic type of O-glycosylation where short arabinans or larger arabinogalactans are linked to hydroxyproline. The conversion of proline to 4-hydroxyproline is accomplished by prolyl-hydroxylases (P4Hs). Eleven putative Nicotiana benthamiana P4Hs, which fall in four homology groups, have been identified by homology searches using known Arabidopsis thaliana P4H sequences. One member of each of these groups has been expressed in insect cells using the baculovirus expression system and applied to synthetic peptides representing the O-glycosylated region of erythropoietin (EPO), IgA1, Art v 1 and the Arabidopsis thaliana glycoprotein STRUBBELIG. Unlike the situation in the moss Physcomitrella patens, where one particular P4H was mainly responsible for the oxidation of erythropoietin, the tobacco P4Hs exhibited rather similar activities, albeit with biased substrate preferences and preferred sites of oxidation. From a biotechnological viewpoint, this result means that silencing/knockout of a single P4H in N. benthamiana cannot be expected to result in the abolishment of the plant-specific oxidation of prolyl residues in a recombinant protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Réka Mócsai
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathrin Göritzer
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Stenitzer
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Maresch
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Friedrich Altmann
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Buyel JF, Stöger E, Bortesi L. Targeted genome editing of plants and plant cells for biomanufacturing. Transgenic Res 2021; 30:401-426. [PMID: 33646510 PMCID: PMC8316201 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-021-00236-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Plants have provided humans with useful products since antiquity, but in the last 30 years they have also been developed as production platforms for small molecules and recombinant proteins. This initially niche area has blossomed with the growth of the global bioeconomy, and now includes chemical building blocks, polymers and renewable energy. All these applications can be described as “plant molecular farming” (PMF). Despite its potential to increase the sustainability of biologics manufacturing, PMF has yet to be embraced broadly by industry. This reflects a combination of regulatory uncertainty, limited information on process cost structures, and the absence of trained staff and suitable manufacturing capacity. However, the limited adaptation of plants and plant cells to the requirements of industry-scale manufacturing is an equally important hurdle. For example, the targeted genetic manipulation of yeast has been common practice since the 1980s, whereas reliable site-directed mutagenesis in most plants has only become available with the advent of CRISPR/Cas9 and similar genome editing technologies since around 2010. Here we summarize the applications of new genetic engineering technologies to improve plants as biomanufacturing platforms. We start by identifying current bottlenecks in manufacturing, then illustrate the progress that has already been made and discuss the potential for improvement at the molecular, cellular and organism levels. We discuss the effects of metabolic optimization, adaptation of the endomembrane system, modified glycosylation profiles, programmable growth and senescence, protease inactivation, and the expression of enzymes that promote biodegradation. We outline strategies to achieve these modifications by targeted gene modification, considering case-by-case examples of individual improvements and the combined modifications needed to generate a new general-purpose “chassis” for PMF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J F Buyel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany. .,Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - E Stöger
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - L Bortesi
- Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Maastricht University, Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD, Geleen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Göritzer K, Strasser R. Glycosylation of Plant-Produced Immunoglobulins. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2021; 112:519-543. [PMID: 34687021 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-76912-3_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Many economically important protein-based therapeutics like monoclonal antibodies are glycosylated. Due to the recognized importance of this type of posttranslational modification, glycoengineering of expression systems to obtain highly active and homogenous therapeutics is an emerging field. Although most of the monoclonal antibodies on the market are still produced in mammalian expression platforms, plants are emerging as an alternative cost-effective and scalable production platform that allows precise engineering of glycosylation to produce targeted human glycoforms at large homogeneity. Apart from producing more effective antibodies, pure glycoforms are required in efforts to link biological functions to specific glycan structures. Much is already known about the role of IgG1 glycosylation and this antibody class is the dominant recombinant format that has been expressed in plants. By contrast, little attention has been paid to the glycoengineering of recombinant IgG subtypes and the other four classes of human immunoglobulins (IgA, IgD, IgE, and IgM). Except for IgD, all these antibody classes have been expressed in plants and the glycosylation has been analyzed in a site-specific manner. Here, we summarize the current data on glycosylation of plant-produced monoclonal antibodies and discuss the findings in the light of known functions for these glycans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Strasser
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Margolin E, Crispin M, Meyers A, Chapman R, Rybicki EP. A Roadmap for the Molecular Farming of Viral Glycoprotein Vaccines: Engineering Glycosylation and Glycosylation-Directed Folding. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:609207. [PMID: 33343609 PMCID: PMC7744475 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.609207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Immunization with recombinant glycoprotein-based vaccines is a promising approach to induce protective immunity against viruses. However, the complex biosynthetic maturation requirements of these glycoproteins typically necessitate their production in mammalian cells to support their folding and post-translational modification. Despite these clear advantages, the incumbent costs and infrastructure requirements with this approach can be prohibitive in developing countries, and the production scales and timelines may prove limiting when applying these production systems to the control of pandemic viral outbreaks. Plant molecular farming of viral glycoproteins has been suggested as a cheap and rapidly scalable alternative production system, with the potential to perform post-translational modifications that are comparable to mammalian cells. Consequently, plant-produced glycoprotein vaccines for seasonal and pandemic influenza have shown promise in clinical trials, and vaccine candidates against the newly emergent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 have entered into late stage preclinical and clinical testing. However, many other viral glycoproteins accumulate poorly in plants, and are not appropriately processed along the secretory pathway due to differences in the host cellular machinery. Furthermore, plant-derived glycoproteins often contain glycoforms that are antigenically distinct from those present on the native virus, and may also be under-glycosylated in some instances. Recent advances in the field have increased the complexity and yields of biologics that can be produced in plants, and have now enabled the expression of many viral glycoproteins which could not previously be produced in plant systems. In contrast to the empirical optimization that predominated during the early years of molecular farming, the next generation of plant-made products are being produced by developing rational, tailor-made approaches to support their production. This has involved the elimination of plant-specific glycoforms and the introduction into plants of elements of the biosynthetic machinery from different expression hosts. These approaches have resulted in the production of mammalian N-linked glycans and the formation of O-glycan moieties in planta. More recently, plant molecular engineering approaches have also been applied to improve the glycan occupancy of proteins which are not appropriately glycosylated, and to support the folding and processing of viral glycoproteins where the cellular machinery differs from the usual expression host of the protein. Here we highlight recent achievements and remaining challenges in glycoengineering and the engineering of glycosylation-directed folding pathways in plants, and discuss how these can be applied to produce recombinant viral glycoproteins vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Margolin
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Max Crispin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Meyers
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ros Chapman
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward P. Rybicki
