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Narh JK, Casillas-Vega NG, Zarate X. LL-37_Renalexin hybrid peptide exhibits antimicrobial activity at lower MICs than its counterpart single peptides. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:126. [PMID: 38229302 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12887-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
An alarming global public health and economic peril has been the emergence of antibiotic resistance resulting from clinically relevant bacteria pathogens, including Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species constantly exhibiting intrinsic and extrinsic resistance mechanisms against last-resort antibiotics like gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, colistin, and standard ampicillin prescription in clinical practices. The discovery and applications of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with antibacterial properties have been considered and proven as alternative antimicrobial agents to antibiotics. In this study, we have designed, produced, and purified a recombinant novel multifunctional hybrid antimicrobial peptide LL-37_Renalexin for the first time via the application of newly designed flexible GS peptide linker coupled with the use of our previously characterized small metal-binding proteins SmbP and CusF3H+ as carrier proteins that allow for an enhanced bacterial expression, using BL21(DE3) and SHuffle T7(DE3) Escherichia coli strains, and purification of the hybrid peptide via immobilized metal affinity chromatography. The purified tag-free LL-37_Renalexin hybrid peptide exhibited above 85% reduction in bacteria colony-forming units and broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria clinical isolates at a lower minimum inhibition concentration level (10-33 μM) as compared to its counterpart single-AMPs LL-37 and Renalexin (50-100 μM). KEY POINTS: • The hybrid antimicrobial peptide LL-37_Renalexin has been designed using a GS linker. • The peptide was expressed with the carrier proteins SmbP and CusF3H+. • The hybrid peptide shows antibacterial potency against clinical bacterial isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Kwesi Narh
- Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Avenida Universidad s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 66455, San Nicolas de los Garza, NL, Mexico
| | - Nestor G Casillas-Vega
- Departamento de Patologia Clinica, Hospital Universitario Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, 64460, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Xristo Zarate
- Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Avenida Universidad s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 66455, San Nicolas de los Garza, NL, Mexico.
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2
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Guo Z, Ren H, Chang Q, Liu R, Zhou X, Xue K, Sun T, Luo J, Wang F, Ge J. Lactobacilli-derived adjuvants combined with immunoinformatics-driven multi-epitope antigens based approach protects against Clostridium perfringens in a mouse model. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 267:131475. [PMID: 38608984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is ubiquitously distributed and capable of secreting toxins, posing a significant threat to animal health. Infections caused by Clostridium perfringens, such as Necrotic Enteritis (NE), result in substantial economic losses to the livestock industry annually. However, there is no effective commercial vaccine available. Hence, we set out to propose an effective approach for multi-epitope subunit vaccine construction utilizing biomolecules. We utilized immunoinformatics to design a novel multi-epitope antigen against C. perfringens (CPMEA). Furthermore, we innovated novel bacterium-like particles (BLPs) through thermal acid treatment of various Lactobacillus strains and selected BLP23017 among them. Then, we detailed the structure of CPMEA and BLPs and utilized them to prepare a multi-epitope vaccine. Here, we showed that our vaccine provided full protection against C. perfringens infection after a single dose in a mouse model. Additionally, BLP23017 notably augmented the secretion of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and enhanced antibody production. We conclude that our vaccine possess safety and high efficacy, making it an excellent candidate for preventing C. perfringens infection. Moreover, we demonstrate our approach to vaccine construction and the preparation of BLP23017 with distinct advantages may contribute to the prevention of a wider array of diseases and the novel vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Hongkun Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Qingru Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Runhang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease control and prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Xinyao Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Kun Xue
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Tong Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jilong Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease control and prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China.
| | - Junwei Ge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Harbin 150030, China.
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3
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Cardona-Echavarría MC, Santillán C, Miranda-Blancas R, Stojanoff V, Rudiño-Piñera E. Unveiling success determinants for AMB-assisted phase expansion of fusion proteins in ARP/wARP. J Struct Biol 2024; 216:108089. [PMID: 38537893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2024.108089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Fusion proteins (FPs) are frequently utilized as a biotechnological tool in the determination of macromolecular structures using X-ray methods. Here, we explore the use of different protein tags in various FP, to obtain initial phases by using them in a partial molecular replacement (MR) and constructing the remaining FP structure with ARP/wARP. Usually, the tag is removed prior to crystallization, however leaving the tag on may facilitate crystal formation, and structural determination by expanding phases from known to unknown segments of the complex. In this study, the Protein Data Bank was mined for an up-to-date list of FPs with the most used protein tags, Maltose Binding Protein (MBP), Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), Thioredoxin (TRX), Glutathione transferase (GST) and the Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier Protein (SUMO). Partial MR using the protein tag, followed by automatic model building, was tested on a subset of 116 FP. The efficiency of this method was analyzed and factors that influence the coordinate construction of a substantial portions of the fused protein were identified. Using MBP, GFP, and SUMO as phase generators it was possible to build at least 75 % of the protein of interest in 36 of the 116 cases tested. Our results reveal that tag selection has a significant impact; tags with greater structural stability, such as GFP, increase the success rate. Further statistical analysis identifies that resolution, Wilson B factor, solvent percentage, completeness, multiplicity, protein tag percentage in the FP (considering amino acids), and the linker length play pivotal roles using our approach. In cases where a structural homologous is absent, this method merits inclusion in the toolkit of protein crystallographers.
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Affiliation(s)
- María C Cardona-Echavarría
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos C.P. 62210, Mexico; Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos C.P. 62209, Mexico.
| | | | - Ricardo Miranda-Blancas
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México C.P. 04510, Mexico
| | - Vivian Stojanoff
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973-5000, United States
| | - Enrique Rudiño-Piñera
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos C.P. 62210, Mexico.
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Wachter S, Angevin T, Bubna N, Tan A, Cichy A, Brown D, Wolfe LS, Sappington R, Lilla E, Berry L, Grismer D, Orth C, Blanusa M, Mostafa S, Kaufmann H, Felderer K. Application of platform process development approaches to the manufacturing of Mabcalin™ bispecifics. J Biotechnol 2023; 377:13-22. [PMID: 37820750 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Bispecific biotherapeutics offer potent and highly specific treatment options in oncology and immuno-oncology. However, many bispecific formats are prone to high levels of aggregation and instability, leading to prolonged development timelines, inefficient manufacturing, and high costs. The novel class of Mabcalin™ molecules consist of Anticalin® proteins fused to an IgG and are currently being evaluated in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Here, we describe a robust high-yield manufacturing platform for these therapeutic fusion proteins providing data up to commercially relevant scales. A platform upstream process was established for one of the Mabcalin bispecifics and then applied to other clinically relevant drug candidates with different IgG target specificities. Process performance was compared in 3 L bioreactors and production was scaled-up to up to 1000 L for confirmation. The Mabcalin proteins' structural and biophysical similarities enabled a downstream platform approach consisting of initial protein A capture, viral inactivation, mixed-mode anion exchange polishing, second polishing by cation exchange or hydrophobic interaction chromatography, viral filtration, buffer exchange and concentration by ultrafiltration/diafiltration. All three processes met their target specifications and achieved comparable clearance of impurities and product yields across scales. The described platform approach provides a fast and economic path to process confirmation and is well comparable to classical monoclonal antibody approaches in terms of costs and time to clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Wachter
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany.
