The availability of gene sequences combined with advances in protein production systems has enabled more labs to produce their own proteins for use as biological reagents. Unfortunately, many researchers tasked with producing proteins for their own research lack the time and experience needed to select an appropriate protein expression system. This article evaluates the key characteristics of the most popular gene expression systems in order to guide researchers wishing to start protein production in their laboratories toward a system that is best suited to their specific needs and resources.

Custom protein expression involves putting genes into the cell and activating them to translate DNA to proteins. The protein produced is usually used as a biological reagent in biophysical, biochemical, or structural biology experiments.

Why Custom Protein Expression Is Vital for Scientific Advancements

Most of the diseases we suffer from are caused by problems with proteins in our bodies as a whole or in part. Therapeutic proteins such as antibodies, Fc fusion proteins, interleukins, enzymes, and things that prevent blood from clotting are essential medicines for treating conditions like diabetes, cancer, infectious diseases, hemophilia, and other conditions.

Custom recombinant protein expression involves creating a suitable host cell and expression vector to produce a desired recombinant protein. The recombinant protein can be secreted or membrane-bound. The expression vector is a piece of genetic DNA that inserts the gene into the host cell. Choosing an expression vector that is system-optimal can greatly improve protein yield and solubility. Using a codon optimization gene synthesis service to reduce codon bias also helps to avoid translation constraints and improve the recombinant protein’s solubility.