1
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Beaumont LP, Mehalko J, Johnson A, Wall VE, Esposito D. Unexpected tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease cleavage of recombinant human proteins. Protein Expr Purif 2024; 220:106488. [PMID: 38679188 PMCID: PMC11129917 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2024.106488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease is a commonly used reagent for removal of solubility and purification tags from recombinant proteins and is cited as being highly specific for its canonical cleavage site. Flexibility in some amino acids within this recognition sequence has been described in the literature but researchers generally assume few native human proteins will carry off-target sequences for TEV cleavage. We report here the aberrant cleavage of three human proteins with non-canonical TEV protease cleavage sites and identify broader sequence specificity rules that can be used to predict unwanted cleavage of recombinant proteins. Using these rules, 456 human proteins were identified that could be substrates for unwanted TEV protease cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren P Beaumont
- Protein Expression Laboratory, NCI RAS Initiative, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Jennifer Mehalko
- Protein Expression Laboratory, NCI RAS Initiative, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Adam Johnson
- Protein Expression Laboratory, NCI RAS Initiative, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Vanessa E Wall
- Protein Expression Laboratory, NCI RAS Initiative, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Dominic Esposito
- Protein Expression Laboratory, NCI RAS Initiative, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
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2
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Wirtz BM, Yun AG, Wick C, Gao XJ, Mai DJ. Protease-Driven Phase Separation of Elastin-Like Polypeptides. Biomacromolecules 2024. [PMID: 38980747 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are a promising material platform for engineering stimuli-responsive biomaterials, as ELPs undergo phase separation above a tunable transition temperature. ELPs with phase behavior that is isothermally regulated by biological stimuli remain attractive for applications in biological systems. Herein, we report protease-driven phase separation of ELPs. Protease-responsive "cleavable" ELPs comprise a hydrophobic ELP block connected to a hydrophilic ELP block by a protease cleavage site linker. The hydrophilic ELP block acts as a solubility tag for the hydrophobic ELP block, creating a temperature window in which the cleavable ELP reactant is soluble and the proteolytically generated hydrophobic ELP block is insoluble. Within this temperature window, isothermal, protease-driven phase separation occurs when a critical concentration of hydrophobic cleavage product accumulates. Furthermore, protease-driven phase separation is generalizable to four compatible protease-cleavable ELP pairings. This work presents exciting opportunities to regulate ELP phase behavior in biological systems using proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan M Wirtz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Allison G Yun
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Chloe Wick
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Xiaojing J Gao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Danielle J Mai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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3
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Filippova TA, Masamrekh RA, Khudoklinova YY, Shumyantseva VV, Kuzikov AV. The multifaceted role of proteases and modern analytical methods for investigation of their catalytic activity. Biochimie 2024; 222:169-194. [PMID: 38494106 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
We discuss the diverse functions of proteases in the context of their biotechnological and medical significance, as well as analytical approaches used to determine the functional activity of these enzymes. An insight into modern approaches to studying the kinetics and specificity of proteases, based on spectral (absorption, fluorescence), mass spectrometric, immunological, calorimetric, and electrochemical methods of analysis is given. We also examine in detail electrochemical systems for determining the activity and specificity of proteases. Particular attention is given to exploring innovative electrochemical systems based on the detection of the electrochemical oxidation signal of amino acid residues, thereby eliminating the need for extra redox labels in the process of peptide synthesis. In the review, we highlight the main prospects for the further development of electrochemical systems for the study of biotechnologically and medically significant proteases, which will enable the miniaturization of the analytical process for determining the catalytic activity of these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana A Filippova
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10 bld. 8, Pogodinskaya str., 119121, Moscow, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1, Ostrovityanova Street, Moscow, 117513, Russia
| | - Rami A Masamrekh
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10 bld. 8, Pogodinskaya str., 119121, Moscow, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1, Ostrovityanova Street, Moscow, 117513, Russia
| | - Yulia Yu Khudoklinova
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1, Ostrovityanova Street, Moscow, 117513, Russia
| | - Victoria V Shumyantseva
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10 bld. 8, Pogodinskaya str., 119121, Moscow, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1, Ostrovityanova Street, Moscow, 117513, Russia
| | - Alexey V Kuzikov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10 bld. 8, Pogodinskaya str., 119121, Moscow, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1, Ostrovityanova Street, Moscow, 117513, Russia.
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4
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Norton-Baker B, Denton MCR, Murphy NP, Fram B, Lim S, Erickson E, Gauthier NP, Beckham GT. Enabling high-throughput enzyme discovery and engineering with a low-cost, robot-assisted pipeline. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14449. [PMID: 38914665 PMCID: PMC11196671 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64938-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
As genomic databases expand and artificial intelligence tools advance, there is a growing demand for efficient characterization of large numbers of proteins. To this end, here we describe a generalizable pipeline for high-throughput protein purification using small-scale expression in E. coli and an affordable liquid-handling robot. This low-cost platform enables the purification of 96 proteins in parallel with minimal waste and is scalable for processing hundreds of proteins weekly per user. We demonstrate the performance of this method with the expression and purification of the leading poly(ethylene terephthalate) hydrolases reported in the literature. Replicate experiments demonstrated reproducibility and enzyme purity and yields (up to 400 µg) sufficient for comprehensive analyses of both thermostability and activity, generating a standardized benchmark dataset for comparing these plastic-degrading enzymes. The cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation of this platform render it broadly applicable to diverse protein characterization challenges in the biological sciences.
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Grants
- DE-SC0022024 U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), Genomic Science Program
- DE-SC0022024 U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), Genomic Science Program
- DE-SC0022024 U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), Genomic Science Program
- DE-SC0022024 U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), Genomic Science Program
- DE-SC0022024 U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), Genomic Science Program
- DE-AC36-08GO28308 Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO)
- DE-AC36-08GO28308 Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO)
- DE-AC36-08GO28308 Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO)
- DE-AC36-08GO28308 Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO)
- U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO)
- Bio-Optimized Technologies to keep Thermoplastics out of Landfills and the Environment (BOTTLE) Consortium
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenna Norton-Baker
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO, USA
- Agile BioFoundry, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Mackenzie C R Denton
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO, USA
| | - Natasha P Murphy
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO, USA
| | - Benjamin Fram
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samuel Lim
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika Erickson
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO, USA
| | - Nicholas P Gauthier
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Gregg T Beckham
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA.
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO, USA.
- Agile BioFoundry, Emeryville, CA, USA.
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5
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Clifford R, Lindman S, Zhu J, Luo E, Delmar J, Tao Y, Ren K, Lara A, Cayatte C, McTamney P, O'Connor E, Öhman J. Production of native recombinant proteins using a novel split intein affinity technology. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1724:464908. [PMID: 38669943 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.464908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Affinity tags are frequently engineered into recombinant proteins to facilitate purification. Although this technique is powerful, removal of the tag is desired because the tag can interfere with biological activity and can potentially increase the immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins. Tag removal is complex, as it requires adding expensive protease enzymes. To overcome this limitation, split intein based affinity purification systems have been developed in which a CC-intein tag is engineered into a protein of interest for binding to a NC-intein peptide ligand fixed to a chromatographic support. Tag removal in these systems is achieved by creating an active intein-complex during protein capture, which triggers a precise self-cleavage reaction. In this work, we show applications of a new split intein system, Cytiva™ ProteinSelect™. One advantage of the new system is that the NC-intein ligand can be robustly produced and conjugated to large volumes of resin for production of gram scale proteins. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain and a Bispecific T Cell Engager in this work were successfully captured on the affinity resin and scaled 10-fold. Another advantage of this system is the ability to sanitize the resin with sodium hydroxide without loosing the 10-20 g/L binding capacity. Binding studies with IL-1b and IFNAR-1 ECD showed that the resin can be regenerated and sanitized for up to 50 cycles without loosing binding capacity. Additionally, after several cycles of sanitization, binding capacity was retained for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain and a Bispecific T Cell Engager. As with other split intein systems, optimization was needed to achieve ideal expression and recovery. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the protein of interest required engineering to enable the cleavage reaction. Additionally, ensuring the stability of the CC-intein tag was important to prevent premature cleavage or truncation. Controlling the hold time of the expression product and the prevention of protease activity prior to purification was needed. These results demonstrate the feasibility of the Cytiva™ ProteinSelect™ system to be used in academic and industrial research and development laboratories for the purification of novel proteins expressed in either bacterial or mammalian systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Clifford
- Purification Process Sciences, Process and Analytical Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca LLC, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | | | - Jie Zhu
- Cell Culture & Fermentation Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca LLC, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Ethan Luo
- Cell Culture & Fermentation Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca LLC, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Jared Delmar
- Physicochemical Development, Process and Analytical Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca LLC, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Yeqing Tao
- Physicochemical Development, Process and Analytical Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca LLC, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Kuishu Ren
- Virology and Targeted Therapeutics, Virology and Vaccine Discovery, Vaccines & Immune Therapies Unit, AstraZeneca LLC, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Abigail Lara
- Immune Engagers, Early ICC Discovery, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca LLC, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Corinne Cayatte
- Immune Engagers, Early ICC Discovery, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca LLC, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Patrick McTamney
- Virology and Targeted Therapeutics, Virology and Vaccine Discovery, Vaccines & Immune Therapies Unit, AstraZeneca LLC, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Ellen O'Connor
- Purification Process Sciences, Process and Analytical Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca LLC, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA.