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Margolin EA, Strasser R, Chapman R, Williamson AL, Rybicki EP, Meyers AE. Engineering the Plant Secretory Pathway for the Production of Next-Generation Pharmaceuticals. Trends Biotechnol 2020; 38:1034-1044. [PMID: 32818443 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Production of biologics in plants, or plant molecular pharming, is a promising protein expression technology that is receiving increasing attention from the pharmaceutical industry. Previously, low expression yields of recombinant proteins and the realization that certain post-translational modifications (PTMs) may not occur optimally limited the widespread acceptance of the technology. However, molecular engineering of the plant secretory pathway is now enabling the production of increasingly complex biomolecules using tailored protein-specific approaches to ensure their maturation. These involve the elimination of undesired processing events, and the introduction of heterologous biosynthetic machinery to support the production of specific target proteins. Here, we discuss recent advances in the production of pharmaceutical proteins in plants, which leverage the unique advantages of the technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel A Margolin
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Wellcome Trust Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ros Chapman
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anna-Lise Williamson
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Wellcome Trust Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward P Rybicki
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ann E Meyers
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kittur FS, Hung CY, Zhu C, Shajahan A, Azadi P, Thomas MD, Pearce JL, Gruber C, Kallolimath S, Xie J. Glycoengineering tobacco plants to stably express recombinant human erythropoietin with different N-glycan profiles. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 157:158-169. [PMID: 32348856 PMCID: PMC8349175 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Plant-based expression system has many potential advantages to produce biopharmaceuticals, but plants cannot be directly used to express human glycoproteins because of their differences in glycosylation abilities from mammals. To exploit plant-based expression system for producing recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPO), we glycoengineered tobacco plants by stably introducing seven to eight mammalian genes including a target human EPO into tobacco in order to generate capacities for β1,4-galactosylation, bisecting N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and sialylation. Wild type human β1,4-galactosyltransferase gene (GalT) or a chimeric GalT gene (ST/GalT) was co-expressed to produce rhuEPO bearing β1,4-galactose-extended N-glycan chains as well as compare their β1,4-galactosylation efficiencies. Five mammalian genes encoding enzymes/transporter for sialic acid biosynthesis, transport and transfer were co-expressed to build sialylation capacity in plants. The human MGAT3 was co-expressed to produce N-glycan chains with bisecting GlcNAc. Our results demonstrated that the above transgenes were incorporated into tobacco genome and transcribed. ST/GalT was found to be more efficient than GalT for β1,4-galactosylation. Furthermore, co-expressing MGAT3 generated N-glycans likely bearing bisected GlcNAc. However, our current efforts did not result in generating sialylation capacity. Created transgenic plants expressing EPO and ST/GalT could be used to produce rhuEPO with high proportion of β1,4-galactose-extended N-glycan chains for tissue protective purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farooqahmed S Kittur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Chiu-Yueh Hung
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Chuanshu Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA; College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Asif Shajahan
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Parastoo Azadi
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Michelle D Thomas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Jackson L Pearce
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Clemens Gruber
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Somanath Kallolimath
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jiahua Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kightlinger W, Warfel KF, DeLisa MP, Jewett MC. Synthetic Glycobiology: Parts, Systems, and Applications. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:1534-1562. [PMID: 32526139 PMCID: PMC7372563 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Protein glycosylation, the attachment of sugars to amino acid side chains, can endow proteins with a wide variety of properties of great interest to the engineering biology community. However, natural glycosylation systems are limited in the diversity of glycoproteins they can synthesize, the scale at which they can be harnessed for biotechnology, and the homogeneity of glycoprotein structures they can produce. Here we provide an overview of the emerging field of synthetic glycobiology, the application of synthetic biology tools and design principles to better understand and engineer glycosylation. Specifically, we focus on how the biosynthetic and analytical tools of synthetic biology have been used to redesign glycosylation systems to obtain defined glycosylation structures on proteins for diverse applications in medicine, materials, and diagnostics. We review the key biological parts available to synthetic biologists interested in engineering glycoproteins to solve compelling problems in glycoscience, describe recent efforts to construct synthetic glycoprotein synthesis systems, and outline exemplary applications as well as new opportunities in this emerging space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weston Kightlinger
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Tech E136, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Center
for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Tech B486, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Katherine F. Warfel
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Tech E136, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Center
for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Tech B486, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Matthew P. DeLisa
- Department
of Microbiology, Cornell University, 123 Wing Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
- Robert
Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, 120 Olin Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
- Nancy
E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Weill Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Michael C. Jewett
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Tech E136, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Center
for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Tech B486, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Campos ML, Prado GS, Dos Santos VO, Nascimento LC, Dohms SM, da Cunha NB, Ramada MHS, Grossi-de-Sa MF, Dias SC. Mosses: Versatile plants for biotechnological applications. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 41:107533. [PMID: 32151692 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Mosses have long been recognized as powerful experimental tools for the elucidation of complex processes in plant biology. Recent increases in the availability of sequenced genomes and mutant collections, the establishment of novel technologies for targeted mutagenesis, and the development of viable protocols for large-scale production in bioreactors are now transforming mosses into one of the most versatile tools for biotechnological applications. In the present review, we highlight the astonishing biotechnological potential of mosses and how these plants are being exploited for industrial, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications. We focus on the biological features that support their use as model organisms for basic and applied research, and how these are being leveraged to explore the biotechnological potential in an increasing number of species. Finally, we also provide an overview of the available moss cultivation protocols from an industrial perspective, offering insights into batch operations that are not yet well established or do not even exist in the literature. Our goal is to bolster the use of mosses as factories for the biosynthesis of molecules of interest and to show how these species can be harnessed for the generation of novel and commercially useful bioproducts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Lattarulo Campos
- Integrative Plant Research Laboratory, Departamento de Botânica e Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme Souza Prado
- Laboratório de Interação Molecular Planta-Praga, Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Olinto Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Interação Molecular Planta-Praga, Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Lara Camelo Nascimento
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Stephan Machado Dohms
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Nicolau Brito da Cunha
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasilia, DF, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Henrique Soller Ramada
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasilia, DF, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa
- Laboratório de Interação Molecular Planta-Praga, Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Simoni Campos Dias
