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Ye L, Liao T, Deng X, Long H, Liu G, Ke W, Huang K. Establishment of an RNA-based transient expression system in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. N Biotechnol 2024; 83:175-187. [PMID: 39153527 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2024.08.501] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a unicellular green alga, is a prominent model for green biotechnology and for studying organelles' function and biogenesis, such as chloroplasts and cilia. However, the stable expression of foreign genes from the nuclear genome in C. reinhardtii faces several limitations, including low expression levels and significant differences between clones due to genome position effects, epigenetic silencing, and time-consuming procedures. We developed a robust transient expression system in C. reinhardtii to overcome these limitations. We demonstrated efficient entry of in vitro-transcribed mRNA into wall-less cells and enzymatically dewalled wild-type cells via electroporation. The endogenous or exogenous elements can facilitate efficient transient expression of mRNA in C. reinhardtii, including the 5' UTR of PsaD and the well-characterized Kozak sequence derived from the Chromochloris zofingiensis. In the optimized system, mRNA expression was detectable in 120 h with a peak around 4 h after transformation. Fluorescently tagged proteins were successfully transiently expressed, enabling organelle labeling and real-time determination of protein sub-cellular localization. Remarkably, transiently expressed IFT46 compensated for the ift46-1 mutant phenotype, indicating the correct protein folding and function of IFT46 within the cells. Additionally, we demonstrated the feasibility of our system for studying protein-protein interactions in living cells using bimolecular fluorescence complementation. In summary, the established transient expression system provides a powerful tool for investigating protein localization, function, and interactions in C. reinhardtii within a relatively short timeframe, which will significantly facilitate the study of gene function, genome structure, and green biomanufacturing in C. reinhardtii and potentially in other algae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Ye
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tancong Liao
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xuan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Huan Long
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Gai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Wenting Ke
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Kaiyao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China.
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Huang W, Zhang Y, Xiao N, Zhao W, Shi Y, Fang R. Trans-complementation of the viral movement protein mediates efficient expression of large target genes via a tobacco mosaic virus vector. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024. [PMID: 38923265 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The development of plant virus-based expression systems has expanded rapidly owing to their potential applications in gene functional and disease resistance research, and industrial production of pharmaceutical proteins. However, the low yield of certain proteins, especially high-molecular-mass proteins, restricts the production scale. In this study, we observed that the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)-mediated expression of a foreign protein was correlated with the amount of the movement protein (MP) and developed a TMV-derived pAT-transMP vector system incorporating trans-complementation expression of MP. The system is capable of efficient expression of exogenous proteins, in particular those with a high molecular mass, and enables simultaneous expression of two target molecules. Furthermore, viral expression of competent CRISPR-Cas9 protein and construction of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene-editing system in a single pAT-transMP construct was achieved. The results demonstrated a novel role for TMV-MP in enhancing the accumulation of a foreign protein produced from the viral vector or a binary expression system. Further investigation of the mechanism underlying this role will be beneficial for optimization of plant viral vectors with broad applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikuo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and National Plant Gene Research Center, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuman Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and National Plant Gene Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Na Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and National Plant Gene Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, and College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Ying Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, and College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Rongxiang Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and National Plant Gene Research Center, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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3
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Bamogo P, Tiendrébéogo F, Brugidou C, Sérémé D, Djigma FW, Simporé J, Lacombe S. Rice yellow mottle virus is a suitable amplicon vector for an efficient production of an anti-leishmianiasis vaccine in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. BMC Biotechnol 2024; 24:21. [PMID: 38658899 PMCID: PMC11044499 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-024-00851-8] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the 2000's, plants have been used as bioreactors for the transient production of molecules of interest such as vaccines. To improve protein yield, "amplicon" vectors based on plant viruses are used. These viral constructs, engineered to carry the gene of interest replicate strongly once introduced into the plant cell, allowing significant accumulation of the protein. Here, we evaluated the suitability of the monocot-infecting RNA virus Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) as an amplicon vector. The promastigote surface antigen (PSA) of the protozoan Leishmania was considered as a protein of interest due to its vaccine properties against canine leishmaniasis. RESULTS Since P1 (ORF1) and CP (ORF3) proteins are not strictly necessary for viral replication, ORF1 was deleted and the PSA gene was substituted to ORF3 in the RYMV-based vector. We evaluated its expression in the best described plant bioreactor system, Nicotiana benthamiana which, unlike rice, allows transient transformation by Agrobacterium. Despite not being its natural host, we demonstrated a low level of RYMV-based vector replication in N. benthamiana leaves. Under optimized ratio, we showed that the P19 silencing suppressor in combination with the missing viral CP ORF significantly enhanced RYMV amplicon replication in N. benthamiana. Under these optimized CP/P19 conditions, we showed that the RYMV amplicon replicated autonomously in the infiltrated N. benthamiana cells, but was unable to move out of the infiltrated zones. Finally, we showed that when the RYMV amplicon was expressed under the optimized conditions we set up, it allowed enhanced PSA protein accumulation in N. benthamiana compared to the PSA coding sequence driven by the 35S promoter without amplicon background. CONCLUSION This work demonstrates that a non-dicot-infecting virus can be used as an amplicon vector for the efficient production of proteins of interest such as PSA in N. benthamiana leaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pka Bamogo
- Institut de L'Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA), LMI Patho-Bios Laboratoire de Virologie et de Biotechnologies Végétales, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
- Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Laboratoire de biologie moléculaire et de Génétique (LABIOGENE), Ecole Doctorale Sciences et Technologie, Centre de recherche biomoléculaire Piétro Annigoni (CERBA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
- PHIM Plant Health Institute Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France.
| | - F Tiendrébéogo
- Institut de L'Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA), LMI Patho-Bios Laboratoire de Virologie et de Biotechnologies Végétales, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - C Brugidou
- Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Laboratoire de biologie moléculaire et de Génétique (LABIOGENE), Ecole Doctorale Sciences et Technologie, Centre de recherche biomoléculaire Piétro Annigoni (CERBA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- PHIM Plant Health Institute Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
| | - D Sérémé
- Institut de L'Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA), LMI Patho-Bios Laboratoire de Virologie et de Biotechnologies Végétales, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - F W Djigma
- Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Laboratoire de biologie moléculaire et de Génétique (LABIOGENE), Ecole Doctorale Sciences et Technologie, Centre de recherche biomoléculaire Piétro Annigoni (CERBA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - J Simporé
- Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Laboratoire de biologie moléculaire et de Génétique (LABIOGENE), Ecole Doctorale Sciences et Technologie, Centre de recherche biomoléculaire Piétro Annigoni (CERBA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - S Lacombe
- Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Laboratoire de biologie moléculaire et de Génétique (LABIOGENE), Ecole Doctorale Sciences et Technologie, Centre de recherche biomoléculaire Piétro Annigoni (CERBA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- PHIM Plant Health Institute Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
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Chang YC, Shimoda H, Jiang MC, Hsu YH, Maeda K, Yamada Y, Hsu WL. Gn protein expressed in plants for diagnosis of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:303. [PMID: 38639795 PMCID: PMC11031438 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13135-0] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) causes the highly fatal disease in humans. To facilitate diagnosis, the native form of subunit glycoprotein (Gn), a prime target for potential vaccines and therapies, was produced in Nicotiana benthamiana using a Bamboo mosaic virus-based vector system. By fusion with secretory signal tags, SSExt, derived from the extension protein, and the (SP)10 motif, the yield of the recombinant Gn (rGn) was remarkably increased to approximately 7 mg/kg infiltrated leaves. Ultimately, an rGn-based ELISA was successfully established for the detection of SFTSV-specific antibodies in serum samples from naturally infected monkeys. As validated with the reference method, the specificity and sensitivity of rGn-ELISA were 94% and 96%, respectively. In conclusion, utilizing well-suited fusion tags facilitates rGn production and purification in substantial quantities while preserving its antigenic properties. The rGn-ELISA, characterized by its commendable sensitivity and specificity could serve as a viable alternative diagnostic method for assessing SFTSV seroprevalence. KEY POINTS: • SFTSV Gn, fused with secretory signal tags, was expressed by the BaMV-based vector. • The plant fusion tags increased expression levels and eased the purification of rGn. • The rGn-ELISA was established and validated; its specificity and sensitivity > 94%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chih Chang
- Doctoral Program in Microbial Genomics, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hiroshi Shimoda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Min-Chao Jiang
- Doctoral Program in Microbial Genomics, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yau-Heiu Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ken Maeda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Disease, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumiko Yamada
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Li Hsu
- Doctoral Program in Microbial Genomics, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
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Keshvari T, Melnik S, Sun L, Niazi A, Aram F, Moghadam A, Kogelmann B, Wozniak-Knopp G, Kallolimath S, Ramezani A, Steinkellner H. Efficient Expression of Functionally Active Aflibercept with Designed N-glycans. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:29. [PMID: 38651409 PMCID: PMC11036266 DOI: 10.3390/antib13020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Aflibercept is a therapeutic recombinant fusion protein comprising extracellular domains of human vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) and IgG1-Fc. It is a highly glycosylated protein with five N-glycosylation sites that might impact it structurally and/or functionally. Aflibercept is produced in mammalian cells and exhibits large glycan heterogeneity, which hampers glycan-associated investigations. Here, we report the expression of aflibercept in a plant-based system with targeted N-glycosylation profiles. Nicotiana benthamiana-based glycoengineering resulted in the production of aflibercept variants carrying designed carbohydrates, namely, N-glycans with terminal GlcNAc and sialic acid residues, herein referred to as AFLIGnGn and AFLISia, respectively. Both variants were transiently expressed in unusually high amounts (2 g/kg fresh leaf material) in leaves and properly assembled to dimers. Mass spectrometric site-specific glycosylation analyses of purified aflibercept showed the presence of two to four glycoforms in a consistent manner. We also demonstrate incomplete occupancy of some glycosites. Both AFLIGnGn and AFLISia displayed similar binding potency to VEGF165, with a tendency of lower binding to variants with increased sialylation. Collectively, we show the expression of functionally active aflibercept in significant amounts with controlled glycosylation. The results provide the basis for further studies in order to generate optimized products in the best-case scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Keshvari
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences BOKU Vienna, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (T.K.); (L.S.); (B.K.); (S.K.)
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71441-65186, Iran; (A.N.); (F.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Stanislav Melnik
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences BOKU Vienna, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (T.K.); (L.S.); (B.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Lin Sun
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences BOKU Vienna, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (T.K.); (L.S.); (B.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Ali Niazi
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71441-65186, Iran; (A.N.); (F.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Farzaneh Aram
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71441-65186, Iran; (A.N.); (F.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Ali Moghadam
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71441-65186, Iran; (A.N.); (F.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Benjamin Kogelmann
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences BOKU Vienna, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (T.K.); (L.S.); (B.K.); (S.K.)
- ACIB—Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gordana Wozniak-Knopp
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences BOKU Vienna, 1190 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Somanath Kallolimath
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences BOKU Vienna, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (T.K.); (L.S.); (B.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Amin Ramezani
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Herta Steinkellner
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences BOKU Vienna, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (T.K.); (L.S.); (B.K.); (S.K.)