| | - Thibaut Angevin
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany
| | - Niket Bubna
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Adelene Tan
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany
| | - Adam Cichy
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany
| | - David Brown
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Leslie S Wolfe
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Ryan Sappington
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Edward Lilla
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Luke Berry
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Dane Grismer
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Christian Orth
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany
| | - Milan Blanusa
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany
| | - Sigma Mostafa
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Hitto Kaufmann
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany
| | - Karin Felderer
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany
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5
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Leal AF, Inci OK, Seyrantepe V, Rintz E, Celik B, Ago Y, León D, Suarez DA, Alméciga-Díaz CJ, Tomatsu S. Molecular Trojan Horses for treating lysosomal storage diseases. Mol Genet Metab 2023; 140:107648. [PMID: 37598508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are caused by monogenic mutations in genes encoding for proteins related to the lysosomal function. Lysosome plays critical roles in molecule degradation and cell signaling through interplay with many other cell organelles, such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and peroxisomes. Even though several strategies (i.e., protein replacement and gene therapy) have been attempted for LSDs with promising results, there are still some challenges when hard-to-treat tissues such as bone (i.e., cartilages, ligaments, meniscus, etc.), the central nervous system (mostly neurons), and the eye (i.e., cornea, retina) are affected. Consistently, searching for novel strategies to reach those tissues remains a priority. Molecular Trojan Horses have been well-recognized as a potential alternative in several pathological scenarios for drug delivery, including LSDs. Even though molecular Trojan Horses refer to genetically engineered proteins to overcome the blood-brain barrier, such strategy can be extended to strategies able to transport and deliver drugs to specific tissues or cells using cell-penetrating peptides, monoclonal antibodies, vesicles, extracellular vesicles, and patient-derived cells. Only some of those platforms have been attempted in LSDs. In this paper, we review the most recent efforts to develop molecular Trojan Horses and discuss how this strategy could be implemented to enhance the current efficacy of strategies such as protein replacement and gene therapy in the context of LSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Felipe Leal
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia; Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Orhan Kerim Inci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, 35430 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Volkan Seyrantepe
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, 35430 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Estera Rintz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Betul Celik
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Yasuhiko Ago
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Daniel León
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diego A Suarez
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos Javier Alméciga-Díaz
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Shunji Tomatsu
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland; Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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6
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Oscorbin I, Filipenko M. Bst polymerase - a humble relative of Taq polymerase. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4519-4535. [PMID: 37767105 PMCID: PMC10520511 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerases are a superfamily of enzymes synthesizing DNA using DNA as a template. They are essential for nucleic acid metabolism and for DNA replication and repair. Modern biotechnology and molecular diagnostics rely heavily on DNA polymerases in analyzing nucleic acids. Among a variety of discovered DNA polymerases, Bst polymerase, a large fragment of DNA polymerase I from Geobacillus stearothermophilus, is one of the most commonly used but is not as well studied as Taq polymerase. The ability of Bst polymerase to displace an upstream DNA strand during synthesis, coupled with its moderate thermal stability, has provided the basis for several isothermal DNA amplification methods, including LAMP, WGA, RCA, and many others. Bst polymerase is one of the key components defining the robustness and analytical characteristics of diagnostic test systems based on isothermal amplification. Here, we present an overview of the biochemical and structural features of Bst polymerase and provide information on its mutated analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Oscorbin
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ICBFM SB RAS), 8 Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Maxim Filipenko
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ICBFM SB RAS), 8 Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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7
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Ye RY, Song J, Zhang ZJ, Yu HL. Prokaryotic expression and characterization of artificial self-sufficient CYP120A monooxygenases. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:5727-5737. [PMID: 37477695 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12678-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases CYP120As are the unique non-membrane P450s, which are extensively involved in retinoid biodegradation. As the O-functionalized 1,3,3-trimethylcyclohex-1-ene moiety exists in many bioactive compounds which could only be catalyzed by Class II P450s, exploration of the catalytic repertoire of CYP120As is therefore highly attractive. However, up to date, only one bacteriogenic candidate (CYP120A1) was demonstrated for the hydroxylation of C16 and C17 of retinoic acid, by utilizing the integral membrane protein cytochrome P450 reductase redox partner for the electron transfer. Herein, we provided an efficient prokaryotic functional expression system of CYP120As in E. coli by expression of the CYP120A1 coupled with several reductase partners. Fusion redox partners to the C-terminal of the heme-domain are also working on other CYP120A members. Among them, the fusion protein of CYP120A29 and FAD/FMN reductase from Bacillus megaterium P450BM3 (CYP101A2) showed the highest expression level. Based on the available translational fusion systems, the regioselectivity and the substrate scope of the CYP120As have also been explored. This work represents a good starting point for further expanding the catalytic potential of CYP120 family. KEY POINTS: • Characterization of CYP120As in E. coli is firstly achieved by constructing fusion proteins. • The feasibility of three P450 reductase domains to CYP120As was evaluated. • Hydroxylated products of retinoic acid by six CYP120As were sorted and analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Yi Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Biomanufacturing, College of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Biomanufacturing, College of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Biomanufacturing, College of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Lei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Biomanufacturing, College of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Baier CJ, Barrantes FJ. Role of cholesterol-recognition motifs in the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 222:113090. [PMID: 36563415 PMCID: PMC9743692 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.113090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The presence of linear amino acid motifs with the capacity to recognize the neutral lipid cholesterol, known as Cholesterol Recognition/interaction Amino acid Consensus sequence (CRAC), and its inverse or mirror image, CARC, has recently been reported in the primary sequence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike S homotrimeric glycoprotein. These motifs also occur in the two other pathogenic coronaviruses, SARS-CoV, and Middle-East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV), most conspicuously in the transmembrane domain, the fusion peptide, the amino-terminal domain, and the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 S protein. Here we analyze the presence of cholesterol-recognition motifs in these key regions of the spike glycoprotein in the pathogenic CoVs. We disclose the inherent pathophysiological implications of the cholesterol motifs in the virus-host cell interactions and variant infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Javier Baier
- Laboratorio de Toxicología, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia (DBByF), San Juan 670, B8000ICN Bahía Blanca, Argentina,Correspondence to: INBIOSUR-CONICET-UNS, DBByF, San Juan 670, B8000ICN Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Francisco J. Barrantes
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, BIOMED UCA-CONICET, 1600 Av. A. Moreau de Justo, C1107AAZ Buenos Aires, Argentina,Correspondence to: BIOMED UCA-CONICET, Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1600, C1107AFF Buenos Aires, Argentina
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9
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Li T, Qin Z, Wang D, Xia X, Zhou X, Hu G. Coenzyme self-sufficiency system-recent advances in microbial production of high-value chemical phenyllactic acid. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 39:36. [PMID: 36472665 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03480-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Phenyllactic acid (PLA), a natural antimicrobial substance, has many potential applications in the food, animal feed, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. However, its production is limited by the complex reaction steps involved in its chemical synthesis. Through advances in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology strategies, enzymatic or whole-cell catalysis was developed as an alternative method for PLA production. Herein, we review recent developments in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology strategies that promote the microbial production of high-value PLA. Specially, the advantages and disadvantages of the using of the three kinds of substrates, which includes phenylpyruvate, phenylalanine and glucose as starting materials by natural or engineered microbes is summarized. Notably, the bio-conversion of PLA often requires the consumption of expensive coenzyme NADH. To overcome the issues of NADH regeneration, efficiently internal cofactor regeneration systems constructed by co-expressing different enzyme combinations composed of lactate dehydrogenase with others for enhancing the PLA production, as well as their possible improvements, are discussed. In particular, the construction of fusion proteins with different linkers can achieve higher PLA yield and more efficient cofactor regeneration than that of multi-enzyme co-expression. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of PLA biosynthesis pathways and strategies for increasing PLA yield through biotechnology, providing future directions for the large-scale commercial production of PLA and the expansion of downstream applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinglan Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, 400044, Chongqing, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Qin
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, 400044, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Dan Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, 400044, Chongqing, P. R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, P. R. China.
| | - Xue Xia
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, 400044, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojie Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, 400044, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Ge Hu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, 400044, Chongqing, P. R. China
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10
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Cavallero GJ, Wang Y, Nwosu C, Gu S, Meiyappan M, Zaia J. O-Glycoproteomic analysis of engineered heavily glycosylated fusion proteins using nanoHILIC-MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:7855-7863. [PMID: 36136114 PMCID: PMC9568489 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04318-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant protein engineering design affects therapeutic properties including protein efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity. Importantly, glycosylation modulates glycoprotein therapeutic pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and effector functions. Furthermore, the development of fusion proteins requires in-depth characterization of the protein integrity and its glycosylation to evaluate their critical quality attributes. Fc-fusion proteins can be modified by complex glycosylation on the active peptide, the fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain, and the linker peptides. Moreover, the type of glycosylation and the glycan distribution at a given glycosite depend on the host cell line and the expression system conditions that significantly impact safety and efficacy. Because of the inherent heterogeneity of glycosylation, it is necessary to assign glycan structural detail for glycoprotein quality control. Using conventional reversed-phase LC-MS methods, the different glycoforms at a given glycosite elute over a narrow retention time window, and glycopeptide ionization is suppressed by co-eluting non-modified peptides. To overcome this drawback, we used nanoHILIC-MS to characterize the complex glycosylation of UTI-Fc, a fusion protein that greatly increases the half-life of ulinastatin. By this methodology, we identified and characterized ulinastatin glycopeptides at the Fc domain and linker peptide. The results described herein demonstrate the advantages of nanoHILIC-MS to elucidate glycan features on glycotherapeutics that fail to be detected using traditional reversed-phase glycoproteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo J Cavallero
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, MA, 02421, USA
| | - Charles Nwosu
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, MA, 02421, USA
| | - Sheng Gu
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, MA, 02421, USA
| | - Muthuraman Meiyappan
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, MA, 02421, USA
| | - Joseph Zaia
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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11
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Yeapuri P, Olson KE, Lu Y, Abdelmoaty MM, Namminga KL, Markovic M, Machhi J, Mosley RL, Gendelman HE. Development of an extended half-life GM-CSF fusion protein for Parkinson's disease. J Control Release 2022; 348:951-965. [PMID: 35738463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Transformation of CD4+ T cell effector to regulatory (Teff to Treg) cells have been shown to attenuate disease progression by restoring immunological balance during the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In our prior studies, we defined a safe and effective pathway to restore this balance by restoring Treg numbers and function through the daily administration of the cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). These studies were conducted as a proof-of-concept testing in Parkinson's disease (PD) preclinical models and early phase I clinical investigations. In both instances, they served to ameliorate disease associated signs and symptoms. However, despite the recorded efficacy, the cytokine's short half-life, low bioavailability, and injection site reactions proved to be limitations for any broader use. To overcome these limitations, mRNA lipid nanoparticles encoding an extended half-life albumin-GM-CSF fusion protein were developed for both mouse (Msa-GM-CSF) and rat (Rsa-GM-CSF). These formulations were tested for immunomodulatory and neuroprotective efficacy using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and human wild-type alpha-synuclein (αSyn) overexpression preclinical models of PD. A single dose of the extended half-life mouse and rat mRNA lipid nanoparticles generated measurable GM-CSF plasma cytokine levels up to four days. Increased Treg frequency and function were associated with a resting microglial phenotype, nigrostriatal neuroprotection, and restoration of brain tissue immune homeostasis. These findings were substantively beyond the recorded efficacy of daily recombinant wild-type GM-CSF with a recorded half-life of six hours. Mechanistic evaluation of neuropathological transcriptional profiles performed in the disease-affected nigral brain region demonstrated an upregulation of neuroprotective CREB and synaptogenesis signaling and neurovascular coupling pathways. These findings highlight the mRNA-encoded albumin GM-CSF fusion protein modification linked to improvements in therapeutic efficacy. The improvements achieved were associated with the medicine's increased bioavailability. Taken together, the data demonstrate that mRNA LNP encoding the extended half-life albumin-GM-CSF fusion protein can serve as a benchmark for PD immune-based therapeutics. This is especially notable for improving adherence of drug regimens in a disease-affected patient population with known tremors and gait abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravin Yeapuri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Katherine E Olson
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Yaman Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Mai Mohamed Abdelmoaty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Therapeutic Chemistry Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Krista L Namminga
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Milica Markovic
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Jatin Machhi
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - R Lee Mosley
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Howard E Gendelman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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12
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Di Trani CA, Cirella A, Arrizabalaga L, Fernandez-Sendin M, Bella A, Aranda F, Melero I, Berraondo P. Overcoming the limitations of cytokines to improve cancer therapy. Int Rev Cell Mol Biol 2022; 369:107-141. [PMID: 35777862 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are pleiotropic soluble proteins used by immune cells to orchestrate a coordinated response against pathogens and malignancies. In cancer immunotherapy, cytokine-based drugs can be developed potentiating pro-inflammatory cytokines or blocking immunosuppressive cytokines. However, the complexity of the mechanisms of action of cytokines requires the use of biotechnological strategies to minimize systemic toxicity, while potentiating the antitumor response. Sequence mutagenesis, fusion proteins and gene therapy strategies are employed to enhance the half-life in circulation, target the desired bioactivity to the tumor microenvironment, and to optimize the therapeutic window of cytokines. In this review, we provide an overview of the different strategies currently being pursued in pre-clinical and clinical studies to make the most of cytokines for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Augusta Di Trani
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Assunta Cirella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leire Arrizabalaga
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Myriam Fernandez-Sendin
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Angela Bella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Aranda
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Department of Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
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13
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Pardridge WM. Blood-brain barrier delivery for lysosomal storage disorders with IgG-lysosomal enzyme fusion proteins. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 184:114234. [PMID: 35307484 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The majority of lysosomal storage diseases affect the brain. Treatment of the brain with intravenous enzyme replacement therapy is not successful, because the recombinant lysosomal enzymes do not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Biologic drugs, including lysosomal enzymes, can be re-engineered for BBB delivery as IgG-enzyme fusion proteins. The IgG domain of the fusion protein is a monoclonal antibody directed against an endogenous receptor-mediated transporter at the BBB, such as the insulin receptor or the transferrin receptor. This receptor transports the IgG across the BBB, in parallel with the endogenous receptor ligand, and the IgG acts as a molecular Trojan horse to ferry into brain the lysosomal enzyme genetically fused to the IgG. The IgG-enzyme fusion protein is bi-functional and retains both high affinity binding for the BBB receptor, and high lysosomal enzyme activity. IgG-lysosomal enzymes are presently in clinical trials for treatment of the brain in Mucopolysaccharidosis.