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasilia, DF, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bohlender LL, Parsons J, Hoernstein SNW, Rempfer C, Ruiz-Molina N, Lorenz T, Rodríguez Jahnke F, Figl R, Fode B, Altmann F, Reski R, Decker EL. Stable Protein Sialylation in Physcomitrella. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:610032. [PMID: 33391325 PMCID: PMC7775405 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.610032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Recombinantly produced proteins are indispensable tools for medical applications. Since the majority of them are glycoproteins, their N-glycosylation profiles are major determinants for their activity, structural properties and safety. For therapeutical applications, a glycosylation pattern adapted to product and treatment requirements is advantageous. Physcomitrium patens (Physcomitrella, moss) is able to perform highly homogeneous complex-type N-glycosylation. Additionally, it has been glyco-engineered to eliminate plant-specific sugar residues by knock-out of the β1,2-xylosyltransferase and α1,3-fucosyltransferase genes (Δxt/ft). Furthermore, Physcomitrella meets wide-ranging biopharmaceutical requirements such as GMP compliance, product safety, scalability and outstanding possibilities for precise genome engineering. However, all plants, in contrast to mammals, lack the capability to perform N-glycan sialylation. Since sialic acids are a common terminal modification on human N-glycans, the property to perform N-glycan sialylation is highly desired within the plant-based biopharmaceutical sector. In this study, we present the successful achievement of protein N-glycan sialylation in stably transformed Physcomitrella. The sialylation ability was achieved in a Δxt/ft moss line by stable expression of seven mammalian coding sequences combined with targeted organelle-specific localization of the encoded enzymes responsible for the generation of β1,4-galactosylated acceptor N-glycans as well as the synthesis, activation, transport and transfer of sialic acid. Production of free (Neu5Ac) and activated (CMP-Neu5Ac) sialic acid was proven. The glycosidic anchor for the attachment of terminal sialic acid was generated by the introduction of a chimeric human β1,4-galactosyltransferase gene under the simultaneous knock-out of the gene encoding the endogenous β1,3-galactosyltransferase. Functional complex-type N-glycan sialylation was confirmed via mass spectrometric analysis of a stably co-expressed recombinant human protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lennard L. Bohlender
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliana Parsons
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Christine Rempfer
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Natalia Ruiz-Molina
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Timo Lorenz
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fernando Rodríguez Jahnke
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rudolf Figl
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Friedrich Altmann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS, Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva L. Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Eva L. Decker,
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Top O, Parsons J, Bohlender LL, Michelfelder S, Kopp P, Busch-Steenberg C, Hoernstein SNW, Zipfel PF, Häffner K, Reski R, Decker EL. Recombinant Production of MFHR1, A Novel Synthetic Multitarget Complement Inhibitor, in Moss Bioreactors. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:260. [PMID: 30949184 PMCID: PMC6436476 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The human complement system is an important part of the immune system responsible for lysis and elimination of invading microorganisms and apoptotic body cells. Improper activation of the system due to deficiency, mutations, or autoantibodies of complement regulators, mainly factor H (FH) and FH-related proteins (FHRs), causes severe kidney and eye diseases. However, there is no recombinant FH therapeutic available on the market. The first successful recombinant production of FH was accomplished with the moss bioreactor, Physcomitrella patens. Recently, a synthetic regulator, MFHR1, was designed to generate a multitarget complement inhibitor that combines the activities of FH and the FH-related protein 1 (FHR1). The potential of MFHR1 was demonstrated in a proof-of-concept study with transiently transfected insect cells. Here, we present the stable production of recombinant glyco-engineered MFHR1 in the moss bioreactor. The key features of this system are precise genome engineering via homologous recombination, Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant production in photobioreactors, high batch-to-batch reproducibility, and product stability. Several potential biopharmaceuticals are being produced in this system. In some cases, these are even biobetters, i.e., the recombinant proteins produced in moss have a superior quality compared to their counterparts from mammalian systems as for example moss-made aGal, which successfully passed phase I clinical trials. Via mass spectrometry-based analysis of moss-produced MFHR1, we now prove the correct synthesis and modification of this glycoprotein with predominantly complex-type N-glycan attachment. Moss-produced MFHR1 exhibits cofactor and decay acceleration activities comparable to FH, and its mechanism of action on multiple levels within the alternative pathway of complement activation led to a strong inhibitory activity on the whole alternative pathway, which was higher than with the physiological regulator FH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oguz Top
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliana Parsons
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lennard L. Bohlender
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Michelfelder
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Medical Center - University Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Phillipp Kopp
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Peter F. Zipfel
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Karsten Häffner
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Medical Center - University Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva L. Decker
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hoernstein SNW, Fode B, Wiedemann G, Lang D, Niederkrüger H, Berg B, Schaaf A, Frischmuth T, Schlosser A, Decker EL, Reski R. Host Cell Proteome of Physcomitrella patens Harbors Proteases and Protease Inhibitors under Bioproduction Conditions. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:3749-3760. [PMID: 30226384 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Host cell proteins are inevitable contaminants of biopharmaceuticals. Here, we performed detailed analyses of the host cell proteome of moss ( Physcomitrella patens) bioreactor supernatants using mass spectrometry and subsequent bioinformatics analysis. Distinguishing between the apparent secretome and intracellular contaminants, a complex extracellular proteolytic network including subtilisin-like proteases, metallo-proteases, and aspartic proteases was identified. Knockout of a subtilisin-like protease affected the overall extracellular proteolytic activity. Besides proteases, also secreted protease-inhibiting proteins such as serpins were identified. Further, we confirmed predicted cleavage sites of 40 endogenous signal peptides employing an N-terminomics approach. The present data provide novel aspects to optimize both product stability of recombinant biopharmaceuticals as well as their maturation along the secretory pathway. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD009517.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian N W Hoernstein
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology , University of Freiburg , Schaenzlestrasse 1 , D-79104 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Benjamin Fode
- Greenovation Biotech GmbH , Hans-Bunte-Strasse 19 , D-79108 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Gertrud Wiedemann
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology , University of Freiburg , Schaenzlestrasse 1 , D-79104 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Daniel Lang
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology , University of Freiburg , Schaenzlestrasse 1 , D-79104 Freiburg , Germany.,Plant Genome and System Biology , Helmholtz Center Munich , D-85764 Neuherberg , Germany
| | - Holger Niederkrüger
- Greenovation Biotech GmbH , Hans-Bunte-Strasse 19 , D-79108 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Birgit Berg
- Greenovation Biotech GmbH , Hans-Bunte-Strasse 19 , D-79108 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Andreas Schaaf
- Greenovation Biotech GmbH , Hans-Bunte-Strasse 19 , D-79108 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Thomas Frischmuth
- Greenovation Biotech GmbH , Hans-Bunte-Strasse 19 , D-79108 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Andreas Schlosser
- Rudolf-Virchow-Center for Experimental Biomedicine , University of Wuerzburg , D-97080 Wuerzburg , Germany
| | - Eva L Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology , University of Freiburg , Schaenzlestrasse 1 , D-79104 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology , University of Freiburg , Schaenzlestrasse 1 , D-79104 Freiburg , Germany.,BIOSS - Centre for Biological Signalling Studies , University of Freiburg , D-79104 Freiburg , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Montero-Morales L, Steinkellner H. Advanced Plant-Based Glycan Engineering. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:81. [PMID: 29963553 PMCID: PMC6010556 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