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Villette J, Lecourieux F, Bastiancig E, Héloir MC, Poinssot B. New improvements in grapevine genome editing: high efficiency biallelic homozygous knock-out from regenerated plantlets by using an optimized zCas9i. PLANT METHODS 2024; 20:45. [PMID: 38500114 PMCID: PMC10949784 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-024-01173-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For ten years, CRISPR/cas9 system has become a very useful tool for obtaining site-specific mutations on targeted genes in many plant organisms. This technology opens up a wide range of possibilities for improved plant breeding in the future. In plants, the CRISPR/Cas9 system is mostly used through stable transformation with constructs that allow for the expression of the Cas9 gene and sgRNA. Numerous studies have shown that site-specific mutation efficiency can vary greatly between different plant species due to factors such as plant transformation efficiency, Cas9 expression, Cas9 nucleotide sequence, the addition of intronic sequences, and many other parameters. Since 2016, when the first edited grapevine was created, the number of studies using functional genomic approaches in grapevine has remained low due to difficulties with plant transformation and gene editing efficiency. In this study, we optimized the process to obtain site-specific mutations and generate knock-out mutants of grapevine (Vitis vinifera cv. 'Chardonnay'). Building on existing methods of grapevine transformation, we improved the method for selecting transformed plants at chosen steps of the developing process using fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS By comparison of two different Cas9 gene and two different promoters, we increased site-specific mutation efficiency using a maize-codon optimized Cas9 containing 13 introns (zCas9i), achieving up to 100% biallelic mutation in grapevine plantlets cv. 'Chardonnay'. These results are directly correlated with Cas9 expression level. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results highlight a complete methodology for obtaining a wide range of homozygous knock-out mutants for functional genomic studies and future breeding programs in grapevine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Villette
- Agroécologie, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Fatma Lecourieux
- UMR1287 EGFV, CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, ISVV, Villenave d'Ornon, Dijon, France
| | - Eliot Bastiancig
- Agroécologie, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | | | - Benoit Poinssot
- Agroécologie, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France.
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Sindarovska Y, Kuchuk M. Construction of viral-based expression vectors for high-level production of human interferon alpha 2b in plants. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:229. [PMID: 38393430 PMCID: PMC10891288 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13069-7] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Human interferon (hINF) alpha 2b is clinically important pharmaceutical product included in combinatory therapy against chronic hepatitis C and B and complex therapy against several cancer diseases. Here, we created the genetic constructions, based on genome elements of potato virus X (PVX), carrying the infα2b gene for transient expression in plant cells. The created plasmid vector constructions were tested through Agrobacterium-mediated transient gene expression method in two plant species-Nicotiana benthamiana and Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil). Production of recombinant hINF alpha 2b was more efficient in N. benthamiana than that in O. basilicum plants. The average yield of hINF alpha 2b produced in N. benthamiana plants was 0.56 mg/g of fresh leaf weight (FW) or 6% of the total soluble cell proteins (TSP). The maximal level reached up to 1.2 mg/g FW or 9% TSP. We estimated that about 0.67 mg of hINF can be obtained from one N. benthamiana plant. The yield of hINF alpha 2b obtained with the PVX-based expression cassette was about 80 times higher than the yield of hINF alpha 2b obtained with a simple expression cassette in which the infα2b gene was controlled by the 35S promoter of cauliflower mosaic virus. KEY POINTS: • PVX-based expression vectors provide efficient transient expression of infα2b gene • N. benthamiana plants can produce human interferon alpha 2b at high levels • The yield of the hINF α2b reached up to 1.2 mg/g of fresh leaf weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Sindarovska
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering of NAS of Ukraine, Akad. Zabolotnogo Str., 148, Kyiv, 03148, Ukraine.
| | - Mykola Kuchuk
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering of NAS of Ukraine, Akad. Zabolotnogo Str., 148, Kyiv, 03148, Ukraine
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Wendlandt T, Koch C, Britz B, Liedek A, Schmidt N, Werner S, Gleba Y, Vahidpour F, Welden M, Poghossian A, Schöning MJ, Eber FJ, Jeske H, Wege C. Facile Purification and Use of Tobamoviral Nanocarriers for Antibody-Mediated Display of a Two-Enzyme System. Viruses 2023; 15:1951. [PMID: 37766357 PMCID: PMC10536799 DOI: 10.3390/v15091951] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosorbent turnip vein clearing virus (TVCV) particles displaying the IgG-binding domains D and E of Staphylococcus aureus protein A (PA) on every coat protein (CP) subunit (TVCVPA) were purified from plants via optimized and new protocols. The latter used polyethylene glycol (PEG) raw precipitates, from which virions were selectively re-solubilized in reverse PEG concentration gradients. This procedure improved the integrity of both TVCVPA and the wild-type subgroup 3 tobamovirus. TVCVPA could be loaded with more than 500 IgGs per virion, which mediated the immunocapture of fluorescent dyes, GFP, and active enzymes. Bi-enzyme ensembles of cooperating glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase were tethered together on the TVCVPA carriers via a single antibody type, with one enzyme conjugated chemically to its Fc region, and the other one bound as a target, yielding synthetic multi-enzyme complexes. In microtiter plates, the TVCVPA-displayed sugar-sensing system possessed a considerably increased reusability upon repeated testing, compared to the IgG-bound enzyme pair in the absence of the virus. A high coverage of the viral adapters was also achieved on Ta2O5 sensor chip surfaces coated with a polyelectrolyte interlayer, as a prerequisite for durable TVCVPA-assisted electrochemical biosensing via modularly IgG-assembled sensor enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Wendlandt
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, Molecular and Synthetic Plant Virology, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (T.W.); (C.K.); (N.S.)
| | - Claudia Koch
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, Molecular and Synthetic Plant Virology, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (T.W.); (C.K.); (N.S.)
| | - Beate Britz
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, Molecular and Synthetic Plant Virology, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (T.W.); (C.K.); (N.S.)
| | - Anke Liedek
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, Molecular and Synthetic Plant Virology, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (T.W.); (C.K.); (N.S.)
| | - Nora Schmidt
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, Molecular and Synthetic Plant Virology, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (T.W.); (C.K.); (N.S.)
| | - Stefan Werner
- Nambawan Biotech GmbH/Now at Icon Genetics GmbH, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany;
| | - Yuri Gleba
- Nomad Bioscience GmbH, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany;
| | - Farnoosh Vahidpour
- Institute of Nano- and Biotechnologies, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (F.V.); (M.W.); (M.J.S.)
| | - Melanie Welden
- Institute of Nano- and Biotechnologies, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (F.V.); (M.W.); (M.J.S.)
| | | | - Michael J. Schöning
- Institute of Nano- and Biotechnologies, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (F.V.); (M.W.); (M.J.S.)
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Fabian J. Eber
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, 77652 Offenburg, Germany;
| | - Holger Jeske
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, Molecular and Synthetic Plant Virology, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (T.W.); (C.K.); (N.S.)
| | - Christina Wege
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, Molecular and Synthetic Plant Virology, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (T.W.); (C.K.); (N.S.)
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Kallolimath S, Palt R, Föderl-Höbenreich E, Sun L, Chen Q, Pruckner F, Eidenberger L, Strasser R, Zatloukal K, Steinkellner H. Glyco engineered pentameric SARS-CoV-2 IgMs show superior activities compared to IgG1 orthologues. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1147960. [PMID: 37359564 PMCID: PMC10285447 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is the largest antibody isotype with unique features like extensive glycosylation and oligomerization. Major hurdles in characterizing its properties are difficulties in the production of well-defined multimers. Here we report the expression of two SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies in glycoengineered plants. Isotype switch from IgG1 to IgM resulted in the production of IgMs, composed of 21 human protein subunits correctly assembled into pentamers. All four recombinant monoclonal antibodies carried a highly reproducible human-type N-glycosylation profile, with a single dominant N-glycan species at each glycosite. Both pentameric IgMs exhibited increased antigen binding and virus neutralization potency, up to 390-fold, compared to the parental IgG1. Collectively, the results may impact on the future design of vaccines, diagnostics and antibody-based therapies and emphasize the versatile use of plants for the expression of highly complex human proteins with targeted posttranslational modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somanath Kallolimath
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roman Palt
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Lin Sun
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Qiang Chen
- The Biodesign Institute and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Florian Pruckner
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Eidenberger
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Strasser
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kurt Zatloukal
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Herta Steinkellner
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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10
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Sohn EJ, Kang H, Min K, Park M, Kim JH, Seo HW, Lee SJ, Kim H, Tark D, Cho HS, Choi BH, Oh Y. A Plant-Derived Maternal Vaccine against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Protects Piglets through Maternally Derived Immunity. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11050965. [PMID: 37243069 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11050965] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Newborn piglets are susceptible to a highly contagious enteritis caused by the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), associated with high levels of mortality worldwide. There is pressing need for a rapid, safe, and cost-effective vaccine to safeguard pigs from getting infected by PEDV. PEDV belongs to the coronavirus family and is characterized by high levels of mutability. The primary goal of a PEDV vaccine is to provide immunity to newborn piglets through vaccination of sows. Plant-based vaccines are becoming more popular because they have low manufacturing costs, are easily scalable, have high thermostability, and a long shelf life. This is in contrast to conventional vaccines which include inactivated, live, and/or recombinant types that can be expensive and have limited ability to respond to rapidly mutating viruses. The binding of the virus to host cell receptors is primarily facilitated by the N-terminal subunit of the viral spike protein (S1), which also contains several epitopes that are recognized by virus-neutralizing antibodies. As a result, we generated a recombinant S1 protein using a plant-based vaccine platform. We found that the recombinant protein was highly glycosylated, comparable to the native viral antigen. Vaccination of pregnant sows at four and two weeks before farrowing led to the development of humoral immunity specific to S1 in the suckling piglets. In addition, we noted significant viral neutralization titers in both vaccinated sows and piglets. When challenged with PEDV, piglets born from vaccinated sows displayed less severe clinical symptoms and significantly lower mortality rates compared to piglets born from non-vaccinated sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ju Sohn
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyangju Kang
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungmin Min
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
| | - Minhee Park
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hun Kim
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwi-Won Seo
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Joon Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Heeyeon Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongseob Tark
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Seong Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-Safety Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Hwa Choi
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonsu Oh
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
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11
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Cho H, Banf M, Shahzad Z, Van Leene J, Bossi F, Ruffel S, Bouain N, Cao P, Krouk G, De Jaeger G, Lacombe B, Brandizzi F, Rhee SY, Rouached H. ARSK1 activates TORC1 signaling to adjust growth to phosphate availability in Arabidopsis. Curr Biol 2023; 33:1778-1786.e5. [PMID: 36963384 PMCID: PMC10175222 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient sensing and signaling are essential for adjusting growth and development to available resources. Deprivation of the essential mineral phosphorus (P) inhibits root growth.1 The molecular processes that sense P limitation to trigger early root growth inhibition are not known yet. Target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase is a central regulatory hub in eukaryotes to adapt growth to internal and external nutritional cues.2,3 How nutritional signals are transduced to TOR to control plant growth remains unclear. Here, we identify Arabidopsis-root-specific kinase 1 (ARSK1), which attenuates initial root growth inhibition in response to P limitation. We demonstrate that ARSK1 phosphorylates and stabilizes the regulatory-associated protein of TOR 1B (RAPTOR1B), a component of the TOR complex 1, to adjust root growth to P availability. These findings uncover signaling components acting upstream of TOR to balance growth to P availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huikyong Cho
- The Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Michael Banf
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Zaigham Shahzad
- Department of Life Sciences, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
| | - Jelle Van Leene
- Ghent University, Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Flavia Bossi
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sandrine Ruffel