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14
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Bolghari N, Shahsavarani H, Anvari M, Habibollahi H. A novel recombinant chimeric bio-adhesive protein consisting of mussel foot protein 3, 5, gas vesicle protein A, and CsgA curli protein expressed in Pichia pastoris. AMB Express 2022; 12:23. [PMID: 35220506 PMCID: PMC8882510 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-022-01362-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite various efforts to produce potent recombinant bio-adhesive proteins for medical purposes, efficient production of a safe and feasible bio-glue is not yet a commercial reality due to the weak properties or low expression levels. Here, a feasible expression system has been developed to produce strong recombinant fusion bioinspired protein using mussel foot protein 3 and 5 (Mfps) along with gas vesicle protein A (GvpA) of Anabaena flos-aquae, and a curli protein CsgA from E. coli, expressed under the control of alcohol oxidase (AOX1) promoter for high-level production in yeast P. pastoris using pPICZα vector. Purified chimeric proteins were first evaluated using western blotting, and their remaining dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) was measured in the modified proteins by NBT assay. We further elucidated the mechanistic properties of obtained adhesive protein assembly in various pH levels based on its different subunits using atomic force microscopy (AFM) when adsorbed onto the mica surface. We found that both combinational structural features of subunits and post-translational changes during expression in yeast host have led to potent adherence due to higher DOPA residues specially in acidic condition and tetrad complex which is higher than that of earlier reports in prokaryotic systems. We believe that our obtained chimeric protein resulted from the fusion of GvpA and CsgA proteins with DOPA-containing Mfp proteins, expressed in the methylotrophic yeast, P. pastoris, not only presents a candidate for future biomedical applications but also provides novel biological clues used for high-performance bioinspired biomaterial designation.
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15
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Wu G, Yu C, Wang W, Zhang R, Li M, Wang L. A platform method for charge heterogeneity characterization of fusion proteins by icIEF. Anal Biochem 2022; 638:114505. [PMID: 34856184 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2021.114505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The charge heterogeneity of fusion proteins can vary dramatically compared with more traditional biopharmaceuticals like monoclonal antibodies, making the characterization of fusion proteins a challenge. A single platform method suitable for the analysis of multiple fusion proteins would reduce method development and streamline production workflows. Here, we develop a platform method to characterize the charge heterogeneity of a variety of fusion protein therapeutics using imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (icIEF). We describe the development of the platform method, and analyze 9 fusion protein therapeutics. The results are reproducible in peak group area percentage and apparent pI determination. We compare the platform icIEF method to traditional slab gel IEF, which is still used in many laboratories for the analysis of fusion proteins. The peak patterns obtained from the icIEF method is comparable to the band patterns of the gel IEF. The platform method can also be used as the starting point if further optimization is needed even when high resolution is required. The platform method described in this study can be applied as an identity and purity assay for fusion proteins in the biopharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 31, Huatuo Road, Daxing District, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Chuanfei Yu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 31, Huatuo Road, Daxing District, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 31, Huatuo Road, Daxing District, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Rongjian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 31, Huatuo Road, Daxing District, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Meng Li
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 31, Huatuo Road, Daxing District, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 31, Huatuo Road, Daxing District, Beijing, 102629, China.
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16
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Oscorbin IP, Filipenko ML. M-MuLV reverse transcriptase: Selected properties and improved mutants. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:6315-6327. [PMID: 34900141 PMCID: PMC8640165 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse transcriptases (RTs) are enzymes synthesizing DNA using RNA as the template and serving as the standard tools in modern biotechnology and molecular diagnostics. To date, the most commonly used reverse transcriptase is the enzyme from Moloney murine leukemia virus, M-MuLV RT. Since its discovery, M-MuLV RT has become indispensable for modern RNA studies; the range of M-MuLV RT applications is vast, from scientific tasks to clinical testing of human pathogens. This review will give a brief description of the structure, thermal stability, processivity, and fidelity, focusing on improving M-MuLV RT for practical usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor P Oscorbin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 8 Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Maxim L Filipenko
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 8 Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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17
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Pourhassan N Z, Smits SHJ, Ahn JH, Schmitt L. Biotechnological applications of type 1 secretion systems. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 53:107864. [PMID: 34767962 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria have evolved a diverse range of secretion systems to export different substrates across their cell envelope. Although secretion of proteins into the extracellular space could offer advantages for recombinant protein production, the low secretion titers of the secretion systems for some heterologous proteins remain a clear drawback of their utility at commercial scales. Therefore, a potential use of most of secretion systems as production platforms at large scales are still limited. To overcome this limitation, remarkable efforts have been made toward improving the secretion efficiency of different bacterial secretion systems in recent years. Here, we review the progress with respect to biotechnological applications of type I secretion system (T1SS) of Gram-negative bacteria. We will also focus on the applicability of T1SS for the secretion of heterologous proteins as well as vaccine development. Last but not least, we explore the employed engineering strategies that have enhanced the secretion efficiencies of T1SS. Attention is also paid to directed evolution approaches that may offer a more versatile approach to optimize secretion efficiency of T1SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Pourhassan N
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sander H J Smits
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jung Hoon Ahn
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Korea Science Academy of Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Busan 47162, South Korea
| | - Lutz Schmitt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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18
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Chen L, Zhang Y, Yin L, Cai B, Huang P, Li X, Liang G. Fibroblast growth factor receptor fusions in cancer: opportunities and challenges. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:345. [PMID: 34732230 PMCID: PMC8564965 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02156-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) play critical roles in many biological processes and developmental functions. Chromosomal translocation of FGFRs result in the formation of chimeric FGFR fusion proteins, which often cause aberrant signaling leading to the development and progression of human cancer. Due to the high recurrence rate and carcinogenicity, oncogenic FGFR gene fusions have been identified as promising therapeutic targets. Erdafitinib and pemigatinib, two FGFR selective inhibitors targeting FGFR fusions, have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat patients with urothelial cancer and cholangiocarcinoma, respectively. Futibatinib, a third-generation FGFR inhibitor, is under phase III clinical trials in patients with FGFR gene rearrangements. Herein, we review the current understanding of the FGF/FGFRs system and the oncogenic effect of FGFR fusions, summarize promising inhibitors under clinical development for patients with FGFR fusions, and highlight the challenges in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfeng Chen
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China. .,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yanmei Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lina Yin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Binhao Cai
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaokun Li
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guang Liang
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China. .,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China. .,Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
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19
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Abstract
Much progress has been made in targeting CD47 for cancer immunotherapy in solid tumors (ST) and hematological malignancies. We summarized the CD47-related clinical research and analyzed the research trend both in the USA and in China. As of August 28, 2021, there are a total 23 related therapeutic agents with 46 clinical trials in the NCT registry platform. Among these trials, 29 are in ST, 14 in hematological malignancies and 3 in both solid tumor and hematological malignancy. The ST include gastric cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and leiomyosarcoma, while the hematological malignancies include non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma and chronic myeloid leukemia. Majority of the CD47-related clinical trials are at the early phases, such as 31 at phase I, 14 at phase II and 1 at phase III in the USA and 9, 6, 1, in China, respectively. The targets and spectrums of mechanism of action include 26 with mono-specific and 20 with bi-specific targets in the USA and 13 with mono-specific and 3 with bi-specific targets in China. The new generation CD47 antibodies have demonstrated promising results, and it is highly hopeful that some candidate agents will emerge and make into clinical application to meet the urgent needs of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxing Jiang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Radiation Therapy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jifeng Yu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China. .,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Gene Regulation, Henan University College of Medicine, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
| | - Wenzhi Tian
- ImmuneOnco Biopharmaceuticals (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yongping Song
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
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20
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Barbosa MMF, Kanno AI, Pancakova V, Gonçalves VM, Malley R, Faria LP, Leite LCC. Optimization of Expression and Purification of Schistosoma mansoni Antigens in Fusion with Rhizavidin. Mol Biotechnol 2021; 63:983-991. [PMID: 34165770 PMCID: PMC8223184 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00355-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis causes significant morbidity and mortality. Vaccine efforts to date indicate the need to increase the immunogenicity of Schistosoma antigens. The multiple antigen-presenting system, whereby proteins are genetically fused to rhizavidin and affinity linked to biotinylated templates, enables the generation of robust immune responses. The objective of this work was to express and purify the S. mansoni antigens, SmTSP-2 and SmCD59.2, in fusion with rhizavidin. The fusion with rhizavidin greatly decreased the expression level of rSmTSP-2, but not rSmCD59.2, and both were expressed in the insoluble fraction, requiring optimization of culture conditions. Evaluation of different E. coli strains and media showed that BL21-DE3 cultured in Terrific Broth provided the highest expression levels of both proteins. Investigation of a range of time and temperature of induction showed that E. coli strains expressing rRzv:SmTSP-2 and rRzv:SmCD59.2 showed the highest protein production at 23 °C for 15 h. Recombinant proteins were purified by a single step of affinity chromatography allowing isolation of these proteins in high concentration and purity. The optimization process increased final soluble protein yield of rRzv:SmTSP-2 by fourfold and rRzv:SmCD59.2 by tenfold, providing ~ 20 mg/L of each protein. Optimized fusion protein production will allow antigen use in biotin–rhizavidin affinity platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra M F Barbosa