With respect to biomanufacturing, glycosylation is one of the most addressed post-translational modifications, since it is well-known that the attachment of sugar residues efficiently affects protein homogeneity and functionality. Much effort has been taken into engineering various expression systems to control glycosylation and to generate molecules with targeted sugar profiles. Nevertheless, engineering of N- and O-linked glycans on well-established expression systems remains challenging. On the one side the glycosylation machinery in mammalian cells is hard to control due to its complexity. Most bacteria, on the other side, completely lack such glycan formations, and in general exhibit fundamental differences in their glycosylation abilities. Beyond that, plants generate complex N-glycans typical of higher eukaryotes, but simpler than those produced by mammals. Paradoxically, it seems that the limited glycosylation capacity of plant cells is an advantage for specific glycan manipulations. This review focuses on recent achievements in plant glycan engineering and provides a short outlook on how new developments (in synthetic biology) might have a positive impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Montero-Morales
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herta Steinkellner
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Rozov SM, Permyakova NV, Deineko EV. Main Strategies of Plant Expression System Glycoengineering for Producing Humanized Recombinant Pharmaceutical Proteins. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2018; 83:215-232. [PMID: 29625542 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297918030033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Most the pharmaceutical proteins are derived not from their natural sources, rather their recombinant analogs are synthesized in various expression systems. Plant expression systems, unlike mammalian cell cultures, combine simplicity and low cost of procaryotic systems and the ability for posttranslational modifications inherent in eucaryotes. More than 50% of all human proteins and more than 40% of the currently used pharmaceutical proteins are glycosylated, that is, they are glycoproteins, and their biological activity, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity depend on the correct glycosylation pattern. This review examines in detail the similarities and differences between N- and O-glycosylation in plant and mammalian cells, as well as the effect of plant glycans on the activity, pharmacokinetics, immunity, and intensity of biosynthesis of pharmaceutical proteins. The main current strategies of glycoengineering of plant expression systems aimed at obtaining fully humanized proteins for pharmaceutical application are summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S M Rozov
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Toplak M, Wiedemann G, Ulićević J, Daniel B, Hoernstein SNW, Kothe J, Niederhauser J, Reski R, Winkler A, Macheroux P. The single berberine bridge enzyme homolog of Physcomitrella patens is a cellobiose oxidase. FEBS J 2018; 285:1923-1943. [PMID: 29633551 PMCID: PMC6001459 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The berberine bridge enzyme from the California poppy Eschscholzia californica (EcBBE) catalyzes the oxidative cyclization of (S)‐reticuline to (S)‐scoulerine, that is, the formation of the berberine bridge in the biosynthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. Interestingly, a large number of BBE‐like genes have been identified in plants that lack alkaloid biosynthesis. This finding raised the question of the primordial role of BBE in the plant kingdom, which prompted us to investigate the closest relative of EcBBE in Physcomitrella patens (PpBBE1), the most basal plant harboring a BBE‐like gene. Here, we report the biochemical, structural, and in vivo characterization of PpBBE1. Our studies revealed that PpBBE1 is structurally and biochemically very similar to EcBBE. In contrast to EcBBE, we found that PpBBE1 catalyzes the oxidation of the disaccharide cellobiose to the corresponding lactone, that is, PpBBE1 is a cellobiose oxidase. The enzymatic reaction mechanism was characterized by a structure‐guided mutagenesis approach that enabled us to assign a catalytic role to amino acid residues in the active site of PpBBE1. In vivo experiments revealed the highest level of PpBBE1 expression in chloronema, the earliest stage of the plant's life cycle, where carbon metabolism is strongly upregulated. It was also shown that the enzyme is secreted to the extracellular space, where it may be involved in later steps of cellulose degradation, thereby allowing the moss to make use of cellulose for energy production. Overall, our results suggest that the primordial role of BBE‐like enzymes in plants revolved around primary metabolic reactions in carbohydrate utilization. Database Structural data are available in the PDB under the accession numbers 6EO4 and 6EO5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Toplak
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Austria
| | - Gertrud Wiedemann
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jelena Ulićević
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Austria
| | - Bastian Daniel
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Austria
| | | | - Jennifer Kothe
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Germany.,BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Winkler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Austria
| | - Peter Macheroux
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
Plant molecular farming depends on a diversity of plant systems for production of useful recombinant proteins. These proteins include protein biopolymers, industrial proteins and enzymes, and therapeutic proteins. Plant production systems include microalgae, cells, hairy roots, moss, and whole plants with both stable and transient expression. Production processes involve a narrowing diversity of bioreactors for cell, hairy root, microalgae, and moss cultivation. For whole plants, both field and automated greenhouse cultivation methods are used with products expressed and produced either in leaves or seeds. Many successful expression systems now exist for a variety of different products with a list of increasingly successful commercialized products. This chapter provides an overview and examples of the current state of plant-based production systems for different types of recombinant proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Bley
- Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Food Technology and Bioprocess Engineering, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Glyco-Engineering of Plant-Based Expression Systems. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 175:137-166. [PMID: 30069741 DOI: 10.1007/10_2018_76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Most secreted proteins in eukaryotes are glycosylated, and after a number of common biosynthesis steps the glycan structures mature in a species-dependent manner. Therefore, human therapeutic proteins produced in plants often carry plant-like rather than human-like glycans, which can affect protein stability, biological function, and immunogenicity. The glyco-engineering of plant-based expression systems began as a strategy to eliminate plant-like glycans and produce human proteins with authentic or at least compatible glycan structures. The precise replication of human glycans is challenging, owing to the absence of a pathway in plants for the synthesis of sialylated proteins and the necessary precursors, but this can now be achieved by the coordinated expression of multiple human enzymes. Although the research community has focused on the removal of plant glycans and their replacement with human counterparts, the presence of plant glycans on proteins can also provide benefits, such as boosting the immunogenicity of some vaccines, facilitating the interaction between therapeutic proteins and their receptors, and increasing the efficacy of antibody effector functions. Graphical Abstract Typical structures of native mammalian and plant glycans with symbols indicating sugar residues identified by their short form and single-letter codes. Both glycans contain fucose, albeit with different linkages.
Collapse
|
29
|
Schoberer J, Strasser R. Plant glyco-biotechnology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 80:133-141. [PMID: 28688929 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Glycosylation is an important protein modification in all eukaryotes. Whereas the early asparagine-linked glycosylation (N-glycosylation) and N-glycan processing steps in the endoplasmic reticulum are conserved between mammals and plants, the maturation of complex N-glycans in the Golgi apparatus differs considerably. Due to a restricted number of Golgi-resident N-glycan processing enzymes and the absence of nucleotide sugars such as CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid, plants produce only a limited repertoire of different N-glycan structures. Moreover, mammalian mucin-type O-glycosylation of serine or threonine residues has not been described in plants and the required machinery is not encoded in their genome which enables de novo build-up of the pathway. As a consequence, plants are very well-suited for the production of homogenous N- and O-glycans and are increasingly used for the production of recombinant glycoproteins with custom-made glycans that may result in the generation of biopharmaceuticals with improved therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Schoberer