- Institute for Plant Sciences of Montpellier, University Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Montpellier 34060, France
| | - Nadia Bouain
- Institute for Plant Sciences of Montpellier, University Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Montpellier 34060, France
| | - Pengfei Cao
- MSU DOE-Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Gabiel Krouk
- Institute for Plant Sciences of Montpellier, University Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Montpellier 34060, France
| | - Geert De Jaeger
- Ghent University, Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Benoit Lacombe
- Institute for Plant Sciences of Montpellier, University Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Montpellier 34060, France
| | - Federica Brandizzi
- MSU DOE-Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Seung Y Rhee
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Hatem Rouached
- The Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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12
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Guzmán-Benito I, Achkar NP, Bologna N, Ursache R. CRISPR/Cas-mediated inplanta gene targeting: current advances and challenges. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023:erad072. [PMID: 36861321 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We can use gene targeting (GT) to make modifications at a specific region in a plant's genome and create high-precision tools for plant biotechnology and breeding. However, its low efficiency is a major barrier to its use in plants. The discovery of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)-Cas-based site-specific nucleases capable of inducing double-strand breaks in desired loci resulted in the development of novel approaches for plant GT. Several studies have recently demonstrated improvements in GT efficiency through cell-type-specific expression of Cas nucleases, the use of self-amplified GT-vector DNA, or manipulation of RNA silencing and DNA repair pathways. In this review, we summarize recent advances in CRISPR/Cas-mediated GT in plants and discuss potential efficiency improvements. Increasing the efficiency of GT technology will help us pave the way for increased crop yields and food safety in environmentally friendly agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Guzmán-Benito
- The Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Natalia Patricia Achkar
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Nicolas Bologna
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Robertas Ursache
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
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13
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Wang X, Prokhnevsky AI, Skarjinskaia M, Razzak MA, Streatfield SJ, Lee J. Facilitating viral vector movement enhances heterologous protein production in an established plant system. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2023; 21:635-645. [PMID: 36511837 PMCID: PMC9946140 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Molecular farming technology using transiently transformed Nicotiana plants offers an economical approach to the pharmaceutical industry to produce an array of protein targets including vaccine antigens and therapeutics. It can serve as a desirable alternative approach for those proteins that are challenging or too costly to produce in large quantities using other heterologous protein expression systems. However, since cost metrics are such a critical factor in selecting a production host, any system-wide modifications that can increase recombinant protein yields are key to further improving the platform and making it applicable for a wider range of target molecules. Here, we report on the development of a new approach to improve target accumulation in an established plant-based expression system that utilizes viral-based vectors to mediate transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. We show that by engineering the host plant to support viral vectors to spread more effectively between host cells through plasmodesmata, protein target accumulation can be increased by up to approximately 60%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural ResourcesUniversity of DelawareDelawareNewarkUSA
- Present address:
Department of Plant Physiology and BiochemistryUniversity of HohenheimBaden‐WürttembergStuttgartGermany
| | | | - Marina Skarjinskaia
- Fraunhofer USA Inc.Center Mid‐Atlantic, Biotechnology DivisionDelawareNewarkUSA
| | - Md Abdur Razzak
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural ResourcesUniversity of DelawareDelawareNewarkUSA
| | | | - Jung‐Youn Lee
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural ResourcesUniversity of DelawareDelawareNewarkUSA
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and SciencesUniversity of DelawareDelawareNewarkUSA
- Delaware Biotechnology InstituteUniversity of DelawareDelawareNewarkUSA
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14
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Plant-Produced Mouse-Specific Zona Pellucida 3 Peptide Induces Immune Responses in Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11010153. [PMID: 36679998 PMCID: PMC9866649 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010153] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Contraceptive vaccines are designed to stimulate autoimmune responses to molecules involved in the reproductive process. A mouse-specific peptide from zona pellucida 3 (mZP3) has been proposed as a target epitope. Here, we employed a plant expression system for the production of glycosylated mZP3 and evaluated the immunogenicity of plant-produced mZP3-based antigens in a female BALB/c mouse model. In the mZP3-1 antigen, mZP3 fused with a T-cell epitope of tetanus toxoid, a histidine tag, and a SEKDEL sequence. A fusion antigen (GFP-mZP3-1) and a polypeptide antigen containing three repeats of mZP3 (mZP3-3) were also examined. Glycosylation of mZP3 should be achieved by targeting proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum. Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression of antigens resulted in successful production of mZP3 in Nicotiana benthamiana. Compared with mZP3-1, GFP-mZP3-1 and mZP3-3 increased the production of the mZP3 peptide by more than 20 and 25 times, respectively. The glycosylation of the proteins was indicated by their size and their binding to a carbohydrate-binding protein. Both plant-produced GFP-mZP3-1 and mZP3-3 antigens were immunogenic in mice; however, mZP3-3 generated significantly higher levels of serum antibodies against mZP3. Induced antibodies recognized native zona pellucida of wild mouse, and specific binding of antibodies to the oocytes was observed in immunohistochemical studies. Therefore, these preliminary results indicated that the plants can be an efficient system for the production of immunogenic mZP3 peptide, which may affect the fertility of wild mice.
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15
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Akbarimotlagh M, Azizi A, Shams-Bakhsh M, Jafari M, Ghasemzadeh A, Palukaitis P. Critical points for the design and application of RNA silencing constructs for plant virus resistance. Adv Virus Res 2023; 115:159-203. [PMID: 37173065 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2023.02.001] [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: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Control of plant virus diseases is a big challenge in agriculture as is resistance in plant lines to infection by viruses. Recent progress using advanced technologies has provided fast and durable alternatives. One of the most promising techniques against plant viruses that is cost-effective and environmentally safe is RNA silencing or RNA interference (RNAi), a technology that could be used alone or along with other control methods. To achieve the goals of fast and durable resistance, the expressed and target RNAs have been examined in many studies, with regard to the variability in silencing efficiency, which is regulated by various factors such as target sequences, target accessibility, RNA secondary structures, sequence variation in matching positions, and other intrinsic characteristics of various small RNAs. Developing a comprehensive and applicable toolbox for the prediction and construction of RNAi helps researchers to achieve the acceptable performance level of silencing elements. Although the attainment of complete prediction of RNAi robustness is not possible, as it also depends on the cellular genetic background and the nature of the target sequences, some important critical points have been discerned. Thus, the efficiency and robustness of RNA silencing against viruses can be improved by considering the various parameters of the target sequence and the construct design. In this review, we provide a comprehensive treatise regarding past, present and future prospective developments toward designing and applying RNAi constructs for resistance to plant viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Akbarimotlagh
- Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolbaset Azizi
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Masoud Shams-Bakhsh
- Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Jafari
- Department of Plant Protection, Higher Education Complex of Saravan, Saravan, Iran
| | - Aysan Ghasemzadeh
- Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Peter Palukaitis
- Department of Horticulture Sciences, Seoul Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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16
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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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17
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Design of a Diagnostic Immunoassay for Aflatoxin M1 Based on a Plant-Produced Antibody. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14120851. [PMID: 36548748 PMCID: PMC9781297 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14120851] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A new green competitive ELISA for aflatoxin M1 quantification in raw milk was developed. This diagnostic tool is based on an anti AFM1 mAb produced by plant molecular farming in alternative to classical systems. Our assay, showing an IC50 below 25 ng/L, fits with the requirements of EU legislation limits for AFM1 (50 ng/L). Optimal accuracy was achieved in correspondence of the decision levels (25 and 50 ng/L), and the assay enabled AFM1 quantification in the range 5-110 ng/L, with limit of detection 3 ng/L. Moreover, to evaluate a real applicability in diagnostics, raw milk-spiked samples were analysed, achieving satisfactory recovery rates of AFM1. In conclusion, an efficient and ready-to-use diagnostic assay for the quantification of aflatoxin M1 in milk, based on a plant-produced recombinant mAb, has been successfully developed.
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18
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Feng Z, Li X, Fan B, Zhu C, Chen Z. Maximizing the Production of Recombinant Proteins in Plants: From Transcription to Protein Stability. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13516. [PMID: 36362299 PMCID: PMC9659199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The production of therapeutic and industrial recombinant proteins in plants has advantages over established bacterial and mammalian systems in terms of cost, scalability, growth conditions, and product safety. In order to compete with these conventional expression systems, however, plant expression platforms must have additional economic advantages by demonstrating a high protein production yield with consistent quality. Over the past decades, important progress has been made in developing strategies to increase the yield of recombinant proteins in plants by enhancing their expression and reducing their degradation. Unlike bacterial and animal systems, plant expression systems can utilize not only cell cultures but also whole plants for the production of recombinant proteins. The development of viral vectors and chloroplast transformation has opened new strategies to drastically increase the yield of recombinant proteins from plants. The identification of promoters for strong, constitutive, and inducible promoters or the tissue-specific expression of transgenes allows for the production of recombinant proteins at high levels and for special purposes. Advances in the understanding of RNAi have led to effective strategies for reducing gene silencing and increasing recombinant protein production. An increased understanding of protein translation, quality control, trafficking, and degradation has also helped with the development of approaches to enhance the synthesis and stability of recombinant proteins in plants. In this review, we discuss the progress in understanding the processes that control the synthesis and degradation of gene transcripts and proteins, which underlie a variety of developed strategies aimed at maximizing recombinant protein production in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziru Feng
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xifeng Li
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Baofang Fan
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2054, USA
| | - Cheng Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Zhixiang Chen
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2054, USA
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19
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Hou HW, Bishop CA, Huckauf J, Broer I, Klaus S, Nausch H, Buyel JF. Seed- and leaf-based expression of FGF21-transferrin fusion proteins for oral delivery and treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:998596. [PMID: 36247628 PMCID: PMC9557105 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.998596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a global disease with no effective medication. The fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) can reverse this liver dysfunction, but requires targeted delivery to the liver, which can be achieved via oral administration. Therefore, we fused FGF21 to transferrin (Tf) via a furin cleavage site (F), to promote uptake from the intestine into the portal vein, yielding FGF21-F-Tf, and established its production in both seeds and leaves of commercial Nicotiana tabacum cultivars, compared their expression profile and tested the bioavailability and bioactivity in feeding studies. Since biopharmaceuticals need to be produced in a contained environment, e.g., greenhouses in case of plants, the seed production was increased in this setting from 239 to 380 g m-2 a-1 seed mass with costs of 1.64 € g-1 by side branch induction, whereas leaves yielded 8,193 g m-2 a-1 leave mass at 0.19 € g-1. FGF21-F-Tf expression in transgenic seeds and leaves yielded 6.7 and 5.6 mg kg-1 intact fusion protein, but also 4.5 and 2.3 mg kg-1 additional Tf degradation products. Removing the furin site and introducing the liver-targeting peptide PLUS doubled accumulation of intact FGF21-transferrin fusion protein when transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana from 0.8 to 1.6 mg kg-1, whereas truncation of transferrin (nTf338) and reversing the order of FGF21 and nTf338 increased the accumulation to 2.1 mg kg-1 and decreased the degradation products to 7% for nTf338-FGF21-PLUS. Application of partially purified nTf338-FGF21-PLUS to FGF21-/- mice by oral gavage proved its transfer from the intestine into the blood circulation and acutely affected hepatic mRNA expression. Hence, the medication of NASH via oral delivery of nTf338-FGF21-PLUS containing plants seems possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan-Wu Hou
- Department Bioprocess Engineering, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany
- Chair for Agrobiotechnology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Christopher A. Bishop
- Department of Physiology of Energy Metabolism, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Nuthetal, Germany
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Jana Huckauf
- Chair for Agrobiotechnology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Inge Broer
- Chair for Agrobiotechnology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Susanne Klaus
- Department of Physiology of Energy Metabolism, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Nuthetal, Germany
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Henrik Nausch
- Department Bioprocess Engineering, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany
| | - Johannes F. Buyel
- Department Bioprocess Engineering, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Institute of Bioprocess Science and Engineering (IBSE), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
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20
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Selma S, Gianoglio S, Uranga M, Vázquez‐Vilar M, Espinosa‐Ruiz A, Drapal M, Fraser PD, Daròs J, Orzáez D. Potato virus X-delivered CRISPR activation programs lead to strong endogenous gene induction and transient metabolic reprogramming in Nicotiana benthamiana. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 111:1550-1564. [PMID: 35822533 PMCID: PMC9541417 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Programmable transcriptional regulators based on CRISPR architecture are promising tools for the induction of plant gene expression. In plants, CRISPR gene activation is effective with respect to modulating development processes, such as the flowering time or customizing biochemical composition. The most widely used method for delivering CRISPR components into the plant is Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation, either transient or stable. However, as a result of their versatility and their ability to move, virus-derived systems have emerged as an interesting alternative for supplying the CRISPR components to the plant, in particular guide RNA (gRNA), which represents the variable component in CRISPR strategies. In the present study, we describe a Potato virus X-derived vector that, upon agroinfection in Nicotiana benthamiana, serves as a vehicle for delivery of gRNAs, producing highly specific virus-induced gene activation. The system works in combination with a N. benthamiana transgenic line carrying the remaining complementary CRISPR gene activation components, specifically the dCasEV2.1 cassette, which has been shown previously to mediate strong programmable transcriptional activation in plants. Using an easily scalable, non-invasive spraying method, we show that gRNA-mediated activation programs move locally and systemically, generating a strong activation response in different target genes. Furthermore, by activating three different endogenous MYB transcription factors, we demonstrate that this Potato virus X-based virus-induced gene reprogramming strategy results in program-specific metabolic fingerprints in N. benthamiana leaves characterized by distinctive phenylpropanoid-enriched metabolite profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Selma
- Instituto Biología Molecular y celular de PlantasCSIC‐Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValencia46022Spain
| | - Silvia Gianoglio
- Instituto Biología Molecular y celular de PlantasCSIC‐Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValencia46022Spain
| | - Mireia Uranga
- Instituto Biología Molecular y celular de PlantasCSIC‐Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValencia46022Spain
| | - Marta Vázquez‐Vilar
- Instituto Biología Molecular y celular de PlantasCSIC‐Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValencia46022Spain
| | - Ana Espinosa‐Ruiz
- Instituto Biología Molecular y celular de PlantasCSIC‐Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValencia46022Spain
| | | | | | - José‐Antonio Daròs
- Instituto Biología Molecular y celular de PlantasCSIC‐Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValencia46022Spain
| | - Diego Orzáez
- Instituto Biología Molecular y celular de PlantasCSIC‐Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValencia46022Spain
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21
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Enhanced Synthesis of Foreign Nuclear Protein Stimulates Viral Reproduction via the Induction of γ-Thionin Expression. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11121530. [PMID: 35736681 PMCID: PMC9229031 DOI: 10.3390/plants11121530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Plants are a promising platform for recombinant protein production. Here we propose a novel approach to increase the level of viral vector-mediated recombinant protein synthesis. This approach is based on the hypothesis that antiviral protection is weakened during the antibacterial cellular response. We suggested that introduced to the cell foreign nuclear localized proteins, including effectors such as bacterial nucleomodulins, can interfere with the import of cellular nuclear proteins and launch antibacterial defense reactions, creating favorable conditions for cytoplasmic virus reproduction. Here, we performed synthesis of an artificial nuclear protein—red fluorescent protein (mRFP) fused with a nuclear localization sequence (NLS)—in plant cells as a mimetic of a bacterial effector. Superproduction of mRFP:NLS induced Nicotiana benthamiana γ-thionin (NbγThio) mRNA accumulation. Both NLS-containing protein synthesis and increased NbγThio expression stimulated reproduction of the viral vector based on the genome of crucifer-infecting tobacco mosaic virus (crTMV) in N. benthamiana leaves. We isolated the NbγThio gene promoter (PrγThio) and showed that PrγThio activity sharply increased in response to massive synthesis of GFP fused with NLS. We conclude that NLS-induced PrγThio activation and increased accumulation of Nbγthio mRNA led to the stimulation of GFP expression from crTMV: GFP vector in the transient expression system.
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Paškevičius Š, Dapkutė V, Misiūnas A, Balzaris M, Thommes P, Sattar A, Gleba Y, Ražanskienė A. Chimeric bacteriocin S5-PmnH engineered by domain swapping efficiently controls Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in murine keratitis and lung models. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5865. [PMID: 35440606 PMCID: PMC9018753 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09865-8] [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: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rampant rise of multidrug resistant strains among Gram-negative bacteria has necessitated investigation of alternative antimicrobial agents with novel modes of action including antimicrobial proteins such as bacteriocins. The main hurdle in the clinical development of bacteriocin biologics is their narrow specificity and limited strain activity spectrum. Genome mining of bacteria for broadly active bacteriocins have identified a number of promising candidates but attempts to improve these natural multidomain proteins further, for example by combining domains of different origin, have so far met with limited success. We have found that domain swapping of Pseudomonas bacteriocins of porin type, when carried out between phylogenetically related molecules with similar mechanism of activity, allows the generation of highly active molecules with broader spectrum of activity, for example by abolishing strain resistance due to the presence of immunity proteins. The most broadly active chimera engineered in this study, S5-PmnH, exhibits excellent control of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in validated murine keratitis and lung infection models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Šarūnas Paškevičius
- Nomads UAB, Geležinio vilko 29A, 01112, Vilnius, Lithuania.,Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio al. 7, 10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Viktorija Dapkutė
- Nomads UAB, Geležinio vilko 29A, 01112, Vilnius, Lithuania.,Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio al. 7, 10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | | | - Pia Thommes
- Evotec (UK) Ltd., Block 23, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, Cheshire, UK
| | - Abdul Sattar
- Evotec (UK) Ltd., Block 23, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, Cheshire, UK
| | - Yuri Gleba
- Nomad Bioscience GmbH, Biozentrum Halle, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
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23
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Pizzio GA, Mayordomo C, Lozano-Juste J, Garcia-Carpintero V, Vazquez-Vilar M, Nebauer SG, Kaminski KP, Ivanov NV, Estevez JC, Rivera-Moreno M, Albert A, Orzaez D, Rodriguez PL. PYL1- and PYL8-like ABA Receptors of Nicotiana benthamiana Play a Key Role in ABA Response in Seed and Vegetative Tissue. Cells 2022; 11:795. [PMID: 35269417 PMCID: PMC8909036 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
To face the challenges of climate change and sustainable food production, it is essential to develop crop genome editing techniques to pinpoint key genes involved in abiotic stress signaling. The identification of those prevailing abscisic acid (ABA) receptors that mediate plant-environment interactions is quite challenging in polyploid plants because of the high number of genes in the PYR/PYL/RCAR ABA receptor family. Nicotiana benthamiana is a biotechnological crop amenable to genome editing, and given the importance of ABA signaling in coping with drought stress, we initiated the analysis of its 23-member family of ABA receptors through multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing. We generated several high-order mutants impaired in NbPYL1-like and NbPYL8-like receptors, which showed certain insensitivity to ABA for inhibition of seedling establishment, growth, and development of shoot and lateral roots as well as reduced sensitivity to the PYL1-agonist cyanabactin (CB). However, in these high-order mutants, regulation of transpiration was not affected and was responsive to ABA treatment. This reveals a robust and redundant control of transpiration in this allotetraploid plant that probably reflects its origin from the extreme habitat of central Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaston A. Pizzio
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, ES-46022 Valencia, Spain; (G.A.P.); (C.M.); (J.L.-J.); (V.G.-C.); (M.V.-V.); (D.O.)
| | - Cristian Mayordomo
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, ES-46022 Valencia, Spain; (G.A.P.); (C.M.); (J.L.-J.); (V.G.-C.); (M.V.-V.); (D.O.)
| | - Jorge Lozano-Juste
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, ES-46022 Valencia, Spain; (G.A.P.); (C.M.); (J.L.-J.); (V.G.-C.); (M.V.-V.); (D.O.)
| | - Victor Garcia-Carpintero
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, ES-46022 Valencia, Spain; (G.A.P.); (C.M.); (J.L.-J.); (V.G.-C.); (M.V.-V.); (D.O.)
| | - Marta Vazquez-Vilar
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, ES-46022 Valencia, Spain; (G.A.P.); (C.M.); (J.L.-J.); (V.G.-C.); (M.V.-V.); (D.O.)
| | - Sergio G. Nebauer
- Plant Production Department, Universitat Politècnica de València, ES-46022 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Kacper P. Kaminski
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jean Renaud 5, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland; (K.P.K.); (N.V.I.)
| | - Nikolai V. Ivanov
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jean Renaud 5, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland; (K.P.K.); (N.V.I.)
| | - Juan C. Estevez
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química e Bioloxía Molecular (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Maria Rivera-Moreno
- Instituto de Química-Física Rocasolano, Departamento de Cristalografía y Biología Estructural, CSIC, ES-28006 Madrid, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (A.A.)
| | - Armando Albert
- Instituto de Química-Física Rocasolano, Departamento de Cristalografía y Biología Estructural, CSIC, ES-28006 Madrid, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (A.A.)
| | - Diego Orzaez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, ES-46022 Valencia, Spain; (G.A.P.); (C.M.); (J.L.-J.); (V.G.-C.); (M.V.-V.); (D.O.)
| | - Pedro L. Rodriguez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, ES-46022 Valencia, Spain; (G.A.P.); (C.M.); (J.L.-J.); (V.G.-C.); (M.V.-V.); (D.O.)
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Tusé D, Malm M, Tamminen K, Diessner A, Thieme F, Jarczowski F, Blazevic V, Klimyuk V. Safety and immunogenicity studies in animal models support clinical development of a bivalent norovirus-like particle vaccine produced in plants. Vaccine 2022; 40:977-987. [PMID: 35063285 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Noroviruses (NoV) are the leading cause of epidemic acute gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. A safe and effective vaccine that prevents NoV infection or minimizes NoV disease burden is needed, especially for children and the elderly who are particularly susceptible to NoV disease. A plant-based expression system (magnICON®) was used to manufacture two different virus-like particle (VLP) immunogens derived from human NoV genogroups I and II, genotype 4 (GI.4 and GII.4), which were subsequently blended 1:1 (w/w) into a bivalent vaccine composition (rNV-2v). Here, we report on the safety and immunogenicity of rNV-2v from one pilot and two GLP-compliant toxicity studies in New Zealand White rabbits administered the vaccine subcutaneously (SC) or intramuscularly (IM). Strong genogroup-specific immune responses were induced by vaccination without adjuvant at various doses (200 to 400 μg VLP/administration) and administration schedules (Days 1 and 7; or Days 1, 15 and 29). The results showed sporadic local irritation at the injection site, which resolved over time, and was non-adverse and consistent with expected reactogenicity. There were no signs of systemic toxicity related to vaccine administration relative to vehicle-treated controls with respect to clinical chemistry, haematology, organ weights, macroscopic examinations, or histopathology. In a 3-administration regimen (n + 1 the clinical regimen), the NOAEL for rNV-2v via the SC or IM route was initially determined to be 200 μg. An improved GI.4 VLP variant mixed 1:1 (w/w) with the wild-type GII.4 VLP was subsequently evaluated via the IM route at a higher dose in the same 3-administration model, and the NOAEL was raised to 300 µg. Serology performed in samples of both toxicity studies showed significant and substantial anti-VLP-specific antibody titers for rNV-2v vaccines administered via the IM or SC route, as well as relevant NoV blocking antibody responses. These results support initiation of clinical development of the plant-made NoV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Tusé
- DT/Consulting Group, 2695 13(th) Street, Sacramento, CA 95818, USA
| | - Maria Malm
- Vaccine Research Center, University of Tampere, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Kirsi Tamminen
- Vaccine Research Center, University of Tampere, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - André Diessner
- Icon Genetics GmbH, a Denka Company, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Frank Thieme
- Icon Genetics GmbH, a Denka Company, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120 Halle, Germany
| | | | - Vesna Blazevic
- Vaccine Research Center, University of Tampere, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Victor Klimyuk
- Icon Genetics GmbH, a Denka Company, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120 Halle, Germany.