| | - Johan Öhman
- Cytiva, Björkgatan 30, Uppsala, 753 23, Sweden
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6
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Karan R, Renn D, Allers T, Rueping M. A systematic analysis of affinity tags in the haloarchaeal expression system, Haloferax volcanii for protein purification. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1403623. [PMID: 38873150 PMCID: PMC11169840 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1403623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Extremophilic proteins are valuable in various fields, but their expression can be challenging in traditional hosts like Escherichia coli due to misfolding and aggregation. Haloferax volcanii (H. volcanii), a halophilic expression system, offers a solution. This study examined cleavable and non-cleavable purification tags at both the N- and C-termini when fused with the superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) in H. volcanii. Our findings reveal that an N-terminal 8xHis-tag or Strep-tag®II significantly enhances protein production, purity, and yield in H. volcanii. Further experiments with mCherry and halophilic alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) showed improved expression and purification yields when the 8xHis-tag or Strep-tag®II was positioned at the C-terminus for mCherry and at the N-terminus for ADH. Co-positioning 8xHis-tag and Twin-Strep-tag® at the N-terminus of sfGFP, mCherry, and ADH yielded significantly enhanced results. These findings highlight the importance of thoughtful purification tag design and selection in H. volcanii, providing valuable insights for improving protein production and purification with the potential to advance biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Karan
- Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi, South Campus, New Delhi, India
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), KAUST Catalysis Center, Thuwal, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dominik Renn
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), KAUST Catalysis Center, Thuwal, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thorsten Allers
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Magnus Rueping
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), KAUST Catalysis Center, Thuwal, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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7
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Prabhala SV, Wood DW. Scalable dual column cation exchange affinity chromatography based platform process for recombinant protein purification. Protein Expr Purif 2024; 217:106442. [PMID: 38336119 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2024.106442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
A novel tandem affinity tag is presented that enables the use of cation exchange resins for initial affinity purification, followed by an additional column step for enhanced purity and affinity tag self-removal. In this method, the highly charged heparin-binding tag binds strongly and selectively to either a strong or weak cation exchange resin based on electrostatic interactions, effectively acting as an initial affinity tag. Combining the heparin-binding tag (HB-tag) with the self-removing iCapTag™ provides a means for removing both tags in a subsequent self-cleaving step. The result is a convenient platform for the purification of diverse tagless proteins with a range of isoelectric points and molecular weights. In this work, we demonstrate a dual column process in which the tagged protein of interest is first captured from an E. coli cell lysate using a cation exchange column via a fused heparin-binding affinity tag. The partially purified protein is then diluted and loaded onto an iCapTag™ split-intein column, washed, and then incubated overnight to release the tagless target protein from the bound tag. Case studies are provided for enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), beta galactosidase (βgal), maltose binding protein (MBP) and beta lactamase (βlac), where overall purity and host cell DNA clearance is provided. Overall, the proposed dual column process is shown to be a scalable platform technology capable of accessing both the high dynamic binding capacity of ion exchange resins and the high selectivity of affinity tags for the purification of recombinant proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Vivek Prabhala
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, 460C CBEC Building, 151 W. Woodruff Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - David W Wood
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, 460C CBEC Building, 151 W. Woodruff Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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8
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Nguyen TKO, Ryu D, Nguyen MQ, Ta HKK, Vu TL, Choe H. Efficient production of human interleukin-3 from Escherichia coli using protein disulfide isomerase b'a' domain. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300581. [PMID: 38719587 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Human interleukin-3 (IL3) is a multifunctional cytokine essential for both clinical and biomedical research endeavors. However, its production in Escherichia coli has historically been challenging due to its aggregation into inclusion bodies, requiring intricate solubilization and refolding procedures. This study introduces an innovative approach employing two chaperone proteins, maltose binding protein (MBP) and protein disulfide isomerase b'a' domain (PDIb'a'), as N-terminal fusion tags. Histidine tag (H) was added at the beginning of each chaperone protein gene for easy purification. This fusion of chaperone proteins significantly improved IL3 solubility across various E. coli strains and temperature conditions, eliminating the need for laborious refolding procedures. Following expression optimization, H-PDIb'a'-IL3 was purified using two chromatographic methods, and the subsequent removal of the H-PDIb'a' tag yielded high-purity IL3. The identity of the purified protein was confirmed through liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Biological activity assays using human erythroleukemia TF-1 cells revealed a unique two-step stimulation pattern for both purified IL3 and the H-PDIb'a'-IL3 fusion protein, underscoring the protein's functional integrity and revealing novel insights into its cellular interactions. This study advances the understanding of IL3 expression and activity while introducing novel considerations for protein fusion strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Kieu Oanh Nguyen
- Department of Physiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dayoung Ryu
- Department of Physiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minh Quan Nguyen
- Department of Physiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Huynh Kim Khanh Ta
- Department of Physiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Thi Luong Vu
- Department of Physiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Han Choe
- Department of Physiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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9
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Machida H, Kanemoto K. N-Terminal-Specific Dual Modification of Peptides through Copper-Catalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202320012. [PMID: 38282290 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202320012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Site-specific introduction of multiple components into peptides is greatly needed for the preparation of densely functionalized and structurally uniform peptides. In this regard, N-terminal-specific peptide modification is attractive, but it can be difficult due to the presence of highly nucleophilic lysine ϵ-amine. In this work, we developed a method for the N-terminal-specific dual modification of peptides through a three-component [3+2] cycloaddition with aldehydes and maleimides under mild copper catalysis. This approach enables exclusive functionalization at the glycine N-terminus of iminopeptides, regardless of the presence of lysine ϵ-amine, thus affording the cycloadducts in excellent yields. Tolerating a broad range of functional groups and molecules, the present method provides the opportunity to rapidly construct doubly functionalized peptides using readily accessible aldehyde and maleimide modules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Machida
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8551, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kanemoto
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8551, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
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10
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Finci LI, Chakrabarti M, Gulten G, Finney J, Grose C, Fox T, Yang R, Nissley DV, McCormick F, Esposito D, Balius TE, Simanshu DK. Structural dynamics of RAF1-HSP90-CDC37 and HSP90 complexes reveal asymmetric client interactions and key structural elements. Commun Biol 2024; 7:260. [PMID: 38431713 PMCID: PMC10908828 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05959-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
RAF kinases are integral to the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway, and proper RAF1 folding relies on its interaction with the chaperone HSP90 and the cochaperone CDC37. Understanding the intricate molecular interactions governing RAF1 folding is crucial for comprehending this process. Here, we present a cryo-EM structure of the closed-state RAF1-HSP90-CDC37 complex, where the C-lobe of the RAF1 kinase domain binds to one side of the HSP90 dimer, and an unfolded N-lobe segment of the RAF1 kinase domain threads through the center of the HSP90 dimer. CDC37 binds to the kinase C-lobe, mimicking the N-lobe with its HxNI motif. We also describe structures of HSP90 dimers without RAF1 and CDC37, displaying only N-terminal and middle domains, which we term the semi-open state. Employing 1 μs atomistic simulations, energetic decomposition, and comparative structural analysis, we elucidate the dynamics and interactions within these complexes. Our quantitative analysis reveals that CDC37 bridges the HSP90-RAF1 interaction, RAF1 binds HSP90 asymmetrically, and that HSP90 structural elements engage RAF1's unfolded region. Additionally, N- and C-terminal interactions stabilize HSP90 dimers, and molecular interactions in HSP90 dimers rearrange between the closed and semi-open states. Our findings provide valuable insight into the contributions of HSP90 and CDC37 in mediating client folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo I Finci
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Mayukh Chakrabarti
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Gulcin Gulten
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Joseph Finney
- National Cryo-EM Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Carissa Grose
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Tara Fox
- National Cryo-EM Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Renbin Yang
- Center for Molecular Microscopy, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Dwight V Nissley
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dominic Esposito
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Trent E Balius
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Dhirendra K Simanshu
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA.