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alex I Kanno
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Violeta Pancakova
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.,UnivLyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL1), 69100, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Viviane M Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Richard Malley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Leonardo P Faria
- Laboratório de Biomarcadores e Inflamação, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Luciana C C Leite
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
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21
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Eltringham-Smith LJ, Bhakta V, Sheffield WP. Selection and in vitro and in vivo characterization of a Kunitz protease inhibitor domain of protease nexin 2 variant that inhibits factor XIa without inhibiting plasmin. J Biotechnol 2021; 330:61-69. [PMID: 33689867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2021.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The 57-amino acid Kunitz Protease Inhibitor (KPI) domain of Protease Nexin 2 inhibits Factor XIa (FXIa) and other proteases. We previously fused KPI to human serum albumin (KPIHSA). KPIHSA inhibits coagulation Factor XIa (FXIa) 6-fold more rapidly than plasmin. We screened a bacterial expression library of KPI variants randomized at M17, and selected M17D as having the highest anti-FXIa: antiplasmin activity ratio. Expressed as HSA fusion proteins in Pichia pastoris, KPIHSA and KPI(M17D)HSA inhibited FXIa indistinguishably (Ki 9 nM) but KPI(M17D)HSA lacked detectable antiplasmin activity. Purified variant and wild-type KPIHSA were expressed and injected into mice with ferric chloride-treated carotid arteries, with or without systemic administration of tissue plasminogen activator (Tenecteplase, TNKase). The time to arterial occlusion (TTO) or reperfusion (TTR) was assessed by Doppler ultrasound. TTR did not differ between mice treated with TNKase alone or with TNKase supplemented with 38 mg/kg KPI(M17D)HSA but was significantly prolonged to >60 min in all mice treated with TNKase and 38 mg/kg KPIHSA. TTO was significantly but equally prolonged by either 38 mg/kg KPIHSA or KPI(M17D)HSA versus vehicle controls. The antiplasmin activity of KPI is relevant in vivo but its elimination did not enhance counter-thrombosis by KPI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Varsha Bhakta
- Canadian Blood Services, Centre for Innovation, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - William P Sheffield
- Canadian Blood Services, Centre for Innovation, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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22
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Ongaro T, Guarino SR, Scietti L, Palamini M, Wulhfard S, Neri D, Villa A, Forneris F. Inference of molecular structure for characterization and improvement of clinical grade immunocytokines. J Struct Biol 2021; 213:107696. [PMID: 33493635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2021.107696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The use of immunomodulatory agents for the treatment of cancer is gaining a growing biopharmaceutical interest. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, namely immunocytokines, represent a promising solution for the regulation of the immune system at the site of disease. The three-dimensional arrangement of these molecules can profoundly influence their biological activity and pharmacokinetic properties. Structural techniques might provide important insight in the 3D arrangement of immunocytokines. Here, we performed structure investigations on clinical grade fusion proteins L19-IL2, IL12-L19L19 and L19L19-IL2 to elucidate their quaternary organization. Crystallographic characterization of the common L19 antibody fragment at a resolution of 2.0-Å was combined with low-resolution studies of the full-length chimeric molecules using small-angle synchrotron X-ray scattering (SAXS) and negative stain electron microscopy. Characterization of the full-length quaternary structures of the immunocytokines in solution by SAXS consistently supported the diabody structure in the L19-IL2 immunocytokine and allowed generation of low-resolution models of the chimeric proteins L19L19-IL2 and IL12-L19L19. Comparison with 3D reconstructions obtained from negative-stain electron microscopy revealed marked flexibility associated to the linker regions connecting the cytokine and the antibody components of the chimeric proteins. Collectively, our results indicate that low-resolution molecular structure characterizations provide useful complementary insights for the quality control of immunocytokines, constituting a powerful tool to guide the design and the subsequent optimization steps towards clinical enhancement of these chimeric protein reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Ongaro
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia Italy; Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Salvatore R Guarino
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia Italy
| | - Luigi Scietti
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia Italy
| | - Martina Palamini
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia Italy
| | - Sarah Wulhfard
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | | | - Federico Forneris
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia Italy.
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23
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Modica C, Basilico C, Chiriaco C, Borrelli N, Comoglio PM, Vigna E. A receptor-antibody hybrid hampering MET-driven metastatic spread. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:32. [PMID: 33446252 PMCID: PMC7807714 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01822-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The receptor encoded by the MET oncogene and its ligand Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) are at the core of the invasive-metastatic behavior. In a number of instances genetic alterations result in ligand-independent onset of malignancy (MET addiction). More frequently, ligand stimulation of wild-type MET contributes to progression toward metastasis (MET expedience). Thus, while MET inhibitors alone are effective in the first case, combination therapy with ligand inhibitors is required in the second condition. Methods In this paper, we generated hybrid molecules gathering HGF and MET inhibitory properties. This has been achieved by ‘head-to-tail’ or ‘tail-to-head’ fusion of a single chain Fab derived from the DN30 MET antibody with a recombinant ‘ad-hoc’ engineered MET extracellular domain (decoyMET), encompassing the HGF binding site but lacking the DN30 epitope. Results The hybrid molecules correctly bind MET and HGF, inhibit HGF-induced MET downstream signaling, and quench HGF-driven biological responses, such as growth, motility and invasion, in cancer cells of different origin. Two metastatic models were generated in mice knocked-in by the human HGF gene: (i) orthotopic transplantation of pancreatic cancer cells; (ii) subcutaneous injection of primary cells derived from a cancer of unknown primary. Treatment with hybrid molecules strongly affects time of onset, number, and size of metastatic lesions. Conclusion These results provide a strategy to treat metastatic dissemination driven by the HGF/MET axis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-020-01822-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Modica
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Cristina Basilico
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy.
| | - Cristina Chiriaco
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Nicla Borrelli
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Elisa Vigna
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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24
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Abstract
The reversible interaction between an affinity ligand and a complementary receptor has been widely explored in purification systems for several biomolecules. The development of tailored affinity ligands highly specific toward particular target biomolecules is one of the options in affinity purification systems. However, both genetic and chemical modifications in proteins and peptides widen the application of affinity ligand-tag receptors pairs toward universal capture and purification strategies. In particular, this chapter will focus on two case studies highly relevant for biotechnology and biomedical areas, namely the affinity tags and receptors employed on the production of recombinant fusion proteins, and the chemical modification of phosphate groups on proteins and peptides and the subsequent specific capture and enrichment, a mandatory step before further proteomic analysis.
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25
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Sales MDLM, Kratje R, Oggero M, Ceaglio N. Bifunctional GM-CSF-derived peptides as tools for O-glycoengineering and protein tagging. J Biotechnol 2020; 327:18-27. [PMID: 33387593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Rapid development of effective biotherapeutics has been a concern during the last couple decades. In our work we designed two novel peptide tags, GMOP and mGMOP, derived from the N-terminal region of human granulocyte and macrophage colony stimulating factor (hGM-CSF), which contain four and six potential O-glycosylation sites, respectively. These peptide tags were fused to the N-terminus of human interferon-α2b (hIFN-α2b), a therapeutic antiviral and antiproliferative protein rapidly cleared from circulation. Two new molecules were obtained which, consistently with the presence of O-glycans, showed higher molecular masses, more negatively charged isoforms, and higher sialic acid content compared to wild-type IFN. In vitro bioactivity of purified chimeras revealed a similar antiviral specific biological activity (SBA) compared to unmodified IFN. A reduction of antiproliferative SBA was only observed for mGMOP-IFN. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats showed a notable improvement in terminal half-life (t1/2elim) (3.3 and 2.8 times-longer) and a marked reduction of the apparent clearance (CLapp, 3.7 and 4.1-fold lower for GMOP-IFN and mGMOP-IFN in comparison with native IFN, respectively). Furthermore, the in vitro thermal and plasma stability of both proteins was improved. Finally, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizes an N-terminal GM-CSF epitope was able to bind both chimeras in western blots and ELISAs. This demonstrates the potential of both peptides to behave as bifunctional tags to create novel long-acting biotherapeutics and to facilitate detection and purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- María de Los Milagros Sales
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168, Km 472.4, C.C. 242, S3000ZAA, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Kratje
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168, Km 472.4, C.C. 242, S3000ZAA, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Marcos Oggero
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168, Km 472.4, C.C. 242, S3000ZAA, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Natalia Ceaglio
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168, Km 472.4, C.C. 242, S3000ZAA, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Abstract
Linker engineering constitutes a critical, yet frequently underestimated aspect in the construction of synthetic protein switches and sensors. Notably, systematic strategies to engineer linkers by predictive means remain largely elusive to date. This is primarily due to our insufficient understanding how the biophysical properties that underlie linker functions mediate the conformational transitions in artificially engineered protein switches and sensors. The construction of synthetic protein switches and sensors therefore heavily relies on experimental trial-and-error. Yet, methods for effectively generating linker diversity at the genetic level are scarce. Addressing this technical shortcoming, iterative functional linker cloning (iFLinkC) enables the combinatorial assembly of linker elements with functional domains from sequence verified repositories that are developed and stored in-house. The assembly process is highly scalable and given its recursive nature generates linker diversity in a combinatorial and exponential fashion based on a limited number of linker elements.