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25
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Xiao Y, Zhang J, Li Y, Hsiang T, Zhang X, Zhu Y, Du X, Yin J, Li J. An efficient overexpression method for studying genes in Ricinus that transport vectorized agrochemicals. PLANT METHODS 2022; 18:11. [PMID: 35081982 PMCID: PMC8793271 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-022-00842-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant plasma membrane transporters play essential roles during the translocation of vectorized agrochemicals. Therefore, transporters associated with phloem loading of vectorized agrochemicals have drawn increasing attention. As a model system, castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) has been widely used to detect the phloem mobility of agrochemicals. However, there is still a lack of an efficient protocol for the Ricinus seedling model system that can be directly used to investigate the recognition and phloem loading functions of plasmalemma transporters toward vectorized agrochemicals. RESULTS Here, using vacuum infiltration strategy, we overexpressed the coding gene for enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) in R. communis seedlings by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system. Strong fluorescence signals were observed in leaves, demonstrating that exogenous genes can be successfully overexpressed in seedlings. Subsequently, gene expression time and vacuum infiltration parameters were optimized. Observation of fluorescence and qRT-PCR analysis showed that eGFP strength and expression level reached a peak at 72 h after overexpression in seedlings. Parameter optimization showed Agrobacterium concentration at OD600 = 1.2, and infiltration for 20 min (0.09 MPa), return to atmospheric pressure, and then infiltration for another 20 min, were the suitable transformation conditions. To test the application of vacuum agroinfiltration in directly examining the loading functions of plasma membrane transporters to vectorized agrochemicals in seedlings, two LHT (lysine/histidine transporter) genes, RcLHT1 and RcLHT7, were overexpressed. Subcellular localization showed the strong fluorescent signals of the fusion proteins RcLHT1-eGFP and RcLHT7-eGFP were observed on the cell membrane of mesophyll cells, and their relative expression levels determined by qRT-PCR were up-regulated 47- and 52-fold, respectively. Furthermore, the concentrations of L-Val-PCA (L-valine-phenazine-1-carboxylic acid conjugate) in phloem sap collected from seedling sieve tubes were significantly increased 1.9- and 2.3-fold after overexpression of RcLHT1 and RcLHT7, respectively, implying their roles in recognition and phloem loading of L-Val-PCA. CONCLUSIONS We successfully constructed a transient expression system in Ricinus seedlings and laid the foundation for researchers to directly investigate the loading functions of plasma membrane transporters to vectorized agrochemicals in the Ricinus system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxin Xiao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Waterlogging Disaster and Agricultural Use of Wetland/Institute of Pesticides/College of Agriculture/College of Life Science/College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Jinying Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Waterlogging Disaster and Agricultural Use of Wetland/Institute of Pesticides/College of Agriculture/College of Life Science/College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Yiting Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Waterlogging Disaster and Agricultural Use of Wetland/Institute of Pesticides/College of Agriculture/College of Life Science/College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Tom Hsiang
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Xingping Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Waterlogging Disaster and Agricultural Use of Wetland/Institute of Pesticides/College of Agriculture/College of Life Science/College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Yongxing Zhu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Waterlogging Disaster and Agricultural Use of Wetland/Institute of Pesticides/College of Agriculture/College of Life Science/College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoying Du
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Waterlogging Disaster and Agricultural Use of Wetland/Institute of Pesticides/College of Agriculture/College of Life Science/College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Junliang Yin
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Waterlogging Disaster and Agricultural Use of Wetland/Institute of Pesticides/College of Agriculture/College of Life Science/College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, Hubei, China.
| | - Junkai Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Waterlogging Disaster and Agricultural Use of Wetland/Institute of Pesticides/College of Agriculture/College of Life Science/College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, Hubei, China.
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26
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Monreal-Escalante E, Ramos-Vega A, Angulo C, Bañuelos-Hernández B. Plant-Based Vaccines: Antigen Design, Diversity, and Strategies for High Level Production. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:100. [PMID: 35062761 PMCID: PMC8782010 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines for human use have conventionally been developed by the production of (1) microbial pathogens in eggs or mammalian cells that are then inactivated, or (2) by the production of pathogen proteins in mammalian and insect cells that are purified for vaccine formulation, as well as, more recently, (3) by using RNA or DNA fragments from pathogens. Another approach for recombinant antigen production in the last three decades has been the use of plants as biofactories. Only have few plant-produced vaccines been evaluated in clinical trials to fight against diseases, of which COVID-19 vaccines are the most recent to be FDA approved. In silico tools have accelerated vaccine design, which, combined with transitory antigen expression in plants, has led to the testing of promising prototypes in pre-clinical and clinical trials. Therefore, this review deals with a description of immunoinformatic tools and plant genetic engineering technologies used for antigen design (virus-like particles (VLP), subunit vaccines, VLP chimeras) and the main strategies for high antigen production levels. These key topics for plant-made vaccine development are discussed and perspectives are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Monreal-Escalante
- Immunology and Vaccinology Group, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Instituto PoliItécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz 23096, BCS, Mexico; (A.R.-V.); (C.A.)
- CONACYT—Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz 23096, BCS, Mexico
| | - Abel Ramos-Vega
- Immunology and Vaccinology Group, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Instituto PoliItécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz 23096, BCS, Mexico; (A.R.-V.); (C.A.)
| | - Carlos Angulo
- Immunology and Vaccinology Group, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Instituto PoliItécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz 23096, BCS, Mexico; (A.R.-V.); (C.A.)
| | - Bernardo Bañuelos-Hernández
- Escuela de Veterinaria, Universidad De La Salle Bajío, Avenida Universidad 602, Lomas del Campestre, Leon 37150, GTO, Mexico
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27
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Gong Z, Cheng M, Botella JR. Non-GM Genome Editing Approaches in Crops. Front Genome Ed 2022; 3:817279. [PMID: 34977860 PMCID: PMC8715957 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2021.817279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing technologies have the potential to fast-track large-scale crop breeding programs. However, the rigid cell wall limits the delivery of CRISPR/Cas components into plant cells, decreasing genome editing efficiency. Established methods, such as Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated or biolistic transformation have been used to integrate genetic cassettes containing CRISPR components into the plant genome. Although efficient, these methods pose several problems, including 1) The transformation process requires laborious and time-consuming tissue culture and regeneration steps; 2) many crop species and elite varieties are recalcitrant to transformation; 3) The segregation of transgenes in vegetatively propagated or highly heterozygous crops, such as pineapple, is either difficult or impossible; and 4) The production of a genetically modified first generation can lead to public controversy and onerous government regulations. The development of transgene-free genome editing technologies can address many problems associated with transgenic-based approaches. Transgene-free genome editing have been achieved through the delivery of preassembled CRISPR/Cas ribonucleoproteins, although its application is limited. The use of viral vectors for delivery of CRISPR/Cas components has recently emerged as a powerful alternative but it requires further exploration. In this review, we discuss the different strategies, principles, applications, and future directions of transgene-free genome editing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Gong
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ming Cheng
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jose R Botella
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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28
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Mortensen S, Cole LF, Bernal-Franco D, Sathitloetsakun S, Cram EJ, Lee-Parsons CWT. EASI Transformation Protocol: An Agrobacterium-Mediated Transient Transformation Protocol for Catharanthus roseus Seedlings. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2505:249-262. [PMID: 35732950 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2349-7_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Catharanthus roseus produces medicinal terpenoid indole alkaloids, including the critical anti-cancer compounds vinblastine and vincristine in its leaves. Recently, we developed a highly efficient transient expression method relying on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of seedlings to facilitate rapid and high-throughput studies on the regulation of terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis in C. roseus . We detail our optimized protocol known as efficient Agrobacterium-mediated seedling infiltration method (EASI), including the development of constructs used in EASI and an example experimental design that includes appropriate controls. We applied our EASI method to rapidly screen and evaluate transcriptional activators and repressors and promoter activity. Our EASI method can be used for promoter transactivation studies or transgene overexpression paired with downstream analyses like quantitative PCR or metabolite analysis. Our protocol takes about 16 days from sowing seeds to obtaining the results of the experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren F Cole
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diana Bernal-Franco
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suphinya Sathitloetsakun
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erin J Cram
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carolyn W T Lee-Parsons
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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29
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Kang H, Kim D, Min K, Park M, Kim SH, Sohn EJ, Choi BH, Hwang I. Recombinant proteins of spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 with the Omicron receptor-binding domain induce production of highly Omicron-specific neutralizing antibodies. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2022; 11:285-289. [DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2022.11.3.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hyangju Kang
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Technopark Complex, Pohang, Korea
| | - Daniel Kim
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Technopark Complex, Pohang, Korea
| | - Kyungmin Min
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Technopark Complex, Pohang, Korea
| | - Minhee Park
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Technopark Complex, Pohang, Korea
| | | | - Eun-Ju Sohn
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Technopark Complex, Pohang, Korea
| | - Bo-Hwa Choi
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Technopark Complex, Pohang, Korea
| | - Inhwan Hwang
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
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Mardanova ES, Kotlyarov RY, Ravin NV. High-Yield Production of Receptor Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 Linked to Bacterial Flagellin in Plants Using Self-Replicating Viral Vector pEff. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:plants10122682. [PMID: 34961153 PMCID: PMC8708900 DOI: 10.3390/plants10122682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of recombinant vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 is required to eliminate the COVID-19 pandemic. We reported the expression of a recombinant protein Flg-RBD comprising receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (RBD) fused to flagellin of Salmonella typhimurium (Flg), known as mucosal adjuvant, in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The fusion protein, targeted to the cytosol, was transiently expressed using the self-replicating vector pEff based on potato virus X genome. The recombinant protein Flg-RBD was expressed at the level of about 110-140 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue and was found to be insoluble. The fusion protein was purified using metal affinity chromatography under denaturing conditions. To increase the yield of Flg-RBD, the flow-through fraction obtained after loading of the protein sample on the Ni-NTA resin was re-loaded on the sorbent. The yield of Flg-RBD after purification reached about 100 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue and the purified protein remained soluble after dialysis. The control flagellin was expressed in a soluble form and its yield after purification was about 300 μg per gram of fresh leaf biomass. Plant-produced Flg-RBD protein could be further used for the development of intranasal recombinant mucosal vaccines against COVID-19.