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Harvey DJ. Analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: An update for 2011-2012. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2017; 36:255-422. [PMID: 26270629 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This review is the seventh update of the original article published in 1999 on the application of MALDI mass spectrometry to the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates and brings coverage of the literature to the end of 2012. General aspects such as theory of the MALDI process, matrices, derivatization, MALDI imaging, and fragmentation are covered in the first part of the review and applications to various structural types constitute the remainder. The main groups of compound are oligo- and poly-saccharides, glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycosides, and biopharmaceuticals. Much of this material is presented in tabular form. Also discussed are medical and industrial applications of the technique, studies of enzyme reactions, and applications to chemical synthesis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 36:255-422, 2017.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Harvey
- Department of Biochemistry, Oxford Glycobiology Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Michelfelder S, Parsons J, Bohlender LL, Hoernstein SNW, Niederkrüger H, Busch A, Krieghoff N, Koch J, Fode B, Schaaf A, Frischmuth T, Pohl M, Zipfel PF, Reski R, Decker EL, Häffner K. Moss-Produced, Glycosylation-Optimized Human Factor H for Therapeutic Application in Complement Disorders. J Am Soc Nephrol 2016; 28:1462-1474. [PMID: 27932477 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2015070745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic defects in complement regulatory proteins can lead to severe renal diseases, including atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and C3 glomerulopathies, and age-related macular degeneration. The majority of the mutations found in patients with these diseases affect the glycoprotein complement factor H, the main regulator of the alternative pathway of complement activation. Therapeutic options are limited, and novel treatments, specifically those targeting alternative pathway activation, are highly desirable. Substitution with biologically active factor H could potentially treat a variety of diseases that involve increased alternative pathway activation, but no therapeutic factor H is commercially available. We recently reported the expression of full-length recombinant factor H in moss (Physcomitrella patens). Here, we present the production of an improved moss-derived recombinant human factor H devoid of potentially immunogenic plant-specific sugar residues on protein N-glycans, yielding approximately 1 mg purified moss-derived human factor H per liter of initial P. patens culture after a multistep purification process. This glycosylation-optimized factor H showed full in vitro complement regulatory activity similar to that of plasma-derived factor H and efficiently blocked LPS-induced alternative pathway activation and hemolysis induced by sera from patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Furthermore, injection of moss-derived factor H reduced C3 deposition and increased serum C3 levels in a murine model of C3 glomerulopathy. Thus, we consider moss-produced recombinant human factor H a promising pharmaceutical product for therapeutic intervention in patients suffering from complement dysregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Michelfelder
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliana Parsons
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lennard L Bohlender
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Jonas Koch
- Greenovation Biotech GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Martin Pohl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; and.,FRIAS Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva L Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Karsten Häffner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Rosales-Mendoza S, Salazar-González JA, Decker EL, Reski R. Implications of plant glycans in the development of innovative vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2016; 15:915-25. [DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2016.1155987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos Recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, SLP, Mexico
| | - Jorge A. Salazar-González
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos Recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, SLP, Mexico
| | - Eva L. Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS – Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg, Germany
- FRIAS – Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wilbers RHP, Westerhof LB, Reuter LJ, Castilho A, van Raaij DR, Nguyen DL, Lozano-Torres JL, Smant G, Hokke CH, Bakker J, Schots A. The N-glycan on Asn54 affects the atypical N-glycan composition of plant-produced interleukin-22, but does not influence its activity. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2016; 14:670-81. [PMID: 26059044 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Human interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a member of the IL-10 cytokine family that has recently been shown to have major therapeutic potential. IL-22 is an unusual cytokine as it does not act directly on immune cells. Instead, IL-22 controls the differentiation, proliferation and antimicrobial protein expression of epithelial cells, thereby maintaining epithelial barrier function. In this study, we transiently expressed human IL-22 in Nicotiana benthamiana plants and investigated the role of N-glycosylation on protein folding and biological activity. Expression levels of IL-22 were up to 5.4 μg/mg TSP, and N-glycan analysis revealed the presence of the atypical Lewis A structure. Surprisingly, upon engineering of human-like N-glycans on IL-22 by co-expressing mouse FUT8 in ΔXT/FT plants a strong reduction in Lewis A was observed. Also, core α1,6-fucoylation did not improve the biological activity of IL-22. The combination of site-directed mutagenesis of Asn54 and in vivo deglycosylation with PNGase F also revealed that N-glycosylation at this position is not required for proper protein folding. However, we do show that the presence of a N-glycan on Asn54 contributes to the atypical N-glycan composition of plant-produced IL-22 and influences the N-glycan composition of N-glycans on other positions. Altogether, our data demonstrate that plants offer an excellent tool to investigate the role of N-glycosylation on folding and activity of recombinant glycoproteins, such as IL-22.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruud H P Wilbers
- Plant Sciences Department, Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte B Westerhof
- Plant Sciences Department, Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lauri J Reuter
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, Finland
| | - Alexandra Castilho
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Debbie R van Raaij
- Plant Sciences Department, Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dieu-Linh Nguyen
- Department of Parasitology, Parasite Glycobiology Group, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jose L Lozano-Torres
- Plant Sciences Department, Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Smant
- Plant Sciences Department, Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis H Hokke
- Department of Parasitology, Parasite Glycobiology Group, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Bakker
- Plant Sciences Department, Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Arjen Schots
- Plant Sciences Department, Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Du YM, Xia T, Gu XQ, Wang T, Ma HY, Voglmeir J, Liu L. Rapid Sample Preparation Methodology for Plant N-Glycan Analysis Using Acid-Stable PNGase H+. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2015; 63:10550-5. [PMID: 26548339 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b03633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The quantification of potentially allergenic carbohydrate motifs of plant and insect glycoproteins is increasingly important in biotechnological and agricultural applications as a result of the use of insect cell-based expression systems and transgenic plants. The need to analyze N-glycan moieties in a highly parallel manner inspired us to develop a quick N-glycan analysis method based on a recently discovered bacterial protein N-glycanase (PNGase H(+)). In contrast to the traditionally used PNGase A, which is isolated from almond seeds and only releases N-glycans from proteolytically derived glycopeptides, the herein implemented PNGase H(+) allows for the release of N-glycans directly from the glycoprotein samples. Because PNGase H(+) is highly active under acidic conditions, the consecutive fluorescence labeling step using 2-aminobenzamide (2AB) can be directly performed in the same mixture used for the enzymatic deglycosylation step. All sample handling and incubation steps can be performed in less than 4 h and are compatible with microwell-plate sampling, without the need for tedious centrifugation, precipitation, or sample-transfer steps. The versatility of this methodology was evaluated by analyzing glycoproteins derived from various plant sources using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) analysis and further demonstrated through the activity analysis of four PNGase H(+) mutant variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya M Du
- Glycomics and Glycan Bioengineering Research Center (GGBRC), College of Food Science and Technology, and ‡Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Xia
- Glycomics and Glycan Bioengineering Research Center (GGBRC), College of Food Science and Technology, and ‡Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Q Gu
- Glycomics and Glycan Bioengineering Research Center (GGBRC), College of Food Science and Technology, and ‡Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Wang