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11
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Martinusen SG, Denard CA. Leveraging yeast sequestration to study and engineer posttranslational modification enzymes. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:903-914. [PMID: 38079116 PMCID: PMC11229454 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Enzymes that catalyze posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of peptides and proteins (PTM-enzymes)-proteases, protein ligases, oxidoreductases, kinases, and other transferases-are foundational to our understanding of health and disease and empower applications in chemical biology, synthetic biology, and biomedicine. To fully harness the potential of PTM-enzymes, there is a critical need to decipher their enzymatic and biological mechanisms, develop molecules that can probe and modulate them, and endow them with improved and novel functions. These objectives are contingent upon implementation of high-throughput functional screens and selections that interrogate large sequence libraries to isolate desired PTM-enzyme properties. This review discusses the principles of Saccharomyces cerevisiae organelle sequestration to study and engineer PTM-enzymes. These include outer membrane sequestration, specifically methods that modify yeast surface display, and cytoplasmic sequestration based on enzyme-mediated transcription activation. Furthermore, we present a detailed discussion of yeast endoplasmic reticulum sequestration for the first time. Where appropriate, we highlight the major features and limitations of different systems, specifically how they can measure and control enzyme catalytic efficiencies. Taken together, yeast-based high-throughput sequestration approaches significantly lower the barrier to understanding how PTM-enzymes function and how to reprogram them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Martinusen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Carl A Denard
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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12
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Lieu R, Chao G, Kennedy E, Sauder JM, Narayanasamy P, Pustilnik A, Thangaraju A, Ho C, Pedroza MJ, Ruiz D, Yang X. Difficult-to-express antigen generation through a co-expression and disassociation methodology. Biotechnol Prog 2024; 40:e3416. [PMID: 38093578 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular domain (ECD) antigens are crucial components for antibody discovery, in vitro assays, and epitope mapping during therapeutical antibody development. Oftentimes, those antigens are difficult to produce while retaining the biologic function/activity upon extracellular secretion in commonly used expression systems. We have developed an effective method to cope with the challenge of generating quality antigen ECDs. In this method, a monoclonal antibody (Mab) or antibody fragment antigen-binding (Fab) region acts as a "chaperone" to stabilize the antigen ECD through forming an antibody:antigen complex. This methodology includes transient co-expression of the complex in Chinese hamster ovary cells and then dissociation of the purified complex into individual components by low pH treatment in the presence of arginine. The antigen is then separated from the chaperone on a preparative size exclusion chromatography (pSEC) followed by an optional affinity chromatography process to remove residual Mab or Fab. We demonstrate this co-expression/disassociation methodology on two difficult-to-express antigen ECDs from cluster-of-differentiation/cytokine family and were successful in producing stable, biologically active antigens when the common methods using Histidine-tagged and/or Fc-fused protein failed. This can be applied as a general approach for antigen production if a Mab or binding partner is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricky Lieu
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Grace Chao
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Emma Kennedy
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - J Michael Sauder
- Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Prabakaran Narayanasamy
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Anna Pustilnik
- Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Adithi Thangaraju
- Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Carolyn Ho
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Mariah J Pedroza
- Lilly On-site Support, Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories PSS, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Diana Ruiz
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Xiaomin Yang
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, California, USA
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13
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Ogunbowale A, Georgieva ER. Engineered Chimera Protein Constructs to Facilitate the Production of Heterologous Transmembrane Proteins in E. coli. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2354. [PMID: 38397029 PMCID: PMC10889703 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
To delve into the structure-function relationship of transmembrane proteins (TMPs), robust protocols are needed to produce them in a pure, stable, and functional state. Among all hosts that express heterologous TMPs, E. coli has the lowest cost and fastest turnover. However, many of the TMPs expressed in E. coli are misfolded. Several strategies have been developed to either direct the foreign TMPs to E. coli's membrane or retain them in a cytosolic soluble form to overcome this deficiency. Here, we summarize protein engineering methods to produce chimera constructs of the desired TMPs fused to either a signal peptide or precursor maltose binding protein (pMBP) to direct the entire construct to the periplasm, therefore depositing the fused TMP in the plasma membrane. We further describe strategies to produce TMPs in soluble form by utilizing N-terminally fused MBP without a signal peptide. Depending on its N- or C-terminus location, a fusion to apolipoprotein AI can either direct the TMP to the membrane or shield the hydrophobic regions of the TMP, maintaining the soluble form. Strategies to produce G-protein-coupled receptors, TMPs of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, HIV-1 Vpu, and other TMPs are discussed. This knowledge could increase the scope of TMPs' expression in E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elka R. Georgieva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
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14
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De Luca V, Angeli A, Nocentini A, Gratteri P, Pratesi S, Tanini D, Carginale V, Capperucci A, Supuran CT, Capasso C. Leveraging SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (M pro) for COVID-19 Mitigation with Selenium-Based Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:971. [PMID: 38256046 PMCID: PMC10815619 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The implementation of innovative approaches is crucial in an ongoing endeavor to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The present study examines the strategic application of the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) as a prospective instrument in the repertoire to combat the virus. The cloning, expression, and purification of Mpro, which plays a critical role in the viral life cycle, through heterologous expression in Escherichia coli in a completely soluble form produced an active enzyme. The hydrolysis of a specific substrate peptide comprising a six-amino-acid sequence (TSAVLQ) linked to a p-nitroaniline (pNA) fragment together with the use of a fluorogenic substrate allowed us to determine effective inhibitors incorporating selenium moieties, such as benzoselenoates and carbamoselenoates. The new inhibitors revealed their potential to proficiently inhibit Mpro with IC50-s in the low micromolar range. Our study contributes to the development of a new class of protease inhibitors targeting Mpro, ultimately strengthening the antiviral arsenal against COVID-19 and possibly, related coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana De Luca
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.D.L.); (V.C.)
| | - Andrea Angeli
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy; (A.A.); (A.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Alessio Nocentini
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy; (A.A.); (A.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Paola Gratteri
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy; (A.A.); (A.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Silvia Pratesi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3-13, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy (D.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Damiano Tanini
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3-13, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy (D.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Vincenzo Carginale
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.D.L.); (V.C.)
| | - Antonella Capperucci
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3-13, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy (D.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy; (A.A.); (A.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Clemente Capasso
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.D.L.); (V.C.)
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15
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Jiang MC, Hsu WL, Tseng CY, Lin NS, Hsu YH, Hu CC. Development of a tag-free plant-made interferon gamma production system with improved therapeutic efficacy against viruses. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 11:1341340. [PMID: 38274005 PMCID: PMC10808299 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1341340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Plants offer a promising platform for cost-effective production of biologically active therapeutic glycoproteins. In previous studies, we have developed a plant expression system based on Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) by incorporating secretory signals and an affinity tag, which resulted in notably enhanced yields of soluble and secreted fusion glycoproteins (FGs) in Nicotiana benthamiana. However, the presence of fusion tags on recombinant glycoproteins is undesirable for biomedical applications. This study aimed to develop a refined expression system that can efficiently produce tag-free glycoproteins in plants, with enhanced efficacy of mature interferon gamma (mIFNγ) against viruses. To accommodate the specific requirement of different target proteins, three enzymatically or chemically cleavable linkers were provided in this renovated BaMV-based expression system. We demonstrated that Tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease could process the specific cleavage site (LTEV) of the fusion protein, designated as SSExtHis(SP)10LTEV-mIFNγ, with optimal efficiency under biocompatible conditions to generate tag-free mIFNγ glycoproteins. The TEV protease and secretory-affinity tag could be effectively removed from the target mIFNγ glycoproteins through Ni2+-NTA chromatography. In addition, the result of an antiviral assay showed that the tag-free mIFNγ glycoproteins exhibited enhanced biological properties against Sindbis virus, with comparable antiviral activity of the commercialized HEK293-expressed hIFNγ. Thus, the improved BaMV-based expression system developed in this study may provide an alternative strategy for producing tag-free therapeutic glycoproteins intended for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Chao Jiang
- PhD Program in Microbial Genomics, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Li Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yu Tseng
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Na-Sheng Lin
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yau-Heiu Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Advanced Plant Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chi Hu
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Advanced Plant Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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16
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Lebendiker M. Purification and Quality Control of Recombinant Proteins Expressed in Mammalian Cells: A Practical Review. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2810:329-353. [PMID: 38926289 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3878-1_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
In the recent years, there has been a rapid development of new technologies and strategies when it comes to protein purification and quality control (QC), but the basic technologies for these processes go back a long way, with many improvements over the past few decades. The purpose of this chapter is to review these approaches, as well as some other topics such as the advantages and disadvantages of various purification methods for intracellular or extracellular proteins, the most effective and widely used genetically engineered affinity tags, solubility-enhancing tags, and specific proteases for removal of nontarget sequences. Affinity chromatography (AC), like Protein A or G resins for the recovery of antibodies or Fc fusion proteins or immobilized metals for the recovery of histidine-tagged proteins, will be discussed along with other conventional chromatography techniques: ion exchange (IEC), hydrophobic exchange (HEC), mixed mode (MMC), size exclusion (SEC), and ultrafiltration (UF) systems. How to select and combine these different technologies for the purification of any given protein and the minimal criteria for QC characterization of the purity, homogeneity, identity, and integrity of the final product will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Lebendiker
- Protein Expression and Purification Facilities, The Wolfson Centre for Applied Structural Biology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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17
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Ludwig-Müller J. Production of Plant Proteins and Peptides with Pharmacological Potential. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 188:51-81. [PMID: 38286902 DOI: 10.1007/10_2023_246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The use of plant proteins or peptides in biotechnology is based on their identification as possessing bioactive potential in plants. This is usually the case for antimicrobial, fungicidal, or insecticidal components of the plant's defense system. They function in addition to a large number of specialized metabolites. Such proteins can be classified according to their sequence, length, and structure, and this has been tried to describe for a few examples here. Even though such proteins or peptides can be induced during plant-pathogen interaction, they are still present in rather small amounts that make the system not suitable for the production in large-scale systems. Therefore, a suitable type of host needs to be identified, such as cell cultures or adult plants. Bioinformatic predictions can also be used to add to the number of bioactive sequences. Some problems that can occur in production by the plant system itself will be discussed, such as choice of promoter for gene expression, posttranslational protein modifications, protein stability, secretion of proteins, or induction by elicitors. Finally, the plant needs to be set up by biotechnological or molecular methods for production, and the product needs to be enriched or purified. In some cases of small peptides, a direct chemical synthesis might be feasible. Altogether, the process needs to be considered marketable.