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Hexavalent sperm-binding IgG antibody released from vaginal film for development of potent on-demand nonhormonal female contraception. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2107832118. [PMID: 34815336 PMCID: PMC8640842 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2107832118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended due to millions of women avoiding available hormonal contraceptive methods as a result of real and/or perceived side effects associated with the use of exogenous hormones. Topical vaginal delivery of antisperm monoclonal antibodies that could agglutinate sperm into clusters too large to penetrate mucus and prevent sperm from reaching the egg represents a potentially safe and potent mechanism for nonhormonal contraception. We report here the engineering of a vaginal film loaded with hexavalent (i.e., 6 Fab) antisperm IgG, made using GMP manufacturing processes, that possesses significantly superior agglutination potency than the parent IgG, enabling potent on-demand nonhormonal contraception via effectively agglutinating all human sperm within minutes. Nonhormonal products for on-demand contraception are a global health technology gap; this unmet need motivated us to pursue the use of sperm-binding monoclonal antibodies to enable effective on-demand contraception. Here, using the cGMP-compliant Nicotiana-expression system, we produced an ultrapotent sperm-binding IgG antibody possessing 6 Fab arms per molecule that bind a well-established contraceptive antigen target, CD52g. We term this hexavalent antibody “Fab-IgG-Fab” (FIF). The Nicotiana-produced FIF had at least 10-fold greater sperm-agglutination potency and kinetics than the parent IgG, while preserving Fc-mediated trapping of individual spermatozoa in mucus. We formulated the Nicotiana-produced FIF into a polyvinyl alcohol–based water-soluble contraceptive film and evaluated its potency in reducing progressively motile sperm in the sheep vagina. Two minutes after vaginal instillation of human semen, no progressively motile sperm were recovered from the vaginas of sheep receiving FIF Film. Our work supports the potential of multivalent contraceptive antibodies to provide safe, effective, on-demand nonhormonal contraception.
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Peterson A, Kishchenko O, Zhou Y, Vasylenko M, Giritch A, Sun J, Borisjuk N, Kuchuk M. Robust Agrobacterium-Mediated Transient Expression in Two Duckweed Species (Lemnaceae) Directed by Non-replicating, Replicating, and Cell-to-Cell Spreading Vectors. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:5. [PMID: 34805101 PMCID: PMC8600122 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.761073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-based transient expression systems have recognized potential for use as rapid and cost-effective alternatives to expression systems based on bacteria, yeast, insect, or mammalian cells. The free-floating aquatic plants of the Lemnaceae family (duckweed) have compact architecture and can be vegetatively propagated on low-cost nutrient solutions in aseptic conditions. These features provide an economically feasible opportunity for duckweed-based production of high-value products via transient expression of recombinant products in fully contained, controlled, aseptic and bio-safe conditions in accordance with the requirements for pharmaceutical manufacturing and environmental biosafety. Here, we demonstrated Agrobacterium-mediated high-yield transient expression of a reporter green fluorescent protein using deconstructed vectors based on potato virus X and sweet potato leaf curl virus, as well as conventional binary vectors, in two representatives of the Lemnaceae (Spirodela polyrhiza and Landoltia punctata). Aseptically cultivated duckweed populations yielded reporter protein accumulation of >1 mg/g fresh biomass, when the protein was expressed from a deconstructed potato virus X-based vector, which is capable of replication and cell-to-cell movement of the replicons in duckweed. The expression efficiency demonstrated here places duckweed among the most efficient host organisms for plant-based transient expression systems, with the additional benefits of easy scale-up and full containment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Peterson
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai'an, China.,Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering, National Academy of Science of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Olena Kishchenko
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai'an, China.,Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering, National Academy of Science of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Yuzhen Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai'an, China
| | - Maksym Vasylenko
- Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering, National Academy of Science of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Jian Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Nikolai Borisjuk
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai'an, China
| | - Mykola Kuchuk
- Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering, National Academy of Science of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
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Long-Term Potato Virus X (PVX)-Based Transient Expression of Recombinant GFP Protein in Nicotiana benthamiana Culture In Vitro. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10102187. [PMID: 34685995 PMCID: PMC8537016 DOI: 10.3390/plants10102187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Plant molecular farming has a great potential to produce valuable proteins. Transient expression technology provides high yields of recombinant proteins in greenhouse-grown plants, but every plant must be artificially agroinfiltrated, and open greenhouse systems are less controlled. Here, we propose to propagate agrobacteria-free plants with high-efficient long-term self-replicated transient gene expression in a well-controlled closed in vitro system. Nicotiana benthamiana plant tissue culture in vitro, with transient expression of recombinant GFP, was obtained through shoot induction from leaf explants infected by a PVX-based vector. The transient expression occurs in new tissues and regenerants due to the natural systemic distribution of viral RNA carrying the target gene. Gene silencing was delayed in plants grown in vitro, and GFP was detected in plants for five to six months. Agrobacteria-free, GFP-expressing plants can be micropropagated in vitro (avoiding an agroinfiltration step), "rejuvenated" through regeneration (maintaining culture for years), or transferred in soil. The mean GFP in the regenerants was 18% of the total soluble proteins (TSP) (0.52 mg/g of fresh leaf weight (FW). The highest value reached 47% TSP (2 mg/g FW). This study proposes a new method for recombinant protein production combining the advantages of transient expression technology and closed cultural systems.
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Üzülmez Ö, Kalic T, Mayr V, Lengger N, Tscheppe A, Radauer C, Hafner C, Hemmer W, Breiteneder H. The Major Peanut Allergen Ara h 2 Produced in Nicotiana benthamiana Contains Hydroxyprolines and Is a Viable Alternative to the E. Coli Product in Allergy Diagnosis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:723363. [PMID: 34671372 PMCID: PMC8522509 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.723363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Peanut allergy is a potentially life-threatening disease that is mediated by allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. The major peanut allergen Ara h 2, a 2S albumin seed storage protein, is one of the most dangerous and potent plant allergens. Ara h 2 is posttranslationally modified to harbor four disulfide bridges and three hydroxyprolines. These hydroxyproline residues are required for optimal IgE-binding to the DPYSPOHS motifs representing an immunodominant IgE epitope. So far, recombinant Ara h 2 has been produced in Escherichia coli, Lactococcus lactis, Trichoplusia ni insect cell, and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplast expression systems, which were all incapable of proline hydroxylation. However, molecular diagnosis of peanut allergy is performed using either natural or E. coli-produced major peanut allergens. As IgE from the majority of patients is directed to Ara h 2, it is of great importance that the recombinant Ara h 2 harbors all of its eukaryotic posttranslational modifications. We produced hydroxyproline-containing and correctly folded Ara h 2 in the endoplasmic reticulum of leaf cells of Nicotiana benthamiana plants, using the plant virus-based magnICON® transient expression system with a yield of 200 mg/kg fresh biomass. To compare prokaryotic with eukaryotic expression methods, Ara h 2 was expressed in E. coli together with the disulfide-bond isomerase DsbC and thus harbored disulfide bridges but no hydroxyprolines. The recombinant allergens from N. benthamiana and E. coli were characterized and compared to the natural Ara h 2 isolated from roasted peanuts. Natural Ara h 2 outperformed both recombinant proteins in IgE-binding and activation of basophils via IgE cross-linking, the latter indicating the potency of the allergen. Interestingly, significantly more efficient IgE cross-linking by the N. benthamiana-produced allergen was observed in comparison to the one induced by the E. coli product. Ara h 2 from N. benthamiana plants displayed a higher similarity to the natural allergen in terms of basophil activation due to the presence of hydroxyproline residues, supporting so far published data on their contribution to the immunodominant IgE epitope. Our study advocates the use of N. benthamiana plants instead of prokaryotic expression hosts for the production of the major peanut allergen Ara h 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Öykü Üzülmez
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tanja Kalic
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital St. Pölten, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, St. Pölten, Austria
| | - Vanessa Mayr
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nina Lengger
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelika Tscheppe
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Radauer
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Hafner
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital St. Pölten, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, St. Pölten, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Dermatological Research, St. Pölten, Austria
| | | | - Heimo Breiteneder
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Dobrica M, van Eerde A, Tucureanu C, Onu A, Paruch L, Caras I, Vlase E, Steen H, Haugslien S, Alonzi D, Zitzmann N, Bock R, Dubuisson J, Popescu C, Stavaru C, Liu Clarke J, Branza‐Nichita N. Hepatitis C virus E2 envelope glycoprotein produced in Nicotiana benthamiana triggers humoral response with virus-neutralizing activity in vaccinated mice. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 19:2027-2039. [PMID: 34002936 PMCID: PMC8486241 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a leading cause of liver-related pathologies and a global health problem, currently affecting more than 71 million people worldwide. The development of a prophylactic vaccine is much needed to complement the effective antiviral treatment available and achieve HCV eradication. Current strategies focus on increasing the immunogenicity of the HCV envelope glycoprotein E2, the major target of virus-neutralizing antibodies, by testing various expression systems or manipulating the protein conformation and the N-glycosylation pattern. Here we report the first evidence of successful production of the full-length HCV E2 glycoprotein in Nicotiana benthamiana, by using the Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression technology. Molecular and functional analysis showed that the viral protein was correctly processed in plant cells and achieved the native folding required for binding to CD81, one of the HCV receptors. N-glycan analysis of HCV-E2 produced in N. benthamiana and mammalian cells indicated host-specific trimming of mannose residues and possibly, protein trafficking. Notably, the plant-derived viral antigen triggered a significant immune response in vaccinated mice, characterized by the presence of antibodies with HCV-neutralizing activity. Together, our study demonstrates that N. benthamiana is a viable alternative to costly mammalian cell cultures for the expression of complex viral antigens and supports the use of plants as cost-effective production platforms for the development of HCV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Catalin Tucureanu
- Cantacuzino” Medico‐Military National Research InstituteBucharestRomania
| | - Adrian Onu
- Cantacuzino” Medico‐Military National Research InstituteBucharestRomania
| | - Lisa Paruch
- NIBIO ‐ Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy ResearchÅsNorway
| | - Iuliana Caras
- Cantacuzino” Medico‐Military National Research InstituteBucharestRomania
| | - Ene Vlase
- Cantacuzino” Medico‐Military National Research InstituteBucharestRomania
| | - Hege Steen
- NIBIO ‐ Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy ResearchÅsNorway
| | | | - Dominic Alonzi
- Oxford Glycobiology InstituteDepartment of BiochemistryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Nicole Zitzmann
- Oxford Glycobiology InstituteDepartment of BiochemistryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Ralph Bock
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant PhysiologyPotsdam‐GolmGermany
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- Université LilleCNRSINSERMCHU LilleInstitut Pasteur de LilleU1019‐UMR 9017‐CIIL‐Center for Infection and Immunity of LilleLilleFrance
| | | | - Crina Stavaru
- Cantacuzino” Medico‐Military National Research InstituteBucharestRomania
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Nosaki S, Hoshikawa K, Ezura H, Miura K. Transient protein expression systems in plants and their applications. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY (TOKYO, JAPAN) 2021; 38:297-304. [PMID: 34782815 PMCID: PMC8562577 DOI: 10.5511/plantbiotechnology.21.0610a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The production of recombinant proteins is important in academic research to identify protein functions. Moreover, recombinant enzymes are used in the food and chemical industries, and high-quality proteins are required for diagnostic, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical applications. Though many recombinant proteins are produced by microbial or mammalian cell-based expression systems, plants have been promoted as alternative, cost-effective, scalable, safe, and sustainable expression systems. The development and improvement of transient expression systems have significantly reduced the period of protein production and increased the yield of recombinant proteins in plants. In this review, we consider the importance of plant-based expression systems for recombinant protein production and as genetic engineering tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Nosaki
