Context:
Researchers at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a new process for mass production of recombinant proteins.
What are Recombinant Proteins (RPs)?
These are modified or manipulated proteins encoded by recombinant DNA (rDNA) for increasing production of proteins, modifying gene sequences, and manufacturing useful commercial products.
What is rDNA?
- rDNA is artificially made DNA strand that is formed by combination of 2 or more DNA molecules.
- rDNA technology can be used to combine (or splice) or transfer DNA from different species or to create genes with new functions.
Production of Recombinant Proteins:
- RPs such as vaccine antigens, insulin and monoclonal antibodies, are mass-produced by growing modified bacterial, viral or mammalian cells in large bioreactors.
- Most widely used organism is yeast Pichia pastoris (now called Komagataella phaffii).
- It utilizes methanol for production of RP. However, methanol is highly flammable and hazardous, requiring stringent safety precautions.
Alternative Process:
- Researchers have now developed an alternative safer process that relies on a common food additive called monosodium glutamate (MSG).
- Escherichia coli (E. Coli) is also one of the organisms of choice for RP production due to its well-characterized genetics, rapid growth, and high yield production.
Applications of Recombinant Proteins:
- Production of biotherapeutics such as insulin, growth hormones, and monoclonal antibodies.
- Development of vector vaccines as it is considered safer than traditional vaccines, as they do not contain live pathogens.
- Used in development of genetically modified crops, increase nutritional value of animal feed etc.
- Used in bioremediation (process of using microorganisms to break down pollutants in the environment).
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
‘Microsatellite DNA’ is used in the case of which one of the following?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna
(b) Stimulating ‘stem cells’ to transform into diverse functional tissues
(c) Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants
(d) Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population
Answer: (a)
