Recombinant proteins are made from manipulated DNA of another organism. They are used to treat genetic defects and produced in hosts like bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells. Vectors are used to insert targeted DNA into host DNA, and tags are used for recognition during purification. The host cells can be grown in a laboratory and the protein harvested and purified for use in humans or other mammals.
A recombinant protein is any protein made from recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA contains all the genetic information of an organism and transmits this information through the expression of proteins. Recombinant DNA is a type of DNA that has been manipulated to include the DNA of another organism. When new DNA is transcribed and translated to form a protein, the result is a recombinant protein.
Proteins are the building blocks of life. Any trait seen in a human being, such as hair color, eye color, and even height, is determined by protein production. Many body functions are also a result of protein production. This includes the production of insulin and the functioning of the immune system. Genetic defects in humans can sometimes be treated by creating recombinant proteins in a laboratory that can treat such conditions.
When the host of the recombinant DNA is a rapidly reproducing organism, such as bacteria, mass quantities of the recombinant protein can be produced. This technique, called amplification, is widely used in cloning and gene therapy processes. Other hosts include yeast, fungi and even mammalian cells. The type of host needed depends on the intended uses and the amount of recombinant protein needed.
After choosing the host, you can decide on a carrier. A vector is a vehicle that is used to insert targeted DNA into host DNA. Vectors are usually a modified version of a virus or bacterium.
Some vectors are specially designed pieces of DNA attached to a non-coding region. These types of vectors are typically used for fusion proteins. Fusion proteins are made up of pieces of DNA that are not normally connected. They are placed in the same carrier for easier transfection.
All carriers have one or more different tags on them. These tags are used for recognition during a purification step in the recombinant protein production process. When a solution containing vectors is poured onto a special column, the tags attach to the column in different places and can be separated from other parts of the DNA. This ensures that the correct DNA and vectors are inserted into the host.
Upon transfection of the host, it can then divide and begin producing the desired recombinant protein. These host cells can be grown in a laboratory setting and the protein can be harvested as it is made. These proteins are then purified for use in humans or other mammals. Bacterial hosts often don’t make all parts of the human protein. These proteins can be modified in the laboratory after purification.
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