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27
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Mickiene G, Dalgėdienė I, Zvirblis G, Dapkunas Z, Plikusiene I, Buzavaite-Verteliene E, Balevičius Z, Rukšėnaitė A, Pleckaityte M. Human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)/stem cell factor (SCF) fusion proteins: design, characterization and activity. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9788. [PMID: 32884863 PMCID: PMC7444511 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stem cell factor (SCF) and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) are well-characterized vital hematopoietic growth factors that regulate hematopoiesis. G-CSF and SCF synergistically exhibit a stimulatory effect on hematopoietic progenitors. The combination of G-CSF and SCF has been used for mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells in cancer and non-cancerous conditions. To overcome challenges connected with the administration of two cytokines, we developed two fusion proteins composed of human SCF and human G-CSF interspaced by an alpha-helix-forming peptide linker. METHODS The recombinant proteins SCF-Lα-GCSF and GCSF-Lα-SCF were purified in three steps using an ion-exchange and mixed-mode chromatography. The purity and quantity of the proteins after each stage of purification was assessed using RP-HPLC, SDS-PAGE, and the Bradford assays. Purified proteins were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS) and the Western blot analyses. The molecular weight was determined by size exclusion HPLC (SE-HPLC). The activity of heterodimers was assessed using cell proliferation assays in vitro. The capacity of recombinant fusion proteins to stimulate the increase of the absolute neutrophil count in rats was determined in vivo. The binding kinetics of the proteins to immobilized G-CSF and SCF receptors was measured using total internal reflection ellipsometry and evaluated by a standard Langmuir kinetics model. RESULTS The novel SCF-Lα-GCSF and GCSF-Lα-SCF proteins were synthesized in Escherichia coli. The purity of the heterodimers reached >90% as determined by RP-HPLC. The identity of the proteins was confirmed using the Western blot and HPLC/ESI-MS assays. An array of multimeric forms, non-covalently associated dimers or trimers were detected in the protein preparations by SE-HPLC. Each protein induced a dose-dependent proliferative response on the cell lines. At equimolar concentration, the heterodimers retain 70-140% of the SCF monomer activity (p ≤ 0.01) in promoting the M-07e cells proliferation. The G-CSF moiety in GCSF-Lα-SCF retained 15% (p ≤ 0.0001) and in SCF-Lα-GCSF retained 34% (p ≤ 0.01) of the monomeric G-CSF activity in stimulating the growth of G-NFS-60 cells. The obtained results were in good agreement with the binding data of each moiety in the fusion proteins to their respective receptors. The increase in the absolute neutrophil count in rats caused by the SCF-Lα-GCSF protein corresponded to the increase induced by a mixture of SCF and G-CSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitana Mickiene
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Profarma UAB, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Indrė Dalgėdienė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Zilvinas Dapkunas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Profarma UAB, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ieva Plikusiene
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ernesta Buzavaite-Verteliene
- Plasmonics and Nanophotonics Laboratory, Department of Laser Technology, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Zigmas Balevičius
- Plasmonics and Nanophotonics Laboratory, Department of Laser Technology, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, Lithuania
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28
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Dietrich HM, Edel M, Bursac T, Meier M, Sturm-Richter K, Gescher J. Soluble versions of outer membrane cytochromes function as exporters for heterologously produced cargo proteins. Microb Cell Fact 2019; 18:216. [PMID: 31870378 PMCID: PMC6929479 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-019-1270-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reveals that it is possible to secrete truncated versions of outer membrane cytochromes into the culture supernatant and that these proteins can provide a basis for the export of heterologously produced proteins. Different soluble and truncated versions of the outer membrane cytochrome MtrF were analyzed for their suitability to be secreted. A protein version with a very short truncation of the N-terminus to remove the recognition sequence for the addition of a lipid anchor is secreted efficiently to the culture supernatant, and moreover this protein could be further truncated by a deletion of 160 amino acid and still is detectable in the supernatant. By coupling a cellulase to this soluble outer membrane cytochrome, the export efficiency was measured by means of relative cellulase activity. We conclude that outer membrane cytochromes of S. oneidensis can be applied as transporters for the export of target proteins into the medium using the type II secretion pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge M Dietrich
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Bioenergetics, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Miriam Edel
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Thea Bursac
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Manfred Meier
- Institute for Biological Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Katrin Sturm-Richter
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Johannes Gescher
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany.
- Institute for Biological Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
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29
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Wohlrab J. [Basics of the pharmacology of biopharmaceuticals]. Hautarzt 2019; 70:926-33. [PMID: 31712972 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-019-04502-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Biopharmaceuticals are pharmaceutical drug products or preparations of pharmaceutical drugs that are of biological origin or are manufactured from biological material. The spectrum of biological drugs is extensive and includes substances isolated from biological material, recombinant RNA molecules, proteins as well as full antibodies, antibody fragments or antibody-drug conjugates. The special features of the molecular properties and functions of biopharmaceuticals require a highly complex, variable structure. Due to the specificity of intended pharmacodynamic effects on a complex biological regulatory system, particularities regarding undesired effects, pharmacokinetics, and safety have to be considered both regulatory and clinical.
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30
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Powell ME, Bradish HM, Cao M, Makinson R, Brown AP, Gatehouse JA, Fitches EC. Demonstrating the potential of a novel spider venom-based biopesticide for target-specific control of the small hive beetle, a serious pest of the European honeybee. J Pest Sci (2004) 2019; 93:391-402. [PMID: 31997983 PMCID: PMC6957549 DOI: 10.1007/s10340-019-01143-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The parasitic small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) feeds on pollen, honey and brood of the European honey bee (Apis mellifera); establishment in North America and Australia has resulted in severe economic damage to the apiculture industry. We report potential for the "in-hive" use of a novel biopesticide that is toxic to this invasive beetle pest but harmless to honeybees. Constructs encoding the spider venom neurotoxin ω-hexatoxin-Hv1a (Hv1a) linked to the N- or C-terminus of snowdrop lectin (GNA) were used to produce recombinant Hv1a/GNA and GNA/Hv1a fusion proteins. Both were similarly toxic to beetles by injection (respective LD50s 1.5 and 0.9 nmoles/g larvae), whereas no effects on adult honeybee survival were observed at injection doses of > 200 nmoles/g insect. When fed to A. tumida larvae, GNA/Hv1a was significantly more effective than Hv1a/GNA (LC50s of 0.52 and 1.14 mg/ml diet, respectively), whereas both proteins were similarly toxic to adults. Results suggested that the reduced efficacy of Hv1a/GNA against larvae was attributable to differences in the susceptibility of the fusion proteins to cleavage by gut serine proteases. In laboratory assays, A. tumida larval survival was significantly reduced when brood, inoculated with eggs, was treated with GNA/Hv1a.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Min Cao
- School of Biosciences, University of Durham, Durham, UK
| | | | | | | | - Elaine C. Fitches
- Fera Science Ltd, Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ UK
- School of Biosciences, University of Durham, Durham, UK
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31
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Remenyi R, Li R, Harris M. On-demand Labeling of SNAP-tagged Viral Protein for Pulse-Chase Imaging, Quench-Pulse-Chase Imaging, and Nanoscopy-based Inspection of Cell Lysates. Bio Protoc 2019; 9:e3177. [PMID: 30886879 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced labeling technologies allow researchers to study protein turnover inside intact cells and to track the labeled protein in downstream applications. In the context of a viral infection, the combination of imaging and fluorescent labeling of viral proteins sheds light on their biological activity and interaction with the host cell. Initial approaches have fused fluorescent proteins such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) to the viral protein-of-interest. In contrast, self-labeling enzyme tags such as the commercial SNAP-tag, a modified version of human O6-alkylguanine-DNA-alkyltransferase, covalently link synthetic ligands, which users can add on demand. The first two protocols presented here build on previously published protocols for fluorescent labeling in pulse-chase and quench-pulse-chase experiments; the combination of fluorescent labeling with advanced light microscopy visualizes the dynamic turnover of the SNAP-tagged viral protein in intact mammalian cells. A third protocol also outlines how to inspect cellular lysates microscopically for detergent-resistant assemblies of the labeled viral protein. These protocols showcase the flexibility of the SNAP-based labeling system for tracking a viral protein-of-interest in live cells, intact fixed cells, and cell lysates. Moreover, the protocols employ recently developed commercial microscopes (e.g., Airyscan microscopy) that balance resolution, speed, phototoxicity, photobleaching, and ease-of-use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Remenyi
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond Li
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Harris
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.,Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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32
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Banisharif-Dehkordi F, Mobini-Dehkordi M, Shakhsi-Niaei M, Mahnam K. Design and molecular dynamic simulation of a new double-epitope tolerogenic protein as a potential vaccine for multiple sclerosis disease. Res Pharm Sci 2019; 14:20-26. [PMID: 30936929 PMCID: PMC6407332 DOI: 10.4103/1735-5362.251849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the debilitating diseases affecting the central nervous system is multiple sclerosis (MS). As there is no definitive treatment for MS, researchers have mainly consented with optimization of strategies which slows down the progression of the disease such as specific auto-antigens tolerance induction. In this regard, the aim of this study was design of a new double-epitope protective vaccine based on interleukin (IL)-16-neuroantigens fusion proteins. First, we selected highly antigenic epitopes of myelin basic protein (MBP) (aa 84-104) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) (aa 99-107) from available literature and our bioinformatics analysis. The correct cleavage of our constructs and major histocompatibility complex class II binding affinities of cleaved epitopes were checked and evaluated using Pepcleave and IEDB servers, respectively. Then, different combination of MOG and MBP epitopes with or without fusion to C-terminal active part of IL-16 were designed as constructs. Afterward, Modeller and Gromacs softwares used for the investigation of the MBP, and MOG epitopes antigenicity in these constructs. The results of molecular dynamics simulations showed that IL-16 in MOG + linker + MBP + IL-16 construct does not interfere with final epitopes antigenicity of MOG + linker + MBP construct. To sum up, the construct with IL-16 is suggested as a new double-epitope tolerogenic vaccine for prevention and amelioration of MS in human.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohsen Mobini-Dehkordi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, I.R. Iran
| | - Mostafa Shakhsi-Niaei
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, I.R. Iran.,Nanotechnology Research Center, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, I.R. Iran
| | - Karim Mahnam
