Method for stable integration of genes that boosts product expression in yeast
Yeast-based expression systems are commonly used to produce both recombinant proteins and small molecules. Overexpression of a gene by increasing its copy number is generally desirable, but that copy number (and therefore yield) is often traded for other important factors such as growth efficiency and/or unstable modifications.
Researchers at The University of Queensland (UQ) have developed a technology for targeted and stable integration of a gene of interest in a manner that affords control of copy number and – when tested on a range of target genes in S. cerevisiae – increased protein expression compared to standard yeast systems.
Key potential benefits
- Increase expression yields of small molecules and recombinant proteins by amplifying gene copy number
- Targeted and stable genomic integration of construct(s) without harsh selection conditions
- Compatibility with many synbio circuits for auto-induction of protein expression
- Proof-of-concept data in yeast, but potential application in other cell-based expression systems.
Knock-in genetic barcodes for multiplexed single-cell sequencing
To overcome the high cost of processing single-cell RNA sequencing, multiplexing methods have emerged that accelerate knowledge gain in gene and drug discovery. Development of genetically encoded barcodes in isogenic cell lines overcome key limitations with existing barcoding methods.
Researchers at The University of Queensland (UQ) have generated a method for barcoding human cells with proprietary barcodes that enables scalable multiplexed single cell RNA sequencing. The UQ technology platform provides trillions of barcoding options for engineering any human cell line, enabling a significantly expanded portfolio of experimental design options not possible with external barcoding methods.
Key features
- Trillions of unique barcodes options
- No expensive single-use reagents needed
- Simpler workflow and improved results compared to commercial multiplexing methods
- Expanded portfolio of experimental designs.