- Glycomics and Glycan Bioengineering Research Center (GGBRC), College of Food Science and Technology, and ‡Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Y Ma
- Glycomics and Glycan Bioengineering Research Center (GGBRC), College of Food Science and Technology, and ‡Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Josef Voglmeir
- Glycomics and Glycan Bioengineering Research Center (GGBRC), College of Food Science and Technology, and ‡Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Liu
- Glycomics and Glycan Bioengineering Research Center (GGBRC), College of Food Science and Technology, and ‡Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Reski R, Parsons J, Decker EL. Moss-made pharmaceuticals: from bench to bedside. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2015; 13:1191-8. [PMID: 26011014 PMCID: PMC4736463 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the moss Physcomitrella patens has been developed from scratch to a model species in basic research and in biotechnology. A fully sequenced genome, outstanding possibilities for precise genome-engineering via homologous recombination (knockout moss), a certified GMP production in moss bioreactors, successful upscaling to 500 L wave reactors, excellent homogeneity of protein glycosylation, remarkable batch-to-batch stability and a safe cryopreservation for master cell banking are some of the key features of the moss system. Several human proteins are being produced in this system as potential biopharmaceuticals. Among the products are tumour-directed monoclonal antibodies with enhanced antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), complement factor H (FH), keratinocyte growth factor (FGF7/KGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), asialo-erythropoietin (asialo-EPO, AEPO), alpha-galactosidase (aGal) and beta-glucocerebrosidase (GBA). Further, an Env-derived multi-epitope HIV protein as a candidate vaccine was produced, and first steps for a metabolic engineering of P. patens have been made. Some of the recombinant biopharmaceuticals from moss bioreactors are not only similar to those produced in mammalian systems such as CHO cells, but are of superior quality (biobetters). The first moss-made pharmaceutical, aGal to treat Morbus Fabry, is in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- FRIAS - Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS - Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliana Parsons
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva L Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kittur FS, Lalgondar M, Hung CY, Sane DC, Xie J. C-Terminally fused affinity Strep-tag II is removed by proteolysis from recombinant human erythropoietin expressed in transgenic tobacco plants. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2015; 34:507-16. [PMID: 25504272 PMCID: PMC4329255 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-014-1730-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE C -terminally fused Strep -tag II is removed from rhuEPO expressed in tobacco plants. The finding suggests that direct fusion of purification tags at the C -terminus of rhuEPO should be avoided. Asialo-erythropoietin (asialo-EPO), a desialylated form of EPO, is a potent tissue-protective agent. Recently, we and others have exploited a low-cost plant-based expression system to produce recombinant human asialo-EPO (asialo-rhuEPO(P)). To facilitate purification from plant extracts, Strep-tag II was engineered at the C-terminus of EPO. Although asialo-rhuEPO(P) was efficiently expressed in transgenic tobacco plants, affinity purification based on Strep -tag II did not result in the recovery of the protein. In this study, we investigated the stability of Strep-tag II tagged asialo-rhuEPO(P) expressed in tobacco plants to understand whether this fused tag is cleaved or inaccessible. Sequencing RT-PCR products confirmed that fused DNA sequences encoding Strep-tag II were properly transcribed, and three-dimensional protein structure model revealed that the tag must be fully accessible. However, Western blot analysis of leaf extracts and purified asialo-rhuEPO(P) revealed that the Strep-tag II was absent on the protein. Additionally, no peptide fragment containing Strep-tag II was identified in the LC-MS/MS analysis of purified protein further supporting that the affinity tag was absent on asialo-rhuEPO(P). However, Strep-tag II was detected on asialo-rhuEPO(P) that was retained in the endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting that the Strep-tag II is removed during protein secretion or extraction. These findings together with recent reports that C-terminally fused Strep-tag II or IgG Fc domain are also removed from EPO in tobacco plants, suggest that its C-terminus may be highly susceptible to proteolysis in tobacco plants. Therefore, direct fusion of purification tags at the C-terminus of EPO should be avoided while expressing it in tobacco plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farooqahmed S. Kittur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Mallikarjun Lalgondar
- Center for Agribusiness Excellence, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX 76402, USA
| | - Chiu-Yueh Hung
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - David C. Sane
- Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke VA 24014, USA
| | - Jiahua Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA. 1801 Fayetteville Street, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA; Phone:+1 919 530 6705; Fax: +1 919 530 6600
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Orellana-Escobedo L, Rosales-Mendoza S, Romero-Maldonado A, Parsons J, Decker EL, Monreal-Escalante E, Moreno-Fierros L, Reski R. An Env-derived multi-epitope HIV chimeric protein produced in the moss Physcomitrella patens is immunogenic in mice. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2015; 34:425-433. [PMID: 25477207 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-014-1720-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The first report on the recombinant production of a candidate vaccine in the moss system. The need for economical and efficient platforms for vaccine production demands the exploration of emerging host organisms. In this study, the production of an antigenic protein is reported employing the moss Physcomitrella patens as an expression host. A multi-epitope protein from the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) based on epitopes from gp120 and gp41 was designed as a candidate subunit vaccine and named poly-HIV. Transgenic moss plants were generated carrying the corresponding poly-HIV transgene under a novel moss promoter and subsequently seven positive lines were confirmed by PCR. The poly-HIV protein accumulated up to 3.7 µg g(-1) fresh weight in protonema cultures. Antigenic and immunogenic properties of the moss-produced recombinant poly-HIV are evidenced by Western blots and by mice immunization assays. The elicitation of specific antibodies in mice was observed, reflecting the immunogenic potential of this moss-derived HIV antigen. This is the first report on the production of a potential vaccine in the moss system and opens the avenue for glycoengineering approaches for the production of HIV human-like glycosylated antigens as well as other vaccine prototypes under GMP conditions in moss bioreactors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Orellana-Escobedo
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos Recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, 78210, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Decker EL, Wiedemann G, Reski R. Gene Targeting for Precision Glyco-Engineering: Production of Biopharmaceuticals Devoid of Plant-Typical Glycosylation in Moss Bioreactors. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1321:213-24. [PMID: 26082225 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2760-9_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
One of the main challenges for the production of biopharmaceuticals in plant-based systems is the modulation of plant-specific glycosylation patterns towards a humanized form. Posttranslational modifications in plants are similar to those in humans, but several differences affect product quality and efficacy and can also cause immune responses in patients. In the moss Physcomitrella patens highly efficient gene targeting via homologous recombination enables glyco-engineering to obtain suitable platform lines for the production of recombinant proteins and biopharmaceuticals. Here we describe the methods which are effective for creating gene targeting constructs and transgenic moss lines as well as confirming successful homologous integration of the constructs and modification of target gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva L Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
Plants are being developed as a cost-effective production system for biopharmaceuticals in large quantities. Although plants properly fold and assemble complex proteins from human origin, one issue that needs to be addressed is their glycan structure. In the past years we have been witnessing outstanding results in targeted manipulation of the plant N-glycosylation pathway allowing recombinant proteins to be produced with human-type oligosaccharides at large homogeneity. This opens new possibility in manufacturing next-generation biopharmaceuticals.This review presents a variety of technologies and strategies that are being employed to engineer the plant N-glycosylation, thus pointing to the enormous potential of plants being used as a novel production system with unique features and possibilities.