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, I.R. Iran.,Nanotechnology Research Center, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, I.R. Iran
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Watson A, Phipps MJS, Clark HW, Skylaris CK, Madsen J. Surfactant Proteins A and D: Trimerized Innate Immunity Proteins with an Affinity for Viral Fusion Proteins. J Innate Immun 2018; 11:13-28. [PMID: 30293076 PMCID: PMC6738215 DOI: 10.1159/000492974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate recognition of viruses is an essential part of the immune response to viral pathogens. This is integral to the maintenance of healthy lungs, which are free from infection and efficient at gaseous exchange. An important component of innate immunity for identifying viruses is the family of C-type collagen-containing lectins, also known as collectins. These secreted, soluble proteins are pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) which recognise pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), including viral glycoproteins. These innate immune proteins are composed of trimerized units which oligomerise into higher-order structures and facilitate the clearance of viral pathogens through multiple mechanisms. Similarly, many viral surface proteins form trimeric configurations, despite not showing primary protein sequence similarities across the virus classes and families to which they belong. In this review, we discuss the role of the lung collectins, i.e., surfactant proteins A and D (SP-A and SP-D) in viral recognition. We focus particularly on the structural similarity and complementarity of these trimeric collectins with the trimeric viral fusion proteins with which, we hypothesise, they have elegantly co-evolved. Recombinant versions of these innate immune proteins may have therapeutic potential in a range of infectious and inflammatory lung diseases including anti-viral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair Watson
- Child Health, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Maximillian J S Phipps
- Computational Chemistry, Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Howard W Clark
- Child Health, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research, Southampton Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, Southampton Centre for Biomedical Research, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Chris-Kriton Skylaris
- Computational Chemistry, Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jens Madsen
- Child Health, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United .,Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United .,National Institute for Health Research, Southampton Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, Southampton Centre for Biomedical Research, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United
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34
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Sun B, Wibowo D, Sainsbury F, Zhao CX. Design and production of a novel antimicrobial fusion protein in Escherichia coli. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:8763-8772. [PMID: 30120526 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9319-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted increasing attention. The microbial cells provide a simple, cost-effective platform to produce AMPs in industrial quantities. While AMP production as fusion proteins in microorganisms is commonly used, the recovery of AMPs necessitates the use of expensive proteases and extra purification steps. Here, we develop a novel fusion protein DAMP4-F-pexiganan comprising a carrier protein DAMP4 linked to the AMP, pexiganan, through a long, flexible linker. We show that this fusion protein can be purified using a non-chromatography approach and exhibits the same antimicrobial activity as the chemically synthesized pexiganan peptide without any cleavage step. Activity of the fusion protein is dependent on a long, flexible linker between the AMP and carrier domains, as well as on the expression conditions of the fusion protein, with low-temperature expression promoting better folding of the AMP domain. The production of DAMP4-F-pexiganan circumvents the time-consuming and costly steps of chromatography-based purification and enzymatic cleavages, therefore shows considerable advantages over traditional microbial production of AMPs. We expect this novel fusion protein, and the studies on the effect of linker and expression conditions on its antimicrobial activity, will broaden the rational design and production of antimicrobial products based on AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baode Sun
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, QLD, St Lucia, 4072, Australia
| | - David Wibowo
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, QLD, St Lucia, 4072, Australia.
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, QLD, Nathan, 4111, Australia.
| | - Frank Sainsbury
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, QLD, St Lucia, 4072, Australia
| | - Chun-Xia Zhao
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, QLD, St Lucia, 4072, Australia.
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Hassan Y, Ogg S, Ge H. Expression of novel fusion antiviral proteins ricin a chain-pokeweed antiviral proteins (RTA-PAPs) in Escherichia coli and their inhibition of protein synthesis and of hepatitis B virus in vitro. BMC Biotechnol 2018; 18:47. [PMID: 30081895 PMCID: PMC6080542 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-018-0458-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ricin A chain (RTA) and Pokeweed antiviral proteins (PAPs) are plant-derived N-glycosidase ribosomal-inactivating proteins (RIPs) isolated from Ricinus communis and Phytolacca Americana respectively. This study was to investigate the potential production amenability and sub-toxic antiviral value of novel fusion proteins between RTA and PAPs (RTA-PAPs). In brief, RTA-Pokeweed antiviral protein isoform 1 from seeds (RTA-PAPS1) was produced in an E. coli in vivo expression system, purified from inclusion bodies using gel filtration chromatography and protein synthesis inhibitory activity assayed by comparison to the production of a control protein Luciferase. The antiviral activity of the RTA-PAPS1 against Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in HepAD38 cells was then determined using a dose response assay by quantifying supernatant HBV DNA compared to control virus infected HepAD38 cells. The cytotoxicity in HepAD38 cells was determined by measuring cell viability using a tetrazolium dye uptake assay. The fusion protein was further optimized using in silico tools, produced in an E. coli in vivo expression system, purified by a three-step process from soluble lysate and confirmed in a protein synthesis inhibition activity assay. RESULTS Results showed that RTA-PAPS1 could effectively be recovered and purified from inclusion bodies. The refolded protein was bioactive with a 50% protein synthesis inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.06 nM (3.63 ng/ml). The results also showed that RTA-PAPS1 had a synergetic activity against HBV with a half-maximal response concentration value (EC50) of 0.03 nM (1.82 ng/ml) and a therapeutic index of > 21,818 with noticeable steric hindrance. Results also showed that the optimized protein ricin A chain mutant-Pokeweed antiviral protein isoform 1 from leaves (RTAM-PAP1) could be recovered and purified from soluble lysates with gain of function on protein synthesis inhibition activity, with an IC50 of 0.03 nM (1.82 ng/ml), and with minimal, if any, steric hindrance. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our results demonstrate that RTA-PAPs are amenable to effective production and purification in native form, possess significant gain of function on protein synthesis inhibition and anti-HBV activities in vitro with a high therapeutic index and, thus, merit further development as potential potent antiviral agents against chronic HBV infection to be used as a standalone or in combination with existent therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasser Hassan
- Ophiuchus Medicine Inc., 1800 - 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0M3 Canada
| | - Sherry Ogg
- Johns Hopkins University, AAP, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA
| | - Hui Ge
- AscentGene Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878 USA
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Mickiene G, Dalgediene I, Dapkunas Z, Zvirblis G, Pesliakas H, Kaupinis A, Valius M, Mistiniene E, Pleckaityte M. Construction, Purification, and Characterization of a Homodimeric Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor. Mol Biotechnol 2018; 59:374-384. [PMID: 28721592 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-017-0026-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has found widespread clinical application, and modified forms with improved biopharmaceutical properties have been marketed as well. PEGylation, the covalent modification of G-CSF with polyethylene glycol (PEG), has a beneficial effect on drug properties, but there are concerns connected to the immunogenicity of PEGylated compounds and bioaccumulation of the synthetic polymer. To overcome challenges connected with chemical modifications, we developed fusion proteins composed of two G-CSF molecules connected via different peptide linkers. Three different homodimeric G-CSF proteins were purified, and their in vitro and in vivo activities were determined. A G-CSF dimer, GCSF-Lα, was constructed using an alpha-helix-forming peptide linker, and it demonstrated an extended half-life in serum with a stronger neutrophil response as compared to the monomeric G-CSF protein. The GCSF-Lα protein, therefore, might be selected for further studies as a potential drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitana Mickiene
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al. 7, 10257, Vilnius, Lithuania.,Profarma UAB, V.A. Graiciuno 6, 02241, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Indre Dalgediene
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al. 7, 10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Zilvinas Dapkunas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al. 7, 10257, Vilnius, Lithuania.,Profarma UAB, V.A. Graiciuno 6, 02241, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Gintautas Zvirblis
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al. 7, 10257, Vilnius, Lithuania.,Profarma UAB, V.A. Graiciuno 6, 02241, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Algirdas Kaupinis
- Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al. 7, 10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mindaugas Valius
- Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al. 7, 10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Milda Pleckaityte
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al. 7, 10257, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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Goyon A, Fekete S, Beck A, Veuthey JL, Guillarme D. Unraveling the mysteries of modern size exclusion chromatography - the way to achieve confident characterization of therapeutic proteins. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2018; 1092:368-378. [PMID: 29936373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Modern size exclusion chromatography (SEC) can be defined by the use of relatively small columns (e.g., 150 × 4.6 mm) packed with sub-3 μm particles, allowing a 3- to 5-fold increase in method throughput compared to that of conventional SEC. The quick success of the first sub-2 μm SEC column introduced in 2010 led to the development of numerous ultra-high performance (UHP)-SEC columns for the analysis of therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based products. Aggregates also known as high-molecular-weight species (HMWS) are indeed one of the most important critical quality attributes (CQAs) of mAbs, as HMWS may decrease the product efficacy or cause immunogenicity effects. Therefore, the confident characterization of mAbs requires strong knowledge of not only modern SEC performance (i.e., selectivity and efficiency) but also the inherent limitations caused by non-specific interactions more likely to occur with complex antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) and some commercial mAb products. This review discusses the importance of liquid chromatographic (LC) instrumentation in order to exploit the full potential of modern SEC columns and current trends to hyphenate SEC to mass spectrometry (MS). Recent applications for antibody-based products (i.e., mAbs, ADCs, Fc-Fusion proteins and bispecific antibodies) are presented. Finally, tips and tricks are provided to further optimize SEC separations and maintaining their performance over time with better understanding of unexpected SEC results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Goyon
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Rue Michel Servet, 1, 1206 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Szabolcs Fekete
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Rue Michel Servet, 1, 1206 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Alain Beck
- IRPF, Center of Immunology Pierre Fabre, 5 Avenue Napoléon III, BP 60497, 74160 Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, France
| | - Jean-Luc Veuthey