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18
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Lappöhn CA, Oestreich AM, Stei R, Weber LG, Maerz L, Wolff MW. Process intensification for the production of a C-tagged antimicrobial peptide in Escherichia coli - First steps toward a platform technology. J Biosci Bioeng 2023; 136:358-365. [PMID: 37770299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
The production of antimicrobial peptides/proteins (AMPs) in sufficient quantities for clinical evaluation is challenging because complex peptides are unsuitable for chemical synthesis, natural sources have low yields, and heterologous systems often have low expression levels or require product-specific process adaptations. Here we describe the production of a complex AMP, the insect metalloproteinase inhibitor (IMPI), by adding a C-terminal C-tag to increase the yield compared to the unmodified peptide. We used a design of experiments approach for process intensification in Escherichia coli Rosetta-gami 2(DE3)pLysS cells and achieved a yield of 260 mg L-1, which is up to 30-fold higher than previously reported. The C-tag also enhanced product purity but had no effect on IMPI activity, making tag removal unnecessary and therefore simplifying process analytics and downstream processing. We have confirmed that the C-tag is compatible with the peptide and could form the basis of a platform technology for the expression, purification and detection of diverse AMPs produced in E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin A Lappöhn
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen (THM), Wiesenstr. 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Arne M Oestreich
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen (THM), Wiesenstr. 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Robin Stei
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen (THM), Wiesenstr. 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Linus G Weber
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen (THM), Wiesenstr. 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Lea Maerz
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen (THM), Wiesenstr. 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael W Wolff
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen (THM), Wiesenstr. 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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19
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Dingal PCDP, Carte AN, Montague TG, Lim Suan MB, Schier AF. Molecular mechanisms controlling the biogenesis of the TGF-β signal Vg1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2307203120. [PMID: 37844219 PMCID: PMC10614602 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307203120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The TGF-beta signals Vg1 (Dvr1/Gdf3) and Nodal form heterodimers to induce vertebrate mesendoderm. The Vg1 proprotein is a monomer retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is processed and secreted upon heterodimerization with Nodal, but the mechanisms underlying Vg1 biogenesis are largely elusive. Here, we clarify the mechanisms underlying Vg1 retention, processing, secretion, and signaling and introduce a Synthetic Processing (SynPro) system that enables the programmed cleavage of ER-resident and extracellular proteins. First, we find that Vg1 can be processed by intra- or extracellular proteases. Second, Vg1 can be processed without Nodal but requires Nodal for secretion and signaling. Third, Vg1-Nodal signaling activity requires Vg1 processing, whereas Nodal can remain unprocessed. Fourth, Vg1 employs exposed cysteines, glycosylated asparagines, and BiP chaperone-binding motifs for monomer retention in the ER. These observations suggest two mechanisms for rapid mesendoderm induction: Chaperone-binding motifs help store Vg1 as an inactive but ready-to-heterodimerize monomer in the ER, and the flexibility of Vg1 processing location allows efficient generation of active heterodimers both intra- and extracellularly. These results establish SynPro as an in vivo processing system and define molecular mechanisms and motifs that facilitate the generation of active TGF-beta heterodimers.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. C. Dave P. Dingal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
| | - Adam N. Carte
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Systems, Synthetic, and Quantitative Biology Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Tessa G. Montague
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Medel B. Lim Suan
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
| | - Alexander F. Schier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056Basel, Switzerland
- Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98109
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20
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Munro TA. Reanalysis of a μ opioid receptor crystal structure reveals a covalent adduct with BU72. BMC Biol 2023; 21:213. [PMID: 37817141 PMCID: PMC10566028 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01689-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first crystal structure of the active μ opioid receptor (μOR) exhibited several unexplained features. The ligand BU72 exhibited many extreme deviations from ideal geometry, along with unexplained electron density. I previously showed that inverting the benzylic configuration resolved these problems, establishing revised stereochemistry of BU72 and its analog BU74. However, another problem remains unresolved: additional unexplained electron density contacts both BU72 and a histidine residue in the N-terminus, revealing the presence of an as-yet unidentified atom. RESULTS These short contacts and uninterrupted density are inconsistent with non-covalent interactions. Therefore, BU72 and μOR form a covalent adduct, rather than representing two separate entities as in the original model. A subsequently proposed magnesium complex is inconsistent with multiple lines of evidence. However, oxygen fits the unexplained density well. While the structure I propose is tentative, similar adducts have been reported previously in the presence of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, known sources of reactive oxygen species were present: HEPES buffer, nickel ions, and a sequence motif that forms redox-active nickel complexes. This motif contacts the unexplained density. The adduct exhibits severe strain, and the tethered N-terminus forms contacts with adjacent residues. These forces, along with the nanobody used as a G protein substitute, would be expected to influence the receptor conformation. Consistent with this, the intracellular end of the structure differs markedly from subsequent structures of active μOR bound to Gi protein. CONCLUSIONS Later Gi-bound structures are likely to be more accurate templates for ligand docking and modelling of active G protein-bound μOR. The possibility of reactions like this should be considered in the choice of protein truncation sites and purification conditions, and in the interpretation of excess or unexplained density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Munro
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia.
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21
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Prabhala SV, Mayone SA, Moody NM, Kanu CB, Wood DW. A Convenient Self-Removing Affinity Tag Method for the Simple Purification of Tagless Recombinant Proteins. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e901. [PMID: 37882966 PMCID: PMC10605964 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we describe a novel self-cleaving affinity tag technology based on a highly modified split-intein cleaving element. In this system, which has recently been commercialized by Protein Capture Science, LLC under the name iCapTagTM , the N-terminal segment of an engineered split intein is covalently immobilized onto a capture resin, while the smaller C-terminal intein segment is fused to the N-terminus of the desired target protein. The tagged target can then be expressed in an appropriate expression system, without concern for premature intein cleaving. During the purification, strong binding between the intein segments effectively captures the tagged target onto the capture resin while simultaneously generating a cleaving-competent intein complex. After unwanted impurities are washed from the resin, cleavage of the target protein is initiated by a shift of the buffer pH from 8.5 to 6.2. As a result, the highly purified tagless target protein is released from the column in the elution step. Alternately, the resin beads can be added directly to cell culture broth or lysate, allowing capture, purification and cleavage of the tagless target protein using a column-free format. These methods result in highly pure tagless target protein in a single step, and can thereby accelerate characterization and functional studies. In this work we demonstrate the single step purification of streptokinase, a fibrinolytic agent, and an engineered recombinant human hemoglobin 1.1 (rHb1.1). © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Expression of high-titer protein tagged with the Nostoc punctiforme (Npu) DnaE split-intein on the N-terminus Basic Protocol 2: Purification of high-titer protein using the Nostoc punctiforme (Npu) DnaE split-intein purification platform Alternate Protocol 1: Expression of low-titer protein tagged with the Nostoc punctiforme (Npu) DnaE split-intein on the N-terminus Alternate Protocol 2: Purification of low-titer protein using the Nostoc punctiforme (Npu) DnaE split-intein purification platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Vivek Prabhala
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sophia A Mayone
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Nathan M Moody
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Chidinma B Kanu
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - David W Wood
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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22
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Parida PP, Saraswathi D, Mopidevi SM, Raran-Kurussi S. Advancing large-scale production of TEV protease through an innovative NT* tag-based fusion construct. Curr Res Struct Biol 2023; 6:100106. [PMID: 37822550 PMCID: PMC10563009 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2023.100106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tobacco etch virus Protease (TEVp), a cysteine protease, is renowned for its remarkable specific proteolysis, making it an invaluable tool for removing fusion tags from recombinant proteins. However, TEV protease's inherent insolubility limits its broad application. Fusion constructs like an N-terminal MBP fusion, known for its improved solubility, have been employed for TEVp production to address this issue. In this study, we fused the TEVp with the N-terminal domain of the spider silk protein, specifically utilizing a charge-reversed mutant (D40K/K65D) of the N-terminal domain of major ampullate spidroin-1 protein from Euprosthenops australis, referred to as NT*. This fusion construct contains a TEVp cleavage site, enabling intracellular self-processing and the release of a His7-tagged protease. The significant increase in soluble protein expression allowed us to purify approximately 90-100 mg of TEVp from a 1-L E. coli culture, surpassing previous findings by a considerable margin. The enzyme remained stable and catalytically active even after several months of storage in a deep freezer (-80 °C).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragyan P. Parida
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Hyderabad, 36/P Gopanpally Village, Ranga Reddy District, Serilingampally, Hyderabad, 500046, Telangana, India
| | - Deepa Saraswathi
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Hyderabad, 36/P Gopanpally Village, Ranga Reddy District, Serilingampally, Hyderabad, 500046, Telangana, India
| | - Subbarao M.V. Mopidevi
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Hyderabad, 36/P Gopanpally Village, Ranga Reddy District, Serilingampally, Hyderabad, 500046, Telangana, India
| | - Sreejith Raran-Kurussi
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Hyderabad, 36/P Gopanpally Village, Ranga Reddy District, Serilingampally, Hyderabad, 500046, Telangana, India
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23
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Wu Z, Lu H, Zhu D, Xie J, Sun F, Xu Y, Zhang H, Wu Z, Xia W, Zhu S. Developing an Indirect ELISA for the Detection of African Swine Fever Virus Antibodies Using a Tag-Free p15 Protein Antigen. Viruses 2023; 15:1939. [PMID: 37766344 PMCID: PMC10534517 DOI: 10.3390/v15091939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most severe diseases caused by the ASF virus (ASFV), causing massive economic losses to the global pig industry. Serological tests are important in ASF epidemiological surveillance, and more antigen targets are needed to meet market demand for ASFV antibody detection. In the present study, ASFV p15 protein was fusion-expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) with elastin-like polypeptide (ELP), and the ELP-p15 protein was purified using a simple inverse transition cycling (ITC) process. The ELP tag was cleaved off using tobacco etch virus protease (TEVp), resulting in a tag-free p15 protein. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the p15 protein reacted strongly with ASFV-positive serum. The p15 protein was used as a coating antigen in an indirect ELISA (iELISA) for detecting ASFV antibodies. The p15-iELISA method demonstrated high specificity to ASFV-positive sera, with a maximum detection dilution of 1:1600. Moreover, the method exhibited good reproducibility, with less intra-assay and inter-assay CV values than 10%. Therefore, p15-iELISA offers a novel approach for accurately detecting ASFV antibodies with significant clinical application potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High-Tech Research and Development of Veterinary Biopharmaceuticals, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China; (Z.W.); (H.L.); (J.X.); (F.S.); (Y.X.)
| | - Huipeng Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High-Tech Research and Development of Veterinary Biopharmaceuticals, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China; (Z.W.); (H.L.); (J.X.); (F.S.); (Y.X.)
| | - Dewei Zhu
- Yancheng Engineering Research Center of Animal Biologics, School of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng 224007, China;
| | - Jun Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High-Tech Research and Development of Veterinary Biopharmaceuticals, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China; (Z.W.); (H.L.); (J.X.); (F.S.); (Y.X.)
| | - Fan Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High-Tech Research and Development of Veterinary Biopharmaceuticals, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China; (Z.W.); (H.L.); (J.X.); (F.S.); (Y.X.)
| | - Yan Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High-Tech Research and Development of Veterinary Biopharmaceuticals, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China; (Z.W.); (H.L.); (J.X.); (F.S.); (Y.X.)
| | - Hua Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng 224007, China; (H.Z.); (Z.W.)
