Recombinant Protein Applications

BioInnovatise Cloning Team

Updated January 15, 2024

What Makes Up A Recombinant Protein?

A recombinant protein is an artificially created protein through the combination of genetic material from different sources. The production process involves using recombinant DNA technology to insert a gene of interest (GOI) into a host organism, such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells, to express and produce the desired protein. Our in-stock recombinant proteins use E. Coli bacteria as a host organism. These 10 components work together to enable the production of a recombinant protein with a specific amino acid sequence dictated by the inserted GOI:

GOI: The gene of interest is the specific DNA sequence that encodes the amino acid sequence of the desired protein. Our in-stock recombinant proteins are predesigned with a specific GOI; however, you can request your GOI to be inserted in a custom production.
Expression Vector: An expression vector is a DNA molecule used to carry the gene of interest into the host organism’s cells for expression.
Promoter: The promoter is a region of DNA that initiates the transcription of the gene of interest.
Selection Marker: Selection markers, such as antibiotic resistance genes, are included in the expression vector to facilitate the identification and selection of cells that have successfully taken up and expressed the recombinant gene.
Transcription Termination Signal: The transcription termination signal marks the end of mRNA synthesis. This ensures the RNA polymerase stops transcribing the gene once it reaches this point.
Ribosome Binding Site: In bacterial expression systems, a ribosome binding site is included to facilitate the binding of ribosomes to the mRNA, initiating the translation process.
Tag Sequences: Recombinant proteins are often engineered with additional sequences, called tags, for ease of purification, detection, or characterization. Common tags include His-tags, FLAG-tags, or Green Fluorescent Protein. A GFP recombinant protein is very popular and highly requested because of its easy identification in a cellular mixture.
Host Organism: The host organism is the living system (e.g., bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells) into which the recombinant DNA is introduced for protein expression.
Expression System: The expression system encompasses the host organism, the expression vector, and the conditions under which the recombinant protein is produced. Different expression systems offer advantages based on factors such as protein yield, folding, and post-translational modifications.
Terminator Sequence: The terminator sequence marks the end of transcription and helps ensure the proper processing of mRNA.

Applications Of Recombinant Proteins In Molecular Biology

Recombinant proteins play a crucial role in molecular biology research by enabling scientists to produce specific proteins for various purposes. Our team has prepared the following list of ways recombinant proteins can be used in molecular biology:

Expression Studies: Researchers use recombinant DNA technology to insert a gene of interest into a host organism, such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells. This allows them to express and produce the corresponding protein for further analysis.
Protein Purification: Recombinant proteins can be engineered to include specific tags or markers that facilitate their purification. Affinity tags, such as His-tags or GST-tags, make it easier to isolate and purify the protein of interest from the cellular mixture.
Functional Studies: Recombinant proteins are employed to investigate the biological functions of specific proteins. By overexpressing or knocking down the expression of a protein of interest, researchers can study its impact on cellular processes and pathways.
Structural Biology: Studies such as X-ray crystallography or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy help researchers understand the three-dimensional structure of proteins, providing insights into their functions.
Drug Development: In drug discovery and development (see applications of recombinant proteins in cell and gene therapy below), recombinant proteins are crucial for screening potential drug candidates. They are used in high-throughput assays to identify compounds that interact with specific proteins associated with diseases.
Vaccine Production: Recombinant proteins are used to produce vaccines using recombinant DNA technology.
Diagnostic Tools: Recombinant proteins are used to develop diagnostic tools, including ELISA assays, where specific proteins are immobilized on a surface to detect the presence of antibodies or antigens in a sample.
Therapeutic Proteins: Recombinant proteins have revolutionized the field of medicine by serving as therapeutic agents, including insulin, human growth hormone, and clotting factors.

Applications of Recombinant Proteins In Cell And Gene Therapy Research and Development

As previously mentioned, recombinant proteins play a significant role in the research and development of cell and gene therapies. Here are some applications in which recombinant proteins are used in cell and gene therapy R&D:

Cell Culture And Expansion: Recombinant proteins, such as growth factors and cytokines, stimulate the growth and expansion of cells in culture. These proteins provide the necessary signals for cells to proliferate and differentiate into the desired cell types for therapeutic applications.
Cell Reprogramming: In gene therapy, cells may need to be reprogrammed to express specific genes. Recombinant proteins, like transcription factors, can induce pluripotency or direct the differentiation of cells into a particular lineage.
Viral Vector Production: Recombinant proteins are involved in the production of viral vectors used for gene delivery. They optimize the production of recombinant viruses, such as lentiviruses, commonly used as gene delivery vehicles in gene therapy. Our team uses recombinant proteins in our lentivirus packaging services.
Purification of Therapeutic Proteins: Recombinant proteins are utilized in the purification processes of therapeutic proteins produced through gene therapy.
Cell Characterization: Proteins are used by researchers to assess the identity, purity, and functionality of engineered cells, ensuring they meet the desired specifications for therapeutic use.
Immunomodulation: Some recombinant proteins modulate the immune response, crucial in cell and gene therapies where the immune system may need regulation to prevent rejection or enhance the therapeutic effect.
Quality Control: Recombinant proteins are used in quality control assays to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cell and gene therapies.
In Vivo Imaging: Recombinant proteins, such as luciferase, serve as reporter genes in gene therapy research. These genes encode proteins that emit light, allowing researchers to track and monitor the expression and localization of therapeutic genes in vivo.
Therapeutic Protein Engineering: Recombinant proteins are used to engineer therapeutic proteins with enhanced properties, such as improved stability, reduced immunogenicity, or altered pharmacokinetics, to optimize their therapeutic potential.

Can Cloning Teams Manufacture GMP Recombinant Proteins?

Yes! To produce a recombinant protein at GMP grade and ensure a very high purity standard, there are many must-haves and factors to consider, including cell line development, gene cloning, vector design, purification, analytical testing, and regulatory compliance. Although our production facility cannot currently produce GMP recombinant proteins, we can supply you with a reference to another facility to meet your research application. Contact our team with your information.

Learn more about our in-stock recombinant proteins. Want to learn more about the latest in recombinant protein research? Our colleagues at ScienceDirect and the Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News continuously collect and publish the latest information and research.

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