Recombinant Peptide Production Using Self-Assembling Precursor Proteins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing peptides using repetitive precursor proteins are not efficient, as they often result in low peptide proportions and require re-establishment of expression conditions for different sequences, and previous methods are not suitable for all peptide sequences.

Innovation Solution

A novel approach involving recombinant production of repetitive precursor proteins with a high proportion of desired peptide sequences and auxiliary sequences that dominate the protein's properties predictably, allowing for the production of different peptide sequences without altering expression conditions, using a precursor protein with a cleavable repetitive sequence of repeat units containing desired and auxiliary peptide elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If fusion proteins are used for peptide production, then peptide stability is improved, but peptide proportion in the precursor protein becomes low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeptide stabilityVSAvoidpeptide proportion
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The precursor protein is divided into multiple repeat units, each containing a peptide sequence flanked by cleavage sequences. This segmentation allows the peptide to constitute a significant portion of the precursor protein while maintaining stability through the fusion protein approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If repetitive precursor proteins are used to increase peptide proportion, then peptide yield is improved, but expression conditions must be re-established for different sequences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeptide yieldVSAvoidexpression condition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary sequence is designed to provide universal stability and solubility properties that work across different peptide sequences. The standardized structure with N-terminal and C-terminal auxiliary sequences flanking repetitive peptide units creates a universal platform that can express various peptide sequences without requiring re-optimization of expression conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If cationic antimicrobial peptide sequences are used, then desired peptide activity is achieved, but host cell damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeptide activityVSAvoidhost cell damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An anionic auxiliary sequence acts as an intermediary between the cationic antimicrobial peptide and the host cell. This auxiliary sequence with negative charge (rich in glutamate and aspartate residues) neutralizes the positive charge of the antimicrobial peptide, preventing host cell damage while allowing the peptide to retain its antimicrobial activity against target organisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If auxiliary sequences are added to protect host cells, then host cell stability is improved, but precursor protein complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehost cell stabilityVSAvoidprecursor protein structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary sequence parameters are optimized to provide protection with minimal complexity. Specifically, the auxiliary sequence contains 15-30 residues with a net negative charge of -3 to -8 at pH 7, rich in glutamate and aspartate residues, forming an amphipathic helix structure. These defined parameters provide host cell protection while maintaining a relatively simple and predictable precursor protein structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enables the efficient production of peptides with high peptide proportions and predictable properties, suitable for various sequences, improving yield and simplifying processing steps.

Implementation Method 1

the precursor protein shows self-assembling properties, so that the precursor protein forms stable associates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-assembly: Self-Assembly

Implementation Method 2

the peptidic link is chemically specifically cleavable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical cleavage: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP2437769B1Recombinant production of peptides
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 BASF SE
  • EP2437769B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2437769B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2437769B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to repetitive self-assembling precursor proteins, nucleic acid sequences and expression constructs encoding the same, and to methods for recombinant production of peptides using such precursor proteins.