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Tumor Targeted Nano Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng 224007, China
| | - Zhijun Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng 224007, China; (H.Z.); (Z.W.)
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Tumor Targeted Nano Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng 224007, China
| | - Wenlong Xia
- Yancheng Engineering Research Center of Animal Biologics, School of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng 224007, China;
| | - Shanyuan Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High-Tech Research and Development of Veterinary Biopharmaceuticals, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China; (Z.W.); (H.L.); (J.X.); (F.S.); (Y.X.)
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24
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Mojanaga OO, Acharya KR, Lloyd MD. Recombinant protein production for structural and kinetic studies: A case study using M. tuberculosis α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (MCR). Methods Enzymol 2023; 690:1-37. [PMID: 37858526 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Modern drug discovery is a target-driven approach in which a particular protein such as an enzyme is implicated in the disease process. Commonly, small-molecule drugs are identified using screening, rational design, and structural biology approaches. Drug screening, testing and optimization is typically conducted in vitro, and copious amounts of protein are required. The advent of recombinant DNA technologies has resulted in a rise in proteins purified by affinity techniques, typically by incorporating an "affinity tag" at the N- or C-terminus. Use of these tagged proteins and affinity techniques comes with a host of issues. This chapter describes the production of an untagged enzyme, α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (MCR) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, using a recombinant E. coli system. Purification of the enzyme on a 100 mg scale using tandem anion-exchange chromatographies (DEAE-sepharose and RESOURCE-Q columns), and size-exclusion chromatographies is described. A modified protocol allowing the purification of cationic proteins is also described, based on tandem cation-exchange chromatographies (using CM-sepharose and RESOURCE-S columns) and size-exclusion chromatographies. The resulting MCR protein is suitable for biochemical and structural biology applications. The described protocols have wide applicability to the purification of other recombinant proteins and enzymes without using affinity chromatography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otsile O Mojanaga
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - K Ravi Acharya
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, United Kingdom.
| | - Matthew D Lloyd
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, United Kingdom.
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25
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Li X, Zhang B, Hu Q, Chen C, Huang J, Liu L, Wang S. Refinement of the Fusion Tag PagP for Effective Formation of Inclusion Bodies in Escherichia coli. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0380322. [PMID: 37222613 PMCID: PMC10269538 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03803-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Methods for efficient insoluble protein production require further exploration. PagP, an Escherichia coli outer membrane protein with high β-sheet content, could function as an efficient fusion partner for inclusion body-targeted expression of recombinant peptides. The primary structure of a given polypeptide determines to a large extent its propensity to aggregate. Herein, aggregation "hot spots" (HSs) in PagP were analyzed using the web-based software AGGRESCAN, leading to identification of a C-terminal region harboring numerous HSs. Moreover, a proline-rich region was found in the β-strands. Substitution of these prolines by residues with high β-sheet propensity and hydrophobicity significantly improved its ability to form aggregates. Consequently, the absolute yields of recombinant antimicrobial peptides Magainin II, Metchnikowin, and Andropin were increased significantly when expressed in fusion with this refined version of PagP. We describe separation of recombinant target proteins expressed in inclusion bodies fused with the tag. An artificial NHT linker peptide with three motifs was implemented for separation and purification of authentic recombinant antimicrobial peptides. IMPORTANCE Fusion tag-induced formation of inclusion bodies provides a powerful means to express unstructured or toxic proteins. For a given fusion tag, how to enhance the formation of inclusion bodies remains to be explored. Our study illustrated that the aggregation HSs in a fusion tag played important roles in mediating its insoluble expression. Efficient production of inclusion bodies could also be implemented by refining its primary structure to form a more stable β-sheet with higher hydrophobicity. This study provides a promising method for improvement of the insoluble expression of recombinant proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Li
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Baorong Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Quan Hu
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changchao Chen
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiahua Huang
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu Liu
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengbin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Wang H, Poe A, Martinez Yus M, Pak L, Nandakumar K, Santhanam L. Lysyl oxidase-like 2 processing by factor Xa modulates its activity and substrate preference. Commun Biol 2023; 6:375. [PMID: 37029269 PMCID: PMC10082071 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04748-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) has been identified as an essential mediator of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in several disease processes including cardiovascular disease. Thus, there is growing interest in understanding the mechanisms by which LOXL2 is regulated in cells and tissue. While LOXL2 occurs both in full length and processed forms in cells and tissue, the precise identity of the proteases that process LOXL2 and the consequences of processing on LOXL2's function remain incompletely understood. Here we show that Factor Xa (FXa) is a protease that processes LOXL2 at Arg-338. Processing by FXa does not affect the enzymatic activity of soluble LOXL2. However, in situ in vascular smooth muscle cells, LOXL2 processing by FXa results in decreased cross-linking activity in the ECM and shifts substrate preference of LOXL2 from type IV collagen to type I collagen. Additionally, processing by FXa increases the interactions between LOXL2 and prototypical LOX, suggesting a potential compensatory mechanism to preserve total LOXs activity in the vascular ECM. FXa expression is prevalent in various organ systems and shares similar roles in fibrotic disease progression as LOXL2. Thus, LOXL2 processing by FXa could have significant implications in pathologies where LOXL2 is involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Alan Poe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Marta Martinez Yus
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Lydia Pak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kavitha Nandakumar
- Department of Anesthesiology and CCM, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore MD, 21205, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lakshmi Santhanam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology and CCM, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore MD, 21205, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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27
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Liu Z, Gong G, Li Y, Xu Q, Akimbekov N, Zha J, Wu X. Peptidoglycan-Targeting Staphylolytic Enzyme Lysostaphin as a Novel and Efficient Protease toward Glycine-Rich Flexible Peptide Linkers. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:5293-5301. [PMID: 36967580 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Glycine-rich flexible peptide linkers have been widely adopted in fusion protein engineering; however, they can hardly be cleaved for the separation of fusion partners unless specific protease recognition sites are introduced. Herein, we report the use of the peptidoglycan-targeting staphylolytic enzyme lysostaphin to directly digest the glycine-rich flexible linkers of various lengths including oligoglycine linkers and (G4S)x linkers, without the incorporation of extra amino acids. Using His-MBP-linker-LbCpf1 as a model substrate, we show that both types of linkers could be digested by lysostaphin, and the digestion efficiency improved with increasing linker length. The enzyme LbCpf1 retained full activity after tag removal. We further demonstrated that the proteolytic activity of lysostaphin could be well maintained under different environmental conditions and in the presence of a series of chemical reagents at various concentrations that are frequently used in protein purification and stabilization. In addition, such a digestion strategy could also be applied to remove the SUMO domain linked to LwCas13a via an octaglycine linker. This study extends the applications of lysostaphin beyond an antimicrobial reagent and demonstrates its potential as a novel, efficient, and robust protease for protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Liu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Guoli Gong
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Yanni Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Qinfeng Xu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Nuraly Akimbekov
- Department of Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Jian Zha
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Xia Wu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
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28
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Lamer T, Vederas JC. Simplified cloning and isolation of peptides from "sandwiched" SUMO-peptide-intein fusion proteins. BMC Biotechnol 2023; 23:11. [PMID: 37020212 PMCID: PMC10074672 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-023-00779-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some peptides are targets for degradation when heterologously expressed as fusion proteins in E. coli, which can limit yields after isolation and purification. We recently reported that peptide degradation may be prevented by production of a "sandwiched" SUMO-peptide-intein (SPI) fusion protein, which protects the target peptide sequence from truncation and improves yield. This initial system required cloning with two commercially available vectors. It used an N-terminal polyhistidine tagged small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) protein and a C-terminal engineered Mycobacterium xenopii DNA Gyrase A intein with an inserted chitin binding domain (CBD) to create "sandwiched" fusion proteins of the form: His6-SUMO-peptide-intein-CBD. However, the major drawback of this previously reported fusion protein "sandwich" approach is the increased time and number of steps required to complete the cloning and isolation procedures, relative to the simple procedures to produce recombinant peptides in E. coli from a single (non-"sandwiched") fusion protein system. RESULTS In this work we generate the plasmid pSPIH6, which improves upon the previous system by encoding both the SUMO and intein proteins and allows facile construction of a SPI protein in a single cloning step. Additionally, the Mxe GyrA intein encoded in pSPIH6 contains a C-terminal polyhistidine tag, resulting in SPI fusion proteins of the form: His6-SUMO-peptide-intein-CBD-His6. The dual polyhistidine tags greatly simplify isolation procedures compared to the original SPI system, which we have here demonstrated with two linear bacteriocin peptides: leucocin A and lactococcin A. The yields obtained for both peptides after purification were also improved compared to the previous SPI system as a result of this streamlined protocol. CONCLUSIONS This modified SPI system and its simplified cloning and purification procedures described here may be generally useful as a heterologous E. coli expression system to obtain pure peptides in high yield, especially when degradation of the target peptide is an issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess Lamer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - John C Vederas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G2, Canada.