Collapse
|
40
|
Mathieu-Rivet E, Kiefer-Meyer MC, Vanier G, Ovide C, Burel C, Lerouge P, Bardor M. Protein N-glycosylation in eukaryotic microalgae and its impact on the production of nuclear expressed biopharmaceuticals. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2014; 5:359. [PMID: 25183966 PMCID: PMC4135232 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2014.00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae are currently used for the production of food compounds. Recently, few microalgae species have been investigated as potential biofactories for the production of biopharmaceuticals. Indeed in this context, microalgae are cheap, classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) organisms and can be grown easily. However, problems remain to be solved before any industrial production of microalgae-made biopharmaceuticals. Among them, post-translational modifications of the proteins need to be considered. Especially, N-glycosylation acquired by the secreted recombinant proteins is of major concern since most of the biopharmaceuticals are N-glycosylated and it is well recognized that glycosylation represent one of their critical quality attribute. Therefore, the evaluation of microalgae as alternative cell factory for biopharmaceutical productions thus requires to investigate their N-glycosylation capability in order to determine to what extend it differs from their human counterpart and to determine appropriate strategies for remodeling the microalgae glycosylation into human-compatible oligosaccharides. Here, we review the secreted recombinant proteins which have been successfully produced in microalgae. We also report on recent bioinformatics and biochemical data concerning the structure of glycans N-linked to proteins from various microalgae phyla and comment the consequences on the glycan engineering strategies that may be necessary to render those microalgae-made biopharmaceuticals compatible with human therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Mathieu-Rivet
- Laboratoire Glyco-MEV, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, UPRES EA 4358, Normandie Université, IRIB, VASIMont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Marie-Christine Kiefer-Meyer
- Laboratoire Glyco-MEV, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, UPRES EA 4358, Normandie Université, IRIB, VASIMont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Gaëtan Vanier
- Laboratoire Glyco-MEV, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, UPRES EA 4358, Normandie Université, IRIB, VASIMont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Clément Ovide
- Laboratoire Glyco-MEV, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, UPRES EA 4358, Normandie Université, IRIB, VASIMont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Carole Burel
- Laboratoire Glyco-MEV, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, UPRES EA 4358, Normandie Université, IRIB, VASIMont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Patrice Lerouge
- Laboratoire Glyco-MEV, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, UPRES EA 4358, Normandie Université, IRIB, VASIMont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Muriel Bardor
- Laboratoire Glyco-MEV, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, UPRES EA 4358, Normandie Université, IRIB, VASIMont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Institut Universitaire de FranceParis, France
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Strasser R, Altmann F, Steinkellner H. Controlled glycosylation of plant-produced recombinant proteins. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2014; 30:95-100. [PMID: 25000187 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite their recognized importance for therapeutic proteins, the production of structurally defined glycans is still a challenging issue. However, an increased understanding of glycosylation pathways, recent advances in analytical tools, and emerging technologies for subcellular targeting using chimeric glycosyltransferases are facilitating the rational design of new glycan biosynthetic pathways. Plants are particularly amenable to glyco-engineering approaches and thus they are increasingly being used for the production of recombinant proteins. Here we summarize the main achievements in the field of in planta glyco-engineering for the production of therapeutically relevant proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Friedrich Altmann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Herta Steinkellner
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Müller K, Siegel D, Rodriguez Jahnke F, Gerrer K, Wend S, Decker EL, Reski R, Weber W, Zurbriggen MD. A red light-controlled synthetic gene expression switch for plant systems. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2014; 10:1679-88. [PMID: 24469598 DOI: 10.1039/c3mb70579j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
On command control of gene expression in time and space is required for the comprehensive analysis of key plant cellular processes. Even though some chemical inducible systems showing satisfactory induction features have been developed, they are inherently limited in terms of spatiotemporal resolution and may be associated with toxic effects. We describe here the first synthetic light-inducible system for the targeted control of gene expression in plants. For this purpose, we applied an interdisciplinary synthetic biology approach comprising mammalian and plant cell systems to customize and optimize a split transcription factor based on the plant photoreceptor phytochrome B and one of its interacting factors (PIF6). Implementation of the system in transient assays in tobacco protoplasts resulted in strong (95-fold) induction in red light (660 nm) and could be instantaneously returned to the OFF state by subsequent illumination with far-red light (740 nm). Capitalizing on this toggle switch-like characteristic, we demonstrate that the system can be kept in the OFF state in the presence of 740 nm-supplemented white light, opening up perspectives for future application of the system in whole plants. Finally we demonstrate the system's applicability in basic research, by the light-controlled tuning of auxin signalling networks in N. tabacum protoplasts, as well as its biotechnological potential for the chemical-inducer free production of therapeutic proteins in the moss P. patens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Müller
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Beike AK, Jaeger C, Zink F, Decker EL, Reski R. High contents of very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in different moss species. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2014; 33:245-54. [PMID: 24170342 PMCID: PMC3909245 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-013-1525-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Revised: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are important cellular compounds with manifold biological functions. Many PUFAs are essential for the human diet and beneficial for human health. In this study, we report on the high amounts of very long-chain (vl) PUFAs (≥C₂₀) such as arachidonic acid (AA) in seven moss species. These species were established in axenic in vitro culture, as a prerequisite for comparative metabolic studies under highly standardized laboratory conditions. In the model organism Physcomitrella patens, tissue-specific differences in the fatty acid compositions between the filamentous protonema and the leafy gametophores were observed. These metabolic differences correspond with differential gene expression of fatty acid desaturase (FADS)-encoding genes in both developmental stages, as determined via microarray analyses. Depending on the developmental stage and the species, AA amounts for 6-31 %, respectively, of the total fatty acids. Subcellular localization of the corresponding FADS revealed the endoplasmic reticulum as the cellular compartment for AA synthesis. Our results show that vlPUFAs are highly abundant metabolites in mosses. Standardized cultivation techniques using photobioreactors along with the availability of the P. patens genome sequence and the high rate of homologous recombination are the basis for targeted metabolic engineering in moss. The potential of producing vlPUFAs of interest from mosses will be highlighted as a promising area in plant biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Beike
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Jaeger
- Core Facility Metabolomics, ZBSA, Center for Biological Systems Analysis, University of Freiburg, Habsburgerstraße 49, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felix Zink
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva L. Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS-Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- FRIAS-Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Rosales-Mendoza S, Orellana-Escobedo L, Romero-Maldonado A, Decker EL, Reski R. The potential of Physcomitrella patens as a platform for the production of plant-based vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 13:203-12. [PMID: 24405402 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2014.872987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The moss Physcomitrella patens has a number of advantages for the production of biopharmaceuticals, including: i) availability of standardized conditions for cultivation in bioreactors; ii) not being part of the food chain; iii) high biosafety; iv) availability of highly efficient transformation methods; v) a haploid, fully sequenced genome providing genetic stability and uniform expression; vi) efficient gene targeting at the nuclear level allows for the generation of mutants with specific post-translational modifications (e.g., glycosylation patterns); and vii) oral formulations are a viable approach as no toxic effects are attributed to ingestion of this moss. In the light of this panorama, this opinion paper analyzes the possibilities of using P. patens for the production of oral vaccines and presents some specific cases where its use may represent significant progress in the field of plant-based vaccine development. The advantages represented by putative adjuvant effects of endogenous secondary metabolites and producing specific glycosylation patterns are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos Recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, SLP, 78210, México