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Rue Michel Servet, 1, 1206 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Davy Guillarme
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Rue Michel Servet, 1, 1206 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
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38
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Chen JY, Gan CY, Cai XF, Zhang WL, Long QX, Wei XF, Hu Y, Tang N, Chen J, Guo H, Huang AL, Hu JL. Fluorescent protein tagged hepatitis B virus capsid protein with long glycine-serine linker that supports nucleocapsid formation. J Virol Methods 2018; 255:52-59. [PMID: 29447911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Fusion core proteins of Hepatitis B virus can be used to study core protein functions or capsid trafficking. A problem in constructing fusion core proteins is functional impairment of the individual domains in these fusion proteins, might due to structural interference. We reported a method to construct fusion proteins of Hepatitis B virus core protein (HBc) in which the functions of fused domains were partially kept. This method follows two principles: (1) fuse heterogeneous proteins at the N terminus of HBc; (2) use long Glycine-serine linkers between the two domains. Using EGFP and RFP as examples, we showed that long flexible G4S linkers can effectively separate the two domains in function. Among these fusion proteins constructed, GFP-G4S186-HBc and RFP-G4S47-HBc showed the best efficiency in rescuing the replication of an HBV replicon deficient in the core protein expression, though both of the two fusion proteins failed to support the formation of the relaxed circular DNA. These fluorescent protein-tagged HBcs might help study related to HBc or capsids tracking in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Yan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (CCID), Hangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Yang Gan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue-Fei Cai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Lu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Quan-Xin Long
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xia-Fei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ni Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haitao Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Ai-Long Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (CCID), Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jie-Li Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (CCID), Hangzhou, China.
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Luna-Pineda VM, Ochoa S, Cruz-Córdova A, Cázares-Domínguez V, Vélez-González F, Hernández-Castro R, Xicohtencatl-Cortes J. Urinary tract infections, immunity, and vaccination. Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex 2018; 75:67-78. [PMID: 29658949 DOI: 10.24875/bmhim.m18000011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are considered one of the main causes of morbidity worldwide, and uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the etiological agent associated with these infections. The high morbidity produced by the UTI and the limitation of antibiotic treatments promotes the search for new alternatives against these infections. The knowledge that has been generated regarding the immune response in the urinary tract is important for the development of effective strategies in the UTI prevention, treatment, and control. Molecular biology and bioinformatic tools have allowed the construction of fusion proteins as biomolecules for the development of a viable vaccine against UTI. The fimbrial adhesins (FimH, CsgA, and PapG) of UPEC are virulence factors that contribute to the adhesion, invasion, and formation of intracellular bacterial communities. The generation of recombinant proteins from fimbrial adhesins as a single molecule is obtained by fusion technology. A few in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that fusion proteins provide an efficient immune response and protection against UTI produced by UPEC. Intranasal immunization of immunogenic molecules has generated a response in the urinary tract mucosa compared with other routes of immunization. The objective of this review was to propose a vaccine designed against UTI caused by UPEC, describing the general scenario of the infection, the mechanism of pathogenicity of bacteria, and the immune response of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Manuel Luna-Pineda
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Bacteriología Intestinal, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Ciudad de México, México.,Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Sara Ochoa
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Bacteriología Intestinal, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ariadnna Cruz-Córdova
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Bacteriología Intestinal, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Vicenta Cázares-Domínguez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Bacteriología Intestinal, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Fernanda Vélez-González
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Bacteriología Intestinal, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Rigoberto Hernández-Castro
- Departamento de Ecología de Agentes Patógenos, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Juan Xicohtencatl-Cortes
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Bacteriología Intestinal, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Ciudad de México, México
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40
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Kok T, Wasiel AA, Dekker FJ, Poelarends GJ, Cool RH. High yield production of human invariant chain CD74 constructs fused to solubility-enhancing peptides and characterization of their MIF-binding capacities. Protein Expr Purif 2018; 148:46-53. [PMID: 29601965 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The HLA class II histocompatibility antigen gamma chain, also known as HLA-DR antigen-associated invariant chain or CD74, has been shown to be involved in many biological processes amongst which antigen loading and transport of MHC class II molecules from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi complex. It is also part of a receptor complex for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and participates in inflammatory signaling. The inhibition of MIF-CD74 complex formation is regarded as a potentially attractive therapeutic target in inflammation, cancer and immune diseases. In order to be able to produce large quantities of the extracellular moiety of human CD74, which has been reported to be unstable and protease-sensitive, different constructs were made as fusions with two solubility enhancers: the well-known maltose-binding domain and Fh8, a small protein secreted by the parasite Fasciola hepatica. The fusion proteins could be purified with high yields from Escherichia coli and were demonstrated to be active in binding to MIF. Moreover, our results strongly suggest that the MIF binding site is located in the sequence between the transmembrane and the membrane-distal trimerisation domain of CD74, and comprises at least amino acids 113-125 of CD74.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjie Kok
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands; Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Surabaya, Jalan Raya Kalirungkut, Surabaya, 60292, Indonesia
| | - Anna A Wasiel
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J Dekker
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit J Poelarends
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert H Cool
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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41
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Bali N, Lee HK, Zinn K. Live Staining of Drosophila Embryos with RPTP Fusion Proteins to Detect and Characterize Expression of Cell-Surface RPTP Ligands. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1447:373-84. [PMID: 27514816 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3746-2_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
The activity and/or localization of receptor tyrosine kinases and phosphatases are controlled by binding to cell-surface or secreted ligands. Identification of ligands for receptor tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) is essential for understanding their in vivo functions during development and disease. Here we describe a novel in vivo method to identify ligands and binding partners for RPTPs by staining live-dissected Drosophila embryos. Live dissected embryos are incubated with RPTP fusion proteins to detect ligand binding in embryos. This method can be streamlined to perform large-scale screens for ligands as well as to search for embryonic phenotypes.
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42
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Abstract
Epigenetic editing is a promising approach to modulate the local chromatin environment of target genes with the ultimate goal of stable gene expression reprogramming. Epigenetic editing tools minimally consist of a DNA-binding domain and an effector domain. The CRISPR/dCas9 platform, where mutations in the nuclease domains render the Cas9 protein inactive, is widely used to guide epigenetic effectors to their intended genomic loci. Its flexible nature, simple use, and relatively low cost have revolutionized the research field of epigenetic editing. Although effective expression modulation is readily achieved, only a few studies have addressed the maintenance of the induced effects on endogenous loci. Here, we describe a detailed protocol to engineer cells that stably express the CRISPR/dCas9-effectors. The protocol involves modification of published dCas9-based plasmid vectors for easy transfer of the effector domain between the vector designed for transient transfection and the vector used for establishing cell lines stably expressing the dCas9-effector fusion protein. Transient transfection of the dCas9-effector-producing cells with sgRNA-expressing plasmids allows studying of the maintenance of epigenetic editing. Targeting various genes in different chromatin contexts and/or co-targeting multiple CRISPR/dCas9-effectors can be used to unravel rules underlying maintained gene expression reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Désirée Goubert
- Epigenetic Editing, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical CenterGroningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mihály Koncz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School in Biology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Antal Kiss
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Marianne G Rots
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Agha Amiri S, Zarei N, Enayati S, Azizi M, Khalaj V, Shahhosseini S. Expression Optimization of Anti-CD22 scFv-Apoptin Fusion Protein Using Experimental Design Methodology. Iran Biomed J 2018; 22:66-9. [PMID: 28689385 PMCID: PMC5712387 DOI: 10.22034/ibj.22.1.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Design of experiments is a rapid and cost-effective approach for optimization of recombinant protein production process. In our previous study, we generated a potent dual-acting fusion protein, anti-CD22 scFv-apoptin, to target B-cell malignant cell lines. In the present investigation, we report the effect of different variables on the expression levels of this fusion protein. Methods: Four variables (cell optical density at induction, IPTG concentration, induction temperature, and induction time) were tested using experimental design. Results: Our findings demonstrated that among the examined variables, only the induction time had a significant positive effect on the protein expression yield. Conclusion: Experimental design was successfully applied in this study. The optimized condition obtained in the current study can be applied in future commercial production of this novel fusion protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solmaz Agha Amiri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Najmeh Zarei
- Department of Medical Biotechnolgy, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Enayati
- Department of Medical Biotechnolgy, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Azizi
- Department of Medical Biotechnolgy, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Khalaj
- Department of Medical Biotechnolgy, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soraya Shahhosseini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Abstract
Ascidians are increasingly being used as a system for investigating cell biology during development. The extreme genetic and cellular simplicity of ascidian embryos in combination with superior experimental tractability make this an ideal system for in vivo analysis of dynamic cellular processes. Transgenic approaches to cellular and sub-cellular analysis of ascidian development have begun to yield new insights into the mechanisms regulating developmental signaling and morphogenesis. This chapter focuses on the targeted expression of fusion proteins in ascidian embryos and how this technique is being deployed to garner new insights into the cell biology of development.