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29
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Arciszewska K, Kowalska E, Bartnicki F, Bonarek P, Banaś AK, Strzałka W. DNA aptamer-based affinity chromatography system for purification of recombinant proteins tagged with lysine tag. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1692:463846. [PMID: 36780846 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.463846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Affinity chromatography (AC) is one of the techniques widely used for the purification of recombinant proteins. In our previous study, we presented a successful application of the Argi system [1] for the purification of recombinant proteins, based on the specific interaction between an arginine tag and a DNA aptamer. Exploring the possible application of positively charged peptide tags in the purification of recombinant proteins, in this study we developed and characterized an AC system based on the specific and reversible interaction between a DNA aptamer and a lysine tag (Lys-tag) comprising five lysine residues (5 K). We optimized the length of both the selected DNA aptamer and Lys-tag which were named B5K aptamer and 5K-tag, respectively. The results showed that the stability of the B5K aptamer and 5K-tag was dependent on the presence of potassium ions. The conditions for mild elution of 5K-tagged protein from B5K aptamer were determined. Our study proved that the developed system can be used for the purification of recombinant proteins from Escherichia coli total protein extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Arciszewska
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Krakow 30-387, Poland
| | - Ewa Kowalska
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Krakow 30-387, Poland
| | - Filip Bartnicki
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Krakow 30-387, Poland
| | - Piotr Bonarek
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Katarzyna Banaś
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Krakow 30-387, Poland
| | - Wojciech Strzałka
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Krakow 30-387, Poland.
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30
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Halder S, Jaiswal N, Koley H, Mahata N. Cloning, improved expression and purification of invasion plasmid antigen D (IpaD): an effector protein of enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC). Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2023:1-27. [PMID: 36871167 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2023.2184027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The widespread increase in broad-spectrum antimicrobial resistance is making it more difficult to treat gastrointestinal infections. Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli is a prominent etiological agent of bacillary dysentery, invading via the fecal-oral route and exerting virulence on the host via the type III secretion system. IpaD, a surface-exposed protein on the T3SS tip that is conserved among EIEC and Shigella, may serve as a broad immunogen for bacillary dysentery protection. For the first time, we present an effective framework for improving the expression level and yield of IpaD in the soluble fraction for easy recovery, as well as ideal storage conditions, which may aid in the development of new protein therapies for gastrointestinal infections in the future. To achieve this, uncharacterized full length IpaD gene from EIEC was cloned into pHis-TEV vector and induction parameters were optimized for enhanced expression in the soluble fraction. After affinity-chromatography based purification, 61% pure protein with a yield of 0.33 mg per litre of culture was obtained. The purified IpaD was retained its secondary structure with a prominent α-helical structure as well as functional activity during storage, at 4°C, -20°C and -80°C using 5% sucrose as cryoprotectants, which is a critical criterion for protein-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeshna Halder
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, India
| | - Namita Jaiswal
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, India
| | - Hemanta Koley
- Department Bacteriology, National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | - Nibedita Mahata
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, India
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31
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Resolving the challenge of insoluble production of mature human growth differentiation factor 9 protein (GDF9) in E. coli using bicistronic expression with thioredoxin. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 230:123225. [PMID: 36649874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is an oocyte-derived protein with fundamental functions in folliculogenesis. While the crucial contributions of GDF9 in follicular survival have been revealed, crystallographic studies of GDF9 structure have not yet been carried out, essentially due to the insoluble expression of GDF9 in E. coli and lack of appropriate source for structural studies. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the impact of different expression rate of bacterial thioredoxin (TrxA) using bicistronic expression constructs to induce the soluble expression of mature human GDF9 (hGDF9) driven by T7 promoter in E. coli. Our findings revealed that in BL21(DE3), the high rate of TrxA co-expression at 30 °C was sufficiently potent for the soluble expression of hGDF9 and reduction of inclusion body formation by 4 fold. We also successfully confirmed the bioactivity of the purified soluble hGDF9 protein by evaluation of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene expression in bovine cumulus cells derived from small follicles. This study is the first to present an effective approach for expression of bioactive form of hGDF9 using TrxA co-expression in E. coli, which may unravel the current issues regarding structural analysis of hGDF9 protein and consequently provide a better insight into hGDF9 functions and interactions.
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32
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Ayoub N, Roth P, Ucurum Z, Fotiadis D, Hirschi S. Structural and biochemical insights into His-tag-induced higher-order oligomerization of membrane proteins by cryo-EM and size exclusion chromatography. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:107924. [PMID: 36462717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2022.107924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Structural and functional characterization of proteins as well as the design of targeted drugs heavily rely on recombinant protein expression and purification. The polyhistidine-tag (His-tag) is among the most prominent examples of affinity tags used for the isolation of recombinant proteins from their expression hosts. Short peptide tags are commonly considered not to interfere with the structure of the tagged protein and tag removal is frequently neglected. This study demonstrates the formation of higher-order oligomers based on the example of two His-tagged membrane proteins, the dimeric arginine-agmatine antiporter AdiC and the pentameric light-driven proton pump proteorhodopsin. Size exclusion chromatography revealed the formation of tetrameric AdiC and decameric as well as pentadecameric proteorhodopsin through specific interactions between their His-tags. In addition, single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) allowed structural insights into the three-dimensional arrangement of the higher-order oligomers and the underlying His-tag-mediated interactions. These results reinforce the importance of considering the length and removal of affinity purification tags and illustrate how neglect can lead to potential interference with downstream biophysical or biochemical characterization of the target protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nooraldeen Ayoub
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Roth
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Zöhre Ucurum
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Stephan Hirschi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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33
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Meng P, Shao Y, Xiong Y, Zhang L, Bao H, Lu H. Peptide- and Protein-Level Combined Strategy for Analyzing Newly Synthesized Proteins by Integrating Tandem Orthogonal Proteolysis with Cleavable Bioorthogonal Tagging. Anal Chem 2023; 95:628-637. [PMID: 36549687 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A newly synthesized proteome reflects perturbations sensitively and maintains homeostasis in cells. To investigate the low abundant newly synthesized proteins (NSPs) from a complex background proteome, an enrichment process with high selectivity and reliability is essential. Here, we have developed a strategy to realize comprehensive analysis of NSPs by integrating tandem orthogonal proteolysis (TOP) with cleavable bioorthogonal tagging (CBOT) called TOP-CBOT. A solid-phase-conjugated probe with a clickable moiety and a protease-cleavable site was designed, which allowed NSPs to be covalently captured along with tandem release by trypsin and orthogonal tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease. Our method has integrated the advantages of protein-level and peptide-level enrichment. Trypsin digests larger number of peptides from the recovered proteins for NSPs identification and quantification, while the specific tag-contained peptides from TEV data set enabled further NSPs confirmation. Integrating information from two complementary data sets, the reliability in NSPs identification and quantitation were remarkably enhanced. A total of 3699 proteins were recovered in the trypsin data set. Additionally, 1931 proteins were confirmed as NSPs with 5019 identified peptides in the TEV data set, over 90% of which were overlapped with the tryptic data set. Our strategy was further applied to profile NSP degradation kinetics during rapamycin-induced macroautophagy. The newly synthesized proteome displayed varied alteration of degradation rates among stimulation and more than half of NSPs showed decreased half-lives during autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyi Meng
- Department of Chemistry and Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuyin Shao
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Xiong
- Department of Chemistry and Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Bao
- Department of Chemistry and Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Haojie Lu
- Department of Chemistry and Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
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Gomes D, Passarinha LA, Sousa Â. E6 Tagged Protein Production, Extraction, and Purification from Escherichia coli Lysate. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2652:21-33. [PMID: 37093468 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3147-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer has been extensively associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) due to the expression of oncoproteins such as E6. This protein can interfere with p53 tumor suppressor activity, blocking apoptosis of abnormal cells. The functional inhibition of E6 protein is a promising therapeutic strategy for HPV-induced cancers. Conducting biointeraction and characterization studies between E6 protein and potential anti-HPV drugs is necessary to obtain large quantities of high-purity and soluble E6 protein. The recombinant production of E6 protein is particularly challenging because it tends to aggregate. One way to circumvent this problem is to use a dual MBP-His6 tag that can facilitate the expression, proper folding, and solubility of the E6 protein. This chapter outlines effective methods for expressing and obtaining E6 protein with a dual affinity tag by combining different chromatographic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Gomes
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Luís A Passarinha
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal.
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal.
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia - UBIMedical, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Ângela Sousa
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
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Coates RJ, Young MT, Scofield S. Optimising expression and extraction of recombinant proteins in plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1074531. [PMID: 36570881 PMCID: PMC9773421 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1074531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant proteins are of paramount importance for research, industrial and medical use. Numerous expression chassis are available for recombinant protein production, and while bacterial and mammalian cell cultures are the most widely used, recent developments have positioned transgenic plant chassis as viable and often preferential options. Plant chassis are easily maintained at low cost, are hugely scalable, and capable of producing large quantities of protein bearing complex post-translational modification. Several protein targets, including antibodies and vaccines against human disease, have been successfully produced in plants, highlighting the significant potential of plant chassis. The aim of this review is to act as a guide to producing recombinant protein in plants, discussing recent progress in the field and summarising the factors that must be considered when utilising plants as recombinant protein expression systems, with a focus on optimising recombinant protein expression at the genetic level, and the subsequent extraction and purification of target proteins, which can lead to substantial improvements in protein stability, yield and purity.