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Loos A, Steinkellner H. Plant glyco-biotechnology on the way to synthetic biology. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2014; 5:523. [PMID: 25339965 PMCID: PMC4189330 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2014.00523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Plants are increasingly being used for the production of recombinant proteins. One reason is that plants are highly amenable to glycan engineering processes and allow the production of therapeutic proteins with increased efficacies due to optimized glycosylation profiles. Removal and insertion of glycosylation reactions by knock-out/knock-down approaches and introduction of glycosylation enzymes have paved the way for the humanization of the plant glycosylation pathway. The insertion of heterologous enzymes at exactly the right stage of the existing glycosylation pathway has turned out to be of utmost importance. To enable such precise targeting chimeric enzymes have been constructed. In this short review we will exemplify the importance of correct targeting of glycosyltransferases, we will give an overview of the targeting mechanism of glycosyltransferases, describe chimeric enzymes used in plant N-glycosylation engineering and illustrate how plant glycoengineering builds on the tools offered by synthetic biology to construct such chimeric enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Herta Steinkellner
- *Correspondence: Herta Steinkellner, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Decker EL, Parsons J, Reski R. Glyco-engineering for biopharmaceutical production in moss bioreactors. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2014; 5:346. [PMID: 25071817 PMCID: PMC4089626 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2014.00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The production of recombinant biopharmaceuticals (pharmaceutical proteins) is a strongly growing area in the pharmaceutical industry. While most products to date are produced in mammalian cell cultures, namely Chinese hamster ovary cells, plant-based production systems gained increasing acceptance over the last years. Different plant systems have been established which are suitable for standardization and precise control of cultivation conditions, thus meeting the criteria for pharmaceutical production. The majority of biopharmaceuticals comprise glycoproteins. Therefore, differences in protein glycosylation between humans and plants have to be taken into account and plant-specific glycosylation has to be eliminated to avoid adverse effects on quality, safety, and efficacy of the products. The basal land plant Physcomitrella patens (moss) has been employed for the recombinant production of high-value therapeutic target proteins (e.g., Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Complement Factor H, monoclonal antibodies, Erythropoietin). Being genetically excellently characterized and exceptionally amenable for precise gene targeting via homologous recombination, essential steps for the optimization of moss as a bioreactor for the production of recombinant proteins have been undertaken. Here, we discuss the glyco-engineering approaches to avoid non-human N- and O-glycosylation on target proteins produced in moss bioreactors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva L. Decker
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of FreiburgFreiburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Eva L. Decker, Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany e-mail:
| | - Juliana Parsons
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of FreiburgFreiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of FreiburgFreiburg, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling StudiesFreiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced StudiesFreiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Stoger E, Fischer R, Moloney M, Ma JKC. Plant molecular pharming for the treatment of chronic and infectious diseases. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2014; 65:743-68. [PMID: 24579993 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-050213-035850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Plant molecular pharming has emerged as a niche technology for the manufacture of pharmaceutical products indicated for chronic and infectious diseases, particularly for products that do not fit into the current industry-favored model of fermenter-based production campaigns. In this review, we explore the areas where molecular pharming can make the greatest impact, including the production of pharmaceuticals that have novel glycan structures or that cannot be produced efficiently in microbes or mammalian cells because they are insoluble or toxic. We also explore the market dynamics that encourage the use of molecular pharming, particularly for pharmaceuticals that are required in small amounts (such as personalized medicines) or large amounts (on a multi-ton scale, such as blood products and microbicides) and those that are needed in response to emergency situations (pandemics and bioterrorism). The impact of molecular pharming will increase as the platforms become standardized and optimized through adoption of good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards for clinical development, offering a new opportunity to produce inexpensive medicines in regional markets that are typically excluded under current business models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Stoger
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria;
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
A gene responsible for prolyl-hydroxylation of moss-produced recombinant human erythropoietin. Sci Rep 2013; 3:3019. [PMID: 24145658 PMCID: PMC3804855 DOI: 10.1038/srep03019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant production of pharmaceutical proteins is crucial, not only for personalized medicine. While most biopharmaceuticals are currently produced in mammalian cell culture, plant-made pharmaceuticals gain momentum. Post-translational modifications in plants are similar to those in humans, however, existing differences may affect quality, safety and efficacy of the products. A frequent modification in higher eukaryotes is prolyl-4-hydroxylase (P4H)-catalysed prolyl-hydroxylation. P4H sequence recognition sites on target proteins differ between humans and plants leading to non-human posttranslational modifications of recombinant human proteins produced in plants. The resulting hydroxyprolines display the anchor for plant-specific O-glycosylation, which bears immunogenic potential for patients. Here we describe the identification of a plant gene responsible for non-human prolyl-hydroxylation of human erythropoietin (hEPO) recombinantly produced in plant (moss) bioreactors. Targeted ablation of this gene abolished undesired prolyl-hydroxylation of hEPO and thus paves the way for plant-made pharmaceuticals humanized via glyco-engineering in moss bioreactors.
Collapse
|
49
|
Kittur FS, Bah M, Archer-Hartmann S, Hung CY, Azadi P, Ishihara M, Sane DC, Xie J. Cytoprotective effect of recombinant human erythropoietin produced in transgenic tobacco plants. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76468. [PMID: 24124563 PMCID: PMC3790672 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Asialo-erythropoietin, a desialylated form of human erythropoietin (EPO) lacking hematopoietic activity, is receiving increased attention because of its broader protective effects in preclinical models of tissue injury. However, attempts to translate its protective effects into clinical practice is hampered by unavailability of suitable expression system and its costly and limit production from expensive mammalian cell-made EPO (rhuEPO(M)) by enzymatic desialylation. In the current study, we took advantage of a plant-based expression system lacking sialylating capacity but possessing an ability to synthesize complex N-glycans to produce cytoprotective recombinant human asialo-rhuEPO. Transgenic tobacco plants expressing asialo-rhuEPO were generated by stably co-expressing human EPO and β1,4-galactosyltransferase (GalT) genes under the control of double CaMV 35S and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate gene (GapC) promoters, respectively. Plant-produced asialo-rhuEPO (asialo-rhuEPO(P)) was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography. Detailed N-glycan analysis using NSI-FTMS and MS/MS revealed that asialo-rhuEPO(P) bears paucimannosidic, high mannose-type and complex N-glycans. In vitro cytoprotection assays showed that the asialo-rhuEPO(P) (20 U/ml) provides 2-fold better cytoprotection (44%) to neuronal-like mouse neuroblastoma cells from staurosporine-induced cell death than rhuEPO(M) (21%). The cytoprotective effect of the asialo-rhuEPO(P) was found to be mediated by receptor-initiated phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and suppression of caspase 3 activation. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that plants are a suitable host for producing cytoprotective rhuEPO derivative. In addition, the general advantages of plant-based expression system can be exploited to address the cost and scalability issues related to its production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farooqahmed S. Kittur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mamudou Bah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Archer-Hartmann
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Chiu-Yueh Hung
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Parastoo Azadi
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Mayumi Ishihara
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - David C. Sane
- Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jiahua Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Jez J, Castilho A, Grass J, Vorauer-Uhl K, Sterovsky T, Altmann F, Steinkellner H. Expression of functionally active sialylated human erythropoietin in plants. Biotechnol J 2013; 8:371-82. [PMID: 23325672 PMCID: PMC3601435 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201200363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO), a glycohormone, is one of the leading biopharmaceutical products. The production of rhEPO is currently restricted to mammalian cell expression systems because of rhEPO's highly complex glycosylation pattern, which is a major determinant for drug-efficacy. Here we evaluate the ability of plants to produce different glycoforms of rhEPO. cDNA constructs were delivered to Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana) and transiently expressed by a viral based expression system. Expression levels up to 85 mg rhEPO/kg fresh leaf material were achieved. Moreover, co-expression of rhEPO with six mammalian genes required for in planta protein sialylation resulted in the synthesis of rhEPO decorated mainly with bisialylated N-glycans (NaNa), the most abundant glycoform of circulating hEPO in patients with anemia. A newly established peptide tag (ELDKWA) fused to hEPO was particularly well-suited for purification of the recombinant hormone based on immunoaffinity. Subsequent lectin chromatography allowed enrichment of exclusively sialylated rhEPO. All plant-derived glycoforms exhibited high biological activity as determined by a cell-based receptor-binding assay. The generation of rhEPO carrying largely homogeneous glycosylation profiles (GnGnXF, GnGn, and NaNa) will facilitate further investigation of functionalities with potential implications for medical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Jez
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|