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
- Tsukuba-Plant Innovation Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Ken Hoshikawa
- Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8686, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ezura
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
- Tsukuba-Plant Innovation Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Kenji Miura
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
- Tsukuba-Plant Innovation Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
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Maharjan PM, Choe S. Plant-Based COVID-19 Vaccines: Current Status, Design, and Development Strategies of Candidate Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:992. [PMID: 34579229 PMCID: PMC8473425 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9090992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in its second year has led to massive global human and economic losses. The high transmission rate and the emergence of diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants demand rapid and effective approaches to preventing the spread, diagnosing on time, and treating affected people. Several COVID-19 vaccines are being developed using different production systems, including plants, which promises the production of cheap, safe, stable, and effective vaccines. The potential of a plant-based system for rapid production at a commercial scale and for a quick response to an infectious disease outbreak has been demonstrated by the marketing of carrot-cell-produced taliglucerase alfa (Elelyso) for Gaucher disease and tobacco-produced monoclonal antibodies (ZMapp) for the 2014 Ebola outbreak. Currently, two plant-based COVID-19 vaccine candidates, coronavirus virus-like particle (CoVLP) and Kentucky Bioprocessing (KBP)-201, are in clinical trials, and many more are in the preclinical stage. Interim phase 2 clinical trial results have revealed the high safety and efficacy of the CoVLP vaccine, with 10 times more neutralizing antibody responses compared to those present in a convalescent patient's plasma. The clinical trial of the CoVLP vaccine could be concluded by the end of 2021, and the vaccine could be available for public immunization thereafter. This review encapsulates the efforts made in plant-based COVID-19 vaccine development, the strategies and technologies implemented, and the progress accomplished in clinical trials and preclinical studies so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puna Maya Maharjan
- G+FLAS Life Sciences, 123 Uiryodanji-gil, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si 28161, Korea;
| | - Sunghwa Choe
- G+FLAS Life Sciences, 38 Nakseongdae-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08790, Korea
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
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Maharjan PM, Cheon J, Jung J, Kim H, Lee J, Song M, Jeong GU, Kwon Y, Shim B, Choe S. Plant-Expressed Receptor Binding Domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Elicits Humoral Immunity in Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:978. [PMID: 34579215 PMCID: PMC8472882 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9090978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The current 15-month coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has accounted for 3.77 million deaths and enormous worldwide social and economic losses. A high volume of vaccine production is urgently required to eliminate COVID-19. Inexpensive and robust production platforms will improve the distribution of vaccines to resource-limited countries. Plant species offer such platforms, particularly through the production of recombinant proteins to serve as immunogens. To achieve this goal, here we expressed the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein in the glycoengineered-tobacco plant Nicotiana benthamiana to provide a candidate subunit vaccine. This recombinant RBD elicited humoral immunity in mice via induction of highly neutralizing antibodies. These findings provide a strong foundation to further advance the development of plant-expressed RBD antigens for use as an effective, safe, and inexpensive SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Moreover, our study further highlights the utility of plant species for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puna Maya Maharjan
- G+FLAS Life Sciences, 123 Uiryodanji-gil, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si 28161, Korea; (P.M.M.); (J.L.); (M.S.)
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jinyeong Cheon
- G+FLAS Life Sciences, 38 Nakseongdae-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08790, Korea; (J.C.); (J.J.); (H.K.)
| | - Jiyun Jung
- G+FLAS Life Sciences, 38 Nakseongdae-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08790, Korea; (J.C.); (J.J.); (H.K.)
| | - Haerim Kim
- G+FLAS Life Sciences, 38 Nakseongdae-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08790, Korea; (J.C.); (J.J.); (H.K.)
| | - Jaewon Lee
- G+FLAS Life Sciences, 123 Uiryodanji-gil, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si 28161, Korea; (P.M.M.); (J.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Minjeong Song
- G+FLAS Life Sciences, 123 Uiryodanji-gil, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si 28161, Korea; (P.M.M.); (J.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Gi Uk Jeong
- Center for Convergent Research for Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (G.U.J.); (Y.K.)
| | - Youngchan Kwon
- Center for Convergent Research for Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (G.U.J.); (Y.K.)
| | - Byoungshik Shim
- International Vaccine Institute, SNU Research Park, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea;
| | - Sunghwa Choe
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
- G+FLAS Life Sciences, 38 Nakseongdae-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08790, Korea; (J.C.); (J.J.); (H.K.)
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Shin YJ, König-Beihammer J, Vavra U, Schwestka J, Kienzl NF, Klausberger M, Laurent E, Grünwald-Gruber C, Vierlinger K, Hofner M, Margolin E, Weinhäusel A, Stöger E, Mach L, Strasser R. N-Glycosylation of the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain Is Important for Functional Expression in Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:689104. [PMID: 34211491 PMCID: PMC8239413 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.689104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Nicotiana benthamiana is used worldwide as production host for recombinant proteins. Many recombinant proteins such as monoclonal antibodies, growth factors or viral antigens require posttranslational modifications like glycosylation for their function. Here, we transiently expressed different variants of the glycosylated receptor binding domain (RBD) from the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in N. benthamiana. We characterized the impact of variations in RBD-length and posttranslational modifications on protein expression, yield and functionality. We found that a truncated RBD variant (RBD-215) consisting of amino acids Arg319-Leu533 can be efficiently expressed as a secreted soluble protein. Purified RBD-215 was mainly present as a monomer and showed binding to the conformation-dependent antibody CR3022, the cellular receptor angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and to antibodies present in convalescent sera. Expression of RBD-215 in glycoengineered ΔXT/FT plants resulted in the generation of complex N-glycans on both N-glycosylation sites. While site-directed mutagenesis showed that the N-glycans are important for proper RBD folding, differences in N-glycan processing had no effect on protein expression and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ji Shin
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia König-Beihammer
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Vavra
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jennifer Schwestka
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nikolaus F. Kienzl
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Miriam Klausberger
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Laurent
- Department of Biotechnology, Core Facility Biomolecular and Cellular Analysis, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Grünwald-Gruber
- Department of Chemistry, Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klemens Vierlinger
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuela Hofner
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emmanuel Margolin
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andreas Weinhäusel
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Stöger
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Mach
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
Transient protein expression in plant cells is less time consuming than the production of whole transgenic plants. For transient expression, agroinfiltration is a simple and effective method to deliver transgenes into plant cells. After an Agrobacterium infection, recombinant proteins can be produced in plant cells from 3 to 10days. To increase protein yield, a deconstructed viral vector has been used. This chapter provides a detailed description of the transient expression of recombinant proteins in a well-developed host strain of Nicotiana benthamiana. This study also describes the necessary steps for the extraction of soluble proteins from agroinfiltrated leaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Nosaki
- Tsukuba-Plant Innovation Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kenji Miura
- Tsukuba-Plant Innovation Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.
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Bellucci M, Pompa A, De Marcos Lousa C, Panfili E, Orecchini E, Maricchiolo E, Fraternale D, Orabona C, De Marchis F, Pallotta MT. Human Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) Expressed in Plant Cells Induces Kynurenine Production. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5102. [PMID: 34065885 PMCID: PMC8151846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering of plants has turned out to be an attractive approach to produce various secondary metabolites. Here, we attempted to produce kynurenine, a health-promoting metabolite, in plants of Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) transformed by Agrobacterium tumefaciens with the gene, coding for human indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), an enzyme responsible for the kynurenine production because of tryptophan degradation. The presence of IDO1 gene in transgenic plants was confirmed by PCR, but the protein failed to be detected. To confer higher stability to the heterologous human IDO1 protein and to provide a more sensitive method to detect the protein of interest, we cloned a gene construct coding for IDO1-GFP. Analysis of transiently transfected tobacco protoplasts demonstrated that the IDO1-GFP gene led to the expression of a detectable protein and to the production of kynurenine in the protoplast medium. Interestingly, the intracellular localisation of human IDO1 in plant cells is similar to that found in mammal cells, mainly in cytosol, but in early endosomes as well. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the expression of human IDO1 enzyme capable of secreting kynurenines in plant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Bellucci
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council of Italy, 06128 Perugia, Italy; (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrea Pompa
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council of Italy, 06128 Perugia, Italy; (M.B.); (A.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (E.M.); (D.F.)
| | - Carine De Marcos Lousa
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Clinical and Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS13HE, UK;
- Centre for Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS29JT, UK
| | - Eleonora Panfili
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06128 Perugia, Italy; (E.P.); (E.O.); (C.O.)
| | - Elena Orecchini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06128 Perugia, Italy; (E.P.); (E.O.); (C.O.)
| | - Elisa Maricchiolo
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (E.M.); (D.F.)
| | - Daniele Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (E.M.); (D.F.)
| | - Ciriana Orabona
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06128 Perugia, Italy; (E.P.); (E.O.); (C.O.)
| | - Francesca De Marchis
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council of Italy, 06128 Perugia, Italy; (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Teresa Pallotta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06128 Perugia, Italy; (E.P.); (E.O.); (C.O.)
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42
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Kelada KD, Tusé D, Gleba Y, McDonald KA, Nandi S. Process Simulation and Techno-Economic Analysis of Large-Scale Bioproduction of Sweet Protein Thaumatin II. Foods 2021; 10:838. [PMID: 33921374 PMCID: PMC8069865 DOI: 10.3390/foods10040838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There are currently worldwide efforts to reduce sugar intake due to the various adverse health effects linked with the overconsumption of sugars. Artificial sweeteners have been used as an alternative to nutritive sugars in numerous applications; however, their long-term effects on human health remain controversial. This led to a shift in consumer preference towards non-caloric sweeteners from natural sources. Thaumatins are a class of intensely sweet proteins found in arils of the fruits of the West-African plant Thaumatococcus daniellii. Thaumatins' current production method through aqueous extraction from this plant and uncertainty of the harvest from tropical rainforests limits its supply while the demand is increasing. Despite successful recombinant expression of the protein in several organisms, no large-scale bioproduction facilities exist. We present preliminary process design, process simulation, and economic analysis for a large-scale (50 metric tons/year) production of a thaumatin II variant using several different molecular farming platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirolos D. Kelada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (K.D.K.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Daniel Tusé
- DT/Consulting Group, Sacramento, CA 95818, USA;
| | - Yuri Gleba
- Nomad Bioscience GmbH, 06120 Halle, Germany;
| | - Karen A. McDonald
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (K.D.K.); (K.A.M.)
- Global HealthShare® Initiative, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Somen Nandi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (K.D.K.); (K.A.M.)
