Japanese scientists develop genetic switches for protein production

Scientists are making progress in improving protein production systems using genetic switches. These switches can help create complex genetic circuits in eukaryotic cells, which are cells with a nucleus, such as human or hamster cells. This work could lead to more effective biopharmaceutical manufacturing and potentially lower costs. Researchers at Ehime University in Japan have developed riboswitches, known as ON-riboswitches, for a wheat-germ extract platform. These switches can respond to specific proteins, allowing for controlled expression of genes. According to Dr. Atsushi Ogawa, the aim is to create cell-free systems or artificial cells that perform even better than natural cells. Eukaryotic systems are better suited for producing complex proteins that work well at normal temperatures. However, they traditionally face challenges with lower production rates and higher costs compared to E. coli systems, which are cheaper and easier to use but have limitations, including issues with protein folding. The team’s ON-riboswitches incorporate hybridization switches, which enhanced gene expression significantly. They found that by using different ON-riboswitches, they could create genetic circuits that function in multiple steps, allowing for more complex regulation of proteins. In their upcoming research, the scientists plan to combine their switches with other genetic tools to design even more intricate systems. This work could pave the way for advanced eukaryotic production systems and new therapeutic applications.