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45
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Henriques de Jesus MPR, Zygadlo Nielsen A, Busck Mellor S, Matthes A, Burow M, Robinson C, Erik Jensen P. Tat proteins as novel thylakoid membrane anchors organize a biosynthetic pathway in chloroplasts and increase product yield 5-fold. Metab Eng 2017; 44:108-116. [PMID: 28962875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2017.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Photosynthesis drives the production of ATP and NADPH, and acts as a source of carbon for primary metabolism. NADPH is also used in the production of many natural bioactive compounds. These are usually synthesized in low quantities and are often difficult to produce by chemical synthesis due to their complex structures. Some of the crucial enzymes catalyzing their biosynthesis are the cytochromes P450 (P450s) situated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), powered by electron transfers from NADPH. Dhurrin is a cyanogenic glucoside and its biosynthesis involves a dynamic metabolon formed by two P450s, a UDP-glucosyltransferase (UGT) and a P450 oxidoreductase (POR). Its biosynthetic pathway has been relocated to the chloroplast where ferredoxin, reduced through the photosynthetic electron transport chain, serves as an efficient electron donor to the P450s, bypassing the involvement of POR. Nevertheless, translocation of the pathway from the ER to the chloroplast creates other difficulties, such as the loss of metabolon formation and intermediate diversion into other metabolic pathways. We show here that co-localization of these enzymes in the thylakoid membrane leads to a significant increase in product formation, with a concomitant decrease in off-pathway intermediates. This was achieved by exchanging the membrane anchors of the dhurrin pathway enzymes to components of the Twin-arginine translocation pathway, TatB and TatC, which have self-assembly properties. Consequently, we show 5-fold increased titers of dhurrin and a decrease in the amounts of intermediates and side products in Nicotiana benthamiana. Further, results suggest that targeting the UGT to the membrane is a key factor to achieve efficient substrate channeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Perestrello Ramos Henriques de Jesus
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Center for Synthetic Biology "bioSYNergy", Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Agnieszka Zygadlo Nielsen
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Center for Synthetic Biology "bioSYNergy", Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Silas Busck Mellor
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Center for Synthetic Biology "bioSYNergy", Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Annemarie Matthes
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Center for Synthetic Biology "bioSYNergy", Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Meike Burow
- DynaMo Center, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Colin Robinson
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Poul Erik Jensen
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Center for Synthetic Biology "bioSYNergy", Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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Falconer IB, Mant CT, McKnight CJ, Vugmeyster L, Hodges R. Optimized purification of a fusion protein by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography informed by the linear solvent strength model. J Chromatogr A 2017; 1521:44-52. [PMID: 28942999 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2017.08.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fusion protein systems are commonly used for expression of small proteins and peptides. An important criterion for a fusion protein system to be useful is the ability to separate the protein of interest from the tag. Additionally, because no protease cleaves fusion proteins with 100% efficiency, the ability to separate the desired peptide from any remaining uncleaved protein is also necessary. This is likely to be the more difficult task as at least a portion of the sequence of the fusion protein is identical to that of the protein of interest. When a high level of purity is required, gradient elution reversed-phase HPLC is frequently used as a final purification step. Shallow gradients are often advantageous for maximizing both the purity and yield of the final product; however, the relationship between relative retention times at shallow gradients and those at steeper gradients typically used for analytical HPLC are not always straightforward. In this work, we report reversed-phase HPLC results for the fusion protein system consisting of the N-terminal domain of ribosomal protein L9 (NTL9) and the 36-residue villin headpiece subdomain (HP36) linked by a recognition sequence for the protease factor Xa. This system represents an excellent example of the difficulties in purification that may arise from this unexpected elution behavior at shallow gradients. Additionally, we report on the sensitivity of this elution behavior to the concentration of the additive trifluoroacetic acid in the mobile phase and present optimized conditions for separating HP36 from the full fusion protein by reversed-phase HPLC using a shallow gradient. Finally, we suggest that these findings are relevant to the purification of other fusion protein systems, for which similar problems may arise, and support this suggestion using insights from the linear solvent strength model of gradient elution liquid chromatography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac B Falconer
- Deparment of Chemistry, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, 80204, United States
| | - Colin T Mant
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, United States
| | - C James McKnight
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, United States
| | - Liliya Vugmeyster
- Deparment of Chemistry, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, 80204, United States.
| | - Robert Hodges
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, United States.
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Abstract
Escherichia coli is one of the most widely used expression hosts for membrane proteins. However, establishing conditions for its recombinant production of membrane proteins remains difficult. Attempts to produce membrane proteins frequently result in either no expression or expression as misfolded aggregates. We developed an efficient pipeline for improving membrane protein overexpression in E. coli that is based on two approaches. The first involves transcriptional fusions, small additional RNA sequences upstream of the target open reading frame, to overcome no or poor overall expression levels. The other is based on a tunable promoter in combination with a fusion to green fluorescent protein serving as a reporter for the folding state of the target membrane protein. The latter combination allows adjusting the membrane protein expression rate to the downstream folding capacity, in order to decrease the formation of protein aggregates. This pipeline has proven successful for the efficient and parallel optimization of a diverse set of membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Benedikt Kuhn
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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Andreas MP, Ajay G, Gellings JA, Rayment I. Design considerations in coiled-coil fusion constructs for the structural determination of a problematic region of the human cardiac myosin rod. J Struct Biol 2017; 200:219-28. [PMID: 28743637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
X-ray structural determination of segments of the myosin rod has proved difficult because of the strong salt-dependent aggregation properties and repeating pattern of charges on the surface of the coiled-coil that lead to the formation of paracrystals. This problem has been resolved in part through the use of globular assembly domains that improve protein folding and prevent aggregation. The primary consideration now in designing coiled-coil fusion constructs for myosin is deciding where to truncate the coiled-coil and which amino acid residues to include from the folding domain. This is especially important for myosin that contains numerous regions of low predicted coiled-coil propensity. Here we describe the strategy adopted to determine the structure of the region that extends from Arg1677 - Leu1797 that included two areas that do not show a strong sequence signature of a conventional left-handed coiled coil or canonical heptad repeat. This demonstrates again that, with careful choice of fusion constructs, overlapping structures exhibit very similar conformations for the myosin rod fragments in the canonical regions. However, conformational variability is seen around Leu1706 which is a hot spot for cardiomyopathy mutations suggesting that this might be important for function.
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Moyle PM. Biotechnology approaches to produce potent, self-adjuvanting antigen-adjuvant fusion protein subunit vaccines. Biotechnol Adv 2017; 35:375-89. [PMID: 28288861 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Traditional vaccination approaches (e.g. live attenuated or killed microorganisms) are among the most effective means to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. These approaches, nevertheless, have failed to yield successful vaccines against many important pathogens. To overcome this problem, methods have been developed to identify microbial components, against which protective immune responses can be elicited. Subunit antigens identified by these approaches enable the production of defined vaccines, with improved safety profiles. However, they are generally poorly immunogenic, necessitating their administration with potent immunostimulatory adjuvants. Since few safe and effective adjuvants are currently used in vaccines approved for human use, with those available displaying poor potency, or an inability to stimulate the types of immune responses required for vaccines against specific diseases (e.g. cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) to treat cancers), the development of new vaccines will be aided by the availability of characterized platforms of new adjuvants, improving our capacity to rationally select adjuvants for different applications. One such approach, involves the addition of microbial components (pathogen-associated molecular patterns; PAMPs), that can stimulate strong immune responses, into subunit vaccine formulations. The conjugation of PAMPs to subunit antigens provides a means to greatly increase vaccine potency, by targeting immunostimulation and antigen to the same antigen presenting cell. Thus, methods that enable the efficient, and inexpensive production of antigen-adjuvant fusions represent an exciting mean to improve immunity towards subunit antigens. Herein we review four protein-based adjuvants (flagellin, bacterial lipoproteins, the extra domain A of fibronectin (EDA), and heat shock proteins (Hsps)), which can be genetically fused to antigens to enable recombinant production of antigen-adjuvant fusion proteins, with a focus on their mechanisms of action, structural or sequence requirements for activity, sequence modifications to enhance their activity or simplify production, adverse effects, and examples of vaccines in preclinical or human clinical trials.
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50
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Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and fusion proteins with an Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG) are emblematic of the remarkable expansion of biopharmaceuticals. Despite their biological origin, these products display an interindividual variability in their efficacy and/or side effects, which must be taken into consideration. Biological monitoring allowing for adapted prescription and dose adjustments may lead to therapeutic optimization and limitation of the high costs of these drugs. Herein, we review the biological theranostic of mAbs and Fc fusion proteins, including pre-treatment analyses, monitoring of efficacy, therapeutic drug monitoring, and monitoring of side effects. Supported by concrete evidence, a specific interest is given to individualised therapeutic monitoring that combines intention to treat, biomarkers of efficacy and adaptation of serum concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Chaigne
- Université Paris Descartes, Faculté de Médecine, Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Pour les Vascularites Nécrosantes et la Sclérodermie Systémique, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Hervé Watier
- CHRU de Tours, Laboratoire d'Immunologie, France; Université François-Rabelais de Tours, France; CNRS, UMR 7292, Tours, France.
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