- Global HealthShare® Initiative, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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43
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Yuan S, Kawasaki S, Abdellatif IMY, Nishida K, Kondo A, Ariizumi T, Ezura H, Miura K. Efficient base editing in tomato using a highly expressed transient system. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2021; 40:667-676. [PMID: 33550455 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-021-02662-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Base editing in tomatoes was achieved by transient expression. The Solanaceae plants, particularly the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), is of huge economic value worldwide. The tomato is a unique model plant for studying the functions of genes related to fruit ripening. Deeper understanding of tomatoes is of great importance for both plant research and the economy. Genome editing technology, such as CRISPR/Cas9, has been used for functional genetic research. However, some challenges, such as low transformation efficiency, remain with this technology. Moreover, the foreign Cas9 and gRNA expression cassettes must be removed to obtain null-segregants In this study, we used a high-level transient expression system to improve the base editing technology. A high-level transient expression system has been established previously using geminiviral replication and a double terminator. The pBYR2HS vector was used for this transient expression system. nCas9-CDA and sgRNA-SlHWS were introduced into this vector, and the protein and RNA were then transiently expressed in tomato tissues by agroinfiltration. The homozygous mutant produced by base editing was obtained in the next generation with an efficiency of about 18%. nCas9-free next-generation plants were 71%. All the homozygous base-edited plants in next generation are nCas9-free. These findings show that the high-level transient expression system is useful for base editing in tomatoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoze Yuan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kawasaki
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Islam M Y Abdellatif
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Keiji Nishida
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Tohru Ariizumi
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
- Tsukuba-Plant Innovation Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ezura
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
- Tsukuba-Plant Innovation Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Kenji Miura
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan.
- Tsukuba-Plant Innovation Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan.
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44
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McNulty MJ, Xiong YM, Yates K, Karuppanan K, Hilzinger JM, Berliner AJ, Delzio J, Arkin AP, Lane NE, Nandi S, McDonald KA. Molecular pharming to support human life on the moon, mars, and beyond. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 41:849-864. [PMID: 33715563 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1888070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Space missions have always assumed that the risk of spacecraft malfunction far outweighs the risk of human system failure. This assumption breaks down for longer duration exploration missions and exposes vulnerabilities in space medical systems. Space agencies can no longer reduce the majority of the human health and performance risks through crew members selection process and emergency re-supply or evacuation. No mature medical solutions exist to address this risk. With recent advances in biotechnology, there is promise for lessening this risk by augmenting a space pharmacy with a biologically-based space foundry for the on-demand manufacturing of high-value medical products. Here we review the challenges and opportunities of molecular pharming, the production of pharmaceuticals in plants, as the basis of a space medical foundry to close the risk gap in current space medical systems. Plants have long been considered to be an important life support object in space and can now also be viewed as programmable factories in space. Advances in molecular pharming-based space foundries will have widespread applications in promoting simple and accessible pharmaceutical manufacturing on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J McNulty
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yongao Mary Xiong
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Yates
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kalimuthu Karuppanan
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Jacob M Hilzinger
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Aaron J Berliner
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jesse Delzio
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Adam P Arkin
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Nancy E Lane
- Center for Musculoskeletal Health, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Somen Nandi
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.,Global HealthShare® Initiative, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Karen A McDonald
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.,Global HealthShare® Initiative, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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45
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Grützner R, Martin P, Horn C, Mortensen S, Cram EJ, Lee-Parsons CW, Stuttmann J, Marillonnet S. High-efficiency genome editing in plants mediated by a Cas9 gene containing multiple introns. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 2:100135. [PMID: 33898975 PMCID: PMC8060730 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2020.100135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The recent discovery of the mode of action of the CRISPR/Cas9 system has provided biologists with a useful tool for generating site-specific mutations in genes of interest. In plants, site-targeted mutations are usually obtained by the stable transformation of a Cas9 expression construct into the plant genome. The efficiency of introducing mutations in genes of interest can vary considerably depending on the specific features of the constructs, including the source and nature of the promoters and terminators used for the expression of the Cas9 gene and the guide RNA, and the sequence of the Cas9 nuclease itself. To optimize the efficiency of the Cas9 nuclease in generating mutations in target genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, we investigated several features of its nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence, including the codon usage, the number of nuclear localization signals (NLSs), and the presence or absence of introns. We found that the Cas9 gene codon usage had some effect on its activity and that two NLSs worked better than one. However, the highest efficiency of the constructs was achieved by the addition of 13 introns into the Cas9 coding sequence, which dramatically improved the editing efficiency of the constructs. None of the primary transformants obtained with a Cas9 gene lacking introns displayed a knockout mutant phenotype, whereas between 70% and 100% of the primary transformants generated with the intronized Cas9 gene displayed mutant phenotypes. The intronized Cas9 gene was also found to be effective in other plants such as Nicotiana benthamiana and Catharanthus roseus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Grützner
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Patrick Martin
- Institute for Biology, Department of Plant Genetics, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 10, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Claudia Horn
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | - Erin J. Cram
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carolyn W.T. Lee-Parsons
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Johannes Stuttmann
- Institute for Biology, Department of Plant Genetics, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 10, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sylvestre Marillonnet
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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46
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Schillberg S, Finnern R. Plant molecular farming for the production of valuable proteins - Critical evaluation of achievements and future challenges. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 258-259:153359. [PMID: 33460995 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2020.153359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant proteins play an important role in many areas of our lives. For example, recombinant enzymes are used in the food and chemical industries and as high-quality proteins for research, diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The production of recombinant proteins is still dominated by expression systems based on microbes and mammalian cells, although the manufacturing of recombinant proteins in plants - known as molecular farming - has been promoted as an alternative, cost-efficient strategy for three decades. Several molecular farming products have reached the market, but the number of success stories has been limited by industrial inertia driven by perceptions of low productivity, the high cost of downstream processing, and regulatory hurdles that create barriers to translation. Here, we discuss the technical and economic factors required for the successful commercialization of molecular farming, and consider potential future directions to enable the broader application of production platforms based on plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schillberg
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstraße 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany; Department of Phytopathology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Ricarda Finnern
- LenioBio GmbH, Erkrather Straße 401, 40231, Düsseldorf, Germany
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47
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Torti S, Schlesier R, Thümmler A, Bartels D, Römer P, Koch B, Werner S, Panwar V, Kanyuka K, Wirén NV, Jones JDG, Hause G, Giritch A, Gleba Y. Transient reprogramming of crop plants for agronomic performance. NATURE PLANTS 2021; 7:159-171. [PMID: 33594264 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-021-00851-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The development of a new crop variety is a time-consuming and costly process due to the reliance of plant breeding on gene shuffling to introduce desired genes into elite germplasm, followed by backcrossing. Here, we propose alternative technology that transiently targets various regulatory circuits within a plant, leading to operator-specified alterations of agronomic traits, such as time of flowering, vernalization requirement, plant height or drought tolerance. We redesigned techniques of gene delivery, amplification and expression around RNA viral transfection methods that can be implemented on an industrial scale and with many crop plants. The process does not involve genetic modification of the plant genome and is thus limited to a single plant generation, is broadly applicable, fast, tunable and versatile, and can be used throughout much of the crop cultivation cycle. The RNA-based reprogramming may be especially useful in plant pathogen pandemics but also for commercial seed production and for rapid adaptation of orphan crops.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Werner
- Nomad Bioscience GmbH, Halle, Germany
- Icon Genetics GmbH, Halle, Germany
| | - Vinay Panwar
- Biointeractions and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, UK
| | - Kostya Kanyuka
- Biointeractions and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, UK
| | - Nicolaus von Wirén
- Molecular Plant Nutrition, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | | | - Gerd Hause
- Biocenter, Electron Microscopy, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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48
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Abstract
Various systems exist for the robust production of recombinant proteins. However, only a few systems are optimal for human vaccine protein production. Plant-based transient protein expression systems offer an advantageous alternative to costly mammalian cell culture-based systems and can perform posttranslational modifications due to the presence of an endomembrane system that is largely similar to that of the animal cell. Technological advances in expression vectors for transient expression in the last two decades have produced new plant expression systems with the flexibility and speed that cannot be matched by those based on mammalian or insect cell culture. The rapid and high-level protein production capability of transient expression systems makes them the optimal system to quickly and versatilely develop and produce vaccines against viruses such as 2019-nCoV that have sudden and unpredictable outbreaks. Here, expression of antiviral subunit vaccines in Nicotiana benthamiana plants via transient expression is demonstrated.
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49
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LeBlanc Z, Waterhouse P, Bally J. Plant-Based Vaccines: The Way Ahead? Viruses 2020; 13:E5. [PMID: 33375155 PMCID: PMC7822169 DOI: 10.3390/v13010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe virus outbreaks are occurring more often and spreading faster and further than ever. Preparedness plans based on lessons learned from past epidemics can guide behavioral and pharmacological interventions to contain and treat emergent diseases. Although conventional biologics production systems can meet the pharmaceutical needs of a community at homeostasis, the COVID-19 pandemic has created an abrupt rise in demand for vaccines and therapeutics that highlight the gaps in this supply chain's ability to quickly develop and produce biologics in emergency situations given a short lead time. Considering the projected requirements for COVID-19 vaccines and the necessity for expedited large scale manufacture the capabilities of current biologics production systems should be surveyed to determine their applicability to pandemic preparedness. Plant-based biologics production systems have progressed to a state of commercial viability in the past 30 years with the capacity for production of complex, glycosylated, "mammalian compatible" molecules in a system with comparatively low production costs, high scalability, and production flexibility. Continued research drives the expansion of plant virus-based tools for harnessing the full production capacity from the plant biomass in transient systems. Here, we present an overview of vaccine production systems with a focus on plant-based production systems and their potential role as "first responders" in emergency pandemic situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zacharie LeBlanc
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia;
| | - Peter Waterhouse
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia;
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Julia Bally
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia;
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50
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Guan C, Li X, Tian DY, Liu HY, Cen HF, Tadege M, Zhang YW. ADP-ribosylation factors improve biomass yield and salinity tolerance in transgenic switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). PLANT CELL REPORTS 2020; 39:1623-1638. [PMID: 32885306 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-020-02589-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
PvArf regulate proline biosynthesis by physically interacting with PvP5CS1 to improve salt tolerance in switchgrass. The genetic factors that contribute to stress resiliency are yet to be determined. Here, we identified three ADP-ribosylation factors, PvArf1, PvArf-B1C, and PvArf-related, which contribute to salinity tolerance in transgenic switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). Switchgrass overexpressing each of these genes produced approximately twofold more biomass than wild type (WT) under normal growth conditions. Transgenic plants accumulated modestly higher levels of proline under normal conditions, but this level was significantly increased under salt stress providing better protection to transgenic plants compared to WT. We found that PvArf genes induce proline biosynthesis genes under salt stress to positively regulate proline accumulation, and further demonstrated that PvArf physically interact with PvP5CS1. Moreover, the transcript levels of two key ROS-scavenging enzyme genes were significantly increased in the transgenic plants compared to WT, leading to reduced H2O2 accumulation under salt stress conditions. PvArf genes also protect cells against stress-induced changes in Na+ and K+ ion concentrations. Our findings uncover that ADP-ribosylation factors are key determinants of biomass yield in switchgrass, and play pivotal roles in salinity tolerance by regulating genes involved in proline biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Guan
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuan Mingyuan West Road, Beijing, 100193, China
- Shandong institute of agricultural sustainable development, Jinan, China
| | - Xue Li
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuan Mingyuan West Road, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Dan-Yang Tian
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuan Mingyuan West Road, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hua-Yue Liu
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuan Mingyuan West Road, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hui-Fang Cen
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuan Mingyuan West Road, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Million Tadege
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Institute for Agricultural Bioscience, Oklahoma State University, 3210 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
| | - Yun-Wei Zhang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuan Mingyuan West Road, Beijing, 100193, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Grassland Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
- National Energy R&D Center for Biomass (NECB), Beijing, China.
- Beijing Sure Academy of Biosciences, Beijing, China.
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