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Abstract
Rotavirus, a segmented double-stranded RNA virus of the Reoviridae family, is a primary cause of acute gastroenteritis in young children. In countries where rotavirus vaccines are widely used, norovirus (NoV) has emerged as the major cause of acute gastroenteritis. Towards the goal of creating a combined rotavirus-NoV vaccine, we explored the possibility of generating recombinant rotaviruses (rRVs) expressing all or portions of the NoV GII.4 VP1 capsid protein. This was accomplished by replacing the segment 7 NSP3 open reading frame with a cassette encoding, sequentially, NSP3, a 2A stop-restart translation element, and all or portions (P, P2) of NoV VP1. In addition to successfully recovering rRVs with modified SA11 segment 7 RNAs encoding NoV capsid proteins, analogous rRVs were recovered through modification of the segment 7 RNA of the RIX4414 vaccine strain. An immunoblot assay confirmed that rRVs expressed NoV capsid proteins as independent products. Moreover, VP1 expressed by rRVs underwent dimerization and was recognized by conformational-dependent anti-VP1 antibodies. Serially passaged rRVs that expressed the NoV P and P2 were genetically stable, retaining additional sequences of up to 1.1 kbp without change. However, serially passaged rRVs containing the longer 1.6-kb VP1 sequence were less stable and gave rise to virus populations with segment 7 RNAs lacking VP1 coding sequences. Together, these studies suggest that it may be possible to develop combined rotavirus-NoV vaccines using modified segment 7 RNA to express NoV P or P2. In contrast, development of potential rotavirus-NoV vaccines expressing NoV VP1 will need additional efforts to improve genetic stability. IMPORTANCE Rotavirus (RV) and norovirus (NoV) are the two most important causes of acute viral gastroenteritis (AGE) in infants and young children. While the incidence of RV AGE has been brought under control in many countries through the introduction of universal mass vaccination with live attenuated RV vaccines, similar highly effective NoV vaccines are not available. To pursue the development of a combined RV-NoV vaccine, we examined the potential of using RV as an expression vector of all or portions of the NoV capsid protein VP1. Our results showed that by replacing the NSP3 open reading frame in RV genome segment 7 RNA with a coding cassette for NSP3, a 2A stop-restart translation element, and VP1, recombinant RVs can be generated that express NoV capsid proteins. These findings raise the possibility of developing new generations of RV-based combination vaccines that provide protection against a second enteric pathogen, such as NoV.
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Directed evolution for soluble and active periplasmic expression of bovine enterokinase in Escherichia coli. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17721. [PMID: 36271247 PMCID: PMC9587228 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22574-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine enterokinase light chain (EKL) is an industrially useful protease for accurate removal of affinity-purification tags from high-value biopharmaceuticals. However, recombinant expression in Escherichia coli produces insoluble inclusion bodies, requiring solubilisation, refolding, and autocatalytic activation to recover functional enzyme. Error-prone PCR and DNA shuffling of the EKL gene, T7 promoter, lac operon, ribosome binding site, and pelB leader sequence, yielded 321 unique variants after screening ~ 6500 colonies. The best variants had > 11,000-fold increased total activity in lysates, producing soluble enzyme that no longer needed refolding. Further characterisation identified the factors that improved total activity from an inactive and insoluble starting point. Stability was a major factor, whereby melting temperatures > 48.4 °C enabled good expression at 37 °C. Variants generally did not alter catalytic efficiency as measured by kcat/Km, which improved for only one variant. Codon optimisation improved the total activity in lysates produced at 37 °C. However, non-optimised codons and expression at 30 °C gave the highest activity through improved protein quality, with increased kcat and Tm values. The 321 variants were statistically analysed and mapped to protein structure. Mutations detrimental to total activity and stability clustered around the active site. By contrast, variants with increased total activity tended to combine stabilising mutations that did not disrupt the active site.
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Zhang Y, Wang L, Tombling BJ, Lammi C, Huang YH, Li Y, Bartolomei M, Hong B, Craik DJ, Wang CK. Improving Stability Enhances In Vivo Efficacy of a PCSK9 Inhibitory Peptide. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:19485-19498. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c08029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Zhang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Li Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Antibiotics and CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, & Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing100050, China
| | - Benjamin J. Tombling
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Carmen Lammi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133Milan, Italy
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Yue Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Antibiotics and CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, & Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing100050, China
| | - Martina Bartolomei
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133Milan, Italy
| | - Bin Hong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Antibiotics and CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, & Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing100050, China
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Conan K. Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
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Kim MJ, Sung BH, Kim HJ, Sohn JH, Bae JH. Production of autolysis-proof Kex2 protease from Candida albicans in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for in vitro processing of fusion proteins. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:7063-7072. [PMID: 36195703 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12212-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Protein expression with a fusion partner followed by the removal of the fusion partner via in vitro processing with a specific endoprotease is a favored method for the efficient production of intact recombinant proteins. Due to the high cost of commercial endoproteases, this process is restricted to laboratories. Kex2p is a membrane-bound serine protease that cleaves after dibasic residues of substrates in the late Golgi network. Although Kex2p is a very efficient endoprotease with exceptional specificity, it has not yet been used for the in vitro processing of fusion proteins due to its autolysis and high production cost. In this study, we developed an alternative endoprotease, autolysis-proof Kex2p, via site-directed mutagenesis of truncated KEX2 from Candida albicans (CaKEX2). Secretory production of manipulated CaKex2p was improved by employing target protein-specific translational fusion partner in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mass production of autolysis-proof Kex2p could facilitate the use of Kex2p for the large-scale production of recombinant proteins. KEY POINTS: • A soluble and active CaKex2p variant was produced by autocatalytic cleavage of the pro-peptide after truncation of C-terminus • Autolysis-proof CaKex2p was developed by site-directed mutagenesis • Secretion of autolysis-proof CaKex2p was improved by employing optimal translational fusion partner in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Jin Kim
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong Hyun Sung
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin Kim
- Cellapy Bio Inc, Bio-Venture Center 211, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hoon Sohn
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea. .,Cellapy Bio Inc, Bio-Venture Center 211, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung-Hoon Bae
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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40
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Unraveling the crystal structure of Leptospira kmetyi riboflavin synthase and computational analyses for potential development of new antibacterials. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.133420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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41
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Su Y, Zheng Y, Wang S, Zhang S, Yu R, Zhang C. Facile production of tag-free recombinant human interleukin-11 by transforming into soluble expression in Escherichia coli. Protein Expr Purif 2022; 197:106107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2022.106107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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CASPON platform technology: Ultrafast circularly permuted caspase-2 cleaves tagged fusion proteins before all 20 natural amino acids at the N-terminus. N Biotechnol 2022; 71:37-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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43
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Genomics-based strategies toward the identification of a Z-ISO carotenoid biosynthetic enzyme suitable for structural studies. Methods Enzymol 2022; 671:171-205. [PMID: 35878977 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 20years, structural genomics efforts have proven enormously successful for the determination of integral membrane protein structures, particularly for those of prokaryotic origin. However, traditional genomic expansion screens have included up to hundreds of targets, necessitating the use of robotics and other automation not available to most laboratories. Moreover, such large-scale screens of eukaryotic targets are not easily performed at such a scale. To have broader appeal, traditional structural genomic approaches need to be modified and improved such that they are feasible for most laboratories and especially so for proteins from eukaryotic organisms. One such refinement, termed "microgenomic expansion," has been recently described. This approach improves the process of target selection by making target screening a two-step process, with a minimal number of targets tested at each step. Microgenomic expansion methods are applied here theoretically to a project that has the objective of acquiring a structure for the plant 15-cis-ζ-carotene isomerase, Z-ISO.
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Fusion Tag Design Influences Soluble Recombinant Protein Production in Escherichia coli. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147678. [PMID: 35887026 PMCID: PMC9321918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fusion protein technologies to facilitate soluble expression, detection, or subsequent affinity purification in Escherichia coli are widely used but may also be associated with negative consequences. Although commonly employed solubility tags have a positive influence on titers, their large molecular mass inherently results in stochiometric losses of product yield. Furthermore, the introduction of affinity tags, especially the polyhistidine tag, has been associated with undesirable changes in expression levels. Fusion tags are also known to influence the functionality of the protein of interest due to conformational changes. Therefore, particularly for biopharmaceutical applications, the removal of the fusion tag is a requirement to ensure the safety and efficacy of the therapeutic protein. The design of suitable fusion tags enabling the efficient manufacturing of the recombinant protein remains a challenge. Here, we evaluated several N-terminal fusion tag combinations and their influence on product titer and cell growth to find an ideal design for a generic fusion tag. For enhancing soluble expression, a negatively charged peptide tag derived from the T7 bacteriophage was combined with affinity tags and a caspase-2 cleavage site applicable for CASPase-based fusiON (CASPON) platform technology. The effects of each combinatorial tag element were investigated in an integrated manner using human fibroblast growth factor 2 as a model protein in fed-batch lab-scale bioreactor cultivations. To confirm the generic applicability for manufacturing, seven additional pharmaceutically relevant proteins were produced using the best performing tag of this study, named CASPON-tag, and tag removal was demonstrated.
