E unum pluribus: multiple proteins from a self-processing polyprotein.
Many applications of genetic engineering require transformation with multiple (trans)genes, although to achieve these using conventional techniques can be challenging. The 2A oligopeptide is emerging as a highly effective new tool for the facile co-expression of multiple proteins in a single transformation step, whereby a gene encoding multiple proteins, linked by 2A sequences, is transcribed from a single promoter. The polyprotein self-processes co-translationally such that each constituent protein is generated as a discrete translation product. 2A functions in all the eukaryotic systems tested to date and has already been applied, with great success, to a broad range of biotechnological applications: from plant metabolome engineering to the expression of T-cell receptor complexes, monoclonal antibodies or heterodimeric cytokines in animals.
de Felipe
Pablo
P
Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Biology, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland KY16 9ST, UK.
Luke
Garry A
GA
Hughes
Lorraine E
LE
Gani
David
D
Halpin
Claire
C
Ryan
Martin D
MD
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D020815:Polyproteins / Q000235:genetics*; D015202:Protein Engineering / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational / Q000235:genetics*; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000235:genetics
D020815:Polyproteins; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D014764:Viral Proteins