The quarternary structure of complex IV of the electron transport chain of Drosophila melanogaster is a key study of Prof. Bill Ballard.
Metabolic Profiling of Gene Induction in Yeast
Subject area and Aims: Understanding the metabolic demands of gene induction during induced gene expression K.lactis and P.pastoris
Background: K.lactis and P.pastoris are widely used in research and industry for the production of recombinant proteins. During induction of recombinant protein production, it is likely that a significant metabolic shift occurs to accommodate the energetic and stoichiometric demands of producing recombinant protein. In addition, for P.pastoris expression driven by the AOX promoter, there can are substantial shifts in primary energy metabolism, depending on the mut phenotype of the recombinant strain. It is hypothesized that by understanding metabolic patterns during this process, new induction protocols can be developed to limit metabolic stress and induction of proteases that commonly limit these expression platforms.
Significance and current work: The advances in metabolomic analyses have now opened up great possibilities to investigate metabolic pathways and potentially identify targets for metabolic engineering. We have over 6 years experience in P.pastoris expression, mainly in the production of a recombinant human cytokine. This project would allow a greater understanding of the physiology of gene induction in yeast.
BABS personnel that are responsible for this project