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45
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Wu X, Tan D, Qiao Q, Yin W, Xu Z, Liu X. Molecular origins of the multi-donor strategy in inducing bathochromic shifts and enlarging Stokes shifts of fluorescent proteins. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:15937-15944. [PMID: 35727090 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp00759b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Long-wavelength fluorescent proteins (LWFPs) and LWFP-based sensors are indispensable tools for bioimaging and biosensing applications. However, it remains challenging to develop LWFPs with outstanding brightness and/or sensitivities, largely due to the lack of simple and effective molecular design strategies. Herein, we rationalized the molecular origins of a multi-donor strategy that affords significant bathochromic shifts and large Stokes shifts with minimal structural changes in the resulting protein fluorophores. We analyzed three key factors that affect the spectral properties of these fluorophores, including the (1) substituent position, (2) electron-donating strength, and (3) number of electron-donating groups. We further demonstrated that this simple design strategy is generalizable to various fluorophore families. We expect that this work can provide rational guidelines for developing fluorescent proteins (and small-molecule fluorophores) with long emission wavelengths and large Stokes shifts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wu
- Fluorescence Research Group, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore, 487372, Singapore.
| | - Davin Tan
- Fluorescence Research Group, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore, 487372, Singapore.
| | - Qinglong Qiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Wenting Yin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Zhaochao Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Xiaogang Liu
- Fluorescence Research Group, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore, 487372, Singapore.
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Coker JA, Katis VL, Fairhead M, Schwenzer A, Clemmensen SB, Frandsen BU, de Jongh WA, Gileadi O, Burgess-Brown NA, Marsden BD, Midwood KS, Yue WW. FAS2FURIOUS: Moderate-Throughput Secreted Expression of Difficult Recombinant Proteins in Drosophila S2 Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:871933. [PMID: 35600892 PMCID: PMC9117644 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.871933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant protein expression in eukaryotic insect cells is a powerful approach for producing challenging targets. However, due to incompatibility with standard baculoviral platforms and existing low-throughput methodology, the use of the Drosophila melanogaster “S2” cell line lags behind more common insect cell lines such as Sf9 or High-Five™. Due to the advantages of S2 cells, particularly for secreted and secretable proteins, the lack of a simple and parallelizable S2-based platform represents a bottleneck, particularly for biochemical and biophysical laboratories. Therefore, we developed FAS2FURIOUS, a simple and rapid S2 expression pipeline built upon an existing low-throughput commercial platform. FAS2FURIOUS is comparable in effort to simple E. coli systems and allows users to clone and test up to 46 constructs in just 2 weeks. Given the ability of S2 cells to express challenging targets, including receptor ectodomains, secreted glycoproteins, and viral antigens, FAS2FURIOUS represents an attractive orthogonal approach for protein expression in eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse A. Coker
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Vittorio L. Katis
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Fairhead
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anja Schwenzer
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bent U. Frandsen
- ExpreSion Biotechnologies, SCION-DTU Science Park, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | | | - Opher Gileadi
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola A. Burgess-Brown
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Brian D. Marsden
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kim S. Midwood
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Wyatt W. Yue
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Wyatt W. Yue,
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Mollner TA, Giltrap AM, Zeng Y, Demyanenko Y, Buchanan C, Oehlrich D, Baldwin AJ, Anthony DC, Mohammed S, Davis BG. Reductive site-selective atypical C, Z-type/N2-C2 cleavage allows C-terminal protein amidation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabl8675. [PMID: 35394836 PMCID: PMC8993120 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl8675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecule environments can enhance chemistries with the potential to mediate and modulate self-modification (e.g., self-cleavage). While these enhanced modes are found in certain biomolecules (e.g., RNA ribozymes), it is more rare in proteins. Targeted proteolytic cleavage is vital to physiology, biotechnology, and even emerging therapy. Yet, purely chemically induced methods for the site-selective cleavage of proteins remain scarce. Here, as a proof of principle, we designed and tested a system intended to combine protein-enhanced chemistry with tag modification to enable synthetic reductive protein chemistries promoted by diboron. This reductively driven, single-electron chemistry now enables an operationally simple, site-selective cleavage protocol for proteins directed to readily accessible dehydroalanine (Dha) residues as tags under aqueous conditions and in cell lysates. In this way, a mild, efficient, enzyme-free method now allows not only precise chemical proteolysis but also simultaneous use in the removal of affinity tags and/or protein-terminus editing to create altered N- and C-termini such as protein amidation (─CONH2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim A. Mollner
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Yibo Zeng
- The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
| | | | - Charles Buchanan
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Daniel Oehlrich
- Global Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Andrew J. Baldwin
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
| | | | - Shabaz Mohammed
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Benjamin G. Davis
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Corresponding author.
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Carman PJ, Dominguez R. Novel Protein Production Method Combining Native Expression in Human Cells with an Intein-based Affinity Purification and Self-cleavable Tag. Bio Protoc 2022; 12:e4363. [PMID: 35434194 PMCID: PMC8983157 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The human proteins used in most biochemical studies are commonly obtained using bacterial expression. Owing to its relative simplicity and low cost, this approach has been extremely successful, but is inadequate for many proteins that require the mammalian folding machinery and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) for function. Moreover, the expressed proteins are typically purified using N- and/or C-terminal affinity tags, which are often left on proteins or leave non-native extra amino acids when removed proteolytically. Many proteins cannot tolerate such extra amino acids for function. Here we describe a protein production method that resolves both these issues. Our method combines expression in human Expi293F cells, which grow in suspension to high density and can process native PTMs, with a chitin-binding domain (CBD)-intein affinity purification and self-cleavable tag, which can be precisely removed after purification. In this protocol, we describe how to clone a target gene into our specifically designed human cell expression vector (pJCX4), and how to efficiently transfect the Expi293F cells and purify the expressed proteins using a chitin affinity resin. Graphic abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Carman
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Roberto Dominguez
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Gao B, Rojas Chavez AA, Malkawi WI, Keefe DW, Smith R, Haim H, Salem AK, Toor F. Sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using vertically-oriented silicon nanowire array-based biosensor. SENSING AND BIO-SENSING RESEARCH 2022; 36:100487. [PMID: 35340912 PMCID: PMC8937609 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbsr.2022.100487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused tremendous damage to the world. In order to quickly and accurately diagnose the virus and contain the spread, there is a need for rapid, sensitive, accurate, and cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 biosensors. In this paper, we report on a novel biosensor based on angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2)-conjugated vertically-oriented silicon nanowire (vSiNW) arrays that can detect the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with high sensitivity and selectivity relative to negative controls. First, we demonstrate the efficacy of using ACE-2 receptor to detect the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein via a capture assay test, which confirms high specificity of ACE-2 against the mock protein, and high affinity between the spike and ACE-2. We then report on results for ACE-2-conjugated vSiNW arrays where the biosensor device architecture is based on a p-n junction transducer. We confirm via analytical modeling that the transduction mechanism of the biosensor involves induced surface charge depletion of the vSiNWs due to negative electrostatic surface potential induced by the spike protein after binding with ACE-2. This vSiNW surface charge modulation is measured via current-voltage characteristics of the functionalized biosensor. Calibrated concentration dependent electrical response of the vSiNW sensor confirms the limit-of-detection for virus spike concentration of 100 ng/ml (or 575 pM). The vSiNW sensor also exhibits highly specific response to the spike protein with respect to negative controls, offering a promising point-of-care detection method for SARS-CoV-2.
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Yang X, Yin H, Peng L, Zhang D, Li K, Cui F, Xia C, Huang H, Li Z. The Global Status and Trends of Enteropeptidase: A Bibliometric Study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:779722. [PMID: 35223895 PMCID: PMC8866687 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.779722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundEnteropeptidase (EP) is a type II transmembrane serine protease and a physiological activator of trypsinogen. Extensive studies related to EP have been conducted to date. However, no bibliometric analysis has systematically investigated this theme. Our study aimed to visualize the current landscape and frontier trends of scientific achievements on EP, provide an overview of the past 120 years and insights for researchers and clinicians to facilitate future collaborative research and clinical intervention.MethodsQuantitative analysis of publications relating to EP from 1900 to 2020 was interpreted and graphed through the Science Citation Index Expanded of Web of Science Core Collection (limited to SCIE). Microsoft office 2019, GraphPad Prism 8, VOSviewer, and R-bibliometrix were used to conduct the bibliometric analysis.ResultsFrom 1900 to 2020, a total of 1,034 publications were retrieved. The USA had the largest number of publications, making the greatest contribution to the topic (n = 260, 25.15%). Active collaborations between countries/regions were also enrolled. Grant and Hermontaylor were perhaps the most impactful researchers in the landscape of EP. Protein Expression and Purification and the Journal of Biological Chemistry were the most prevalent (79/1,034, 7.64%) and cited journals (n = 2,626), respectively. Using the top 15 citations and co-citations achievements clarified the theoretical basis of the EP research field. Important topics mainly include the structure of EP, the affective factors for activating substrates by EP, EP-related disorders, and inhibitors of EP.ConclusionBased on the bibliometric analysis, we have gained a comprehensive analysis of the global status and research frontiers of studies investigating EP, which provides some guidance and reference for researchers and clinicians engaged in EP research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Yang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Shanghai Pudong New Area Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Yin
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Shanghai Pudong New Area Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Lisi Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Deyu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Keliang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fang Cui
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanchao Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Haojie Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Haojie Huang
| | - Zhaoshen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Zhaoshen Li
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