title: Expression and production of llama variable heavy-chain antibody fragments (V(HH)s) by Aspergillus awamori.
abstract: We report the expression and production of llama variable heavy-chain antibody fragments (V(HH)s) by Aspergillus awamori. Fragments encoding V(HH)s were cloned in a suitable Aspergillus expression vector and transformants secreting V(HH) fragments were analysed for integrated gene copy-numbers, mRNA levels and protein production. Functional V(HH)s were detected in the culture medium, indicating the feasibility of producing this type of protein in a fungal expression system. Secreted V(HH)s were subjected to (extracellular) degradation, which could be partially prevented by the addition of BSA to the culture medium.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, TNO Nutrition and Food Research, P.O. Box 360, 3700 AJ, Zeist, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Vivi
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Joosten
authors.forename: Robin J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Gouka
authors.forename: Cees A M J J
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: van den Hondel
authors.forename: C Theo
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Verrips
authors.forename: B Christien
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Lokman
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001230:Aspergillus / Q000235:genetics*; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D015870:Gene Expression; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics*; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; D014170:Transformation, Genetic
chemical_list: D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region; D011994:Recombinant Proteins