Molecular farming: strategies, expression systems and bio-safety considerations

Abstract

Ahmad K. (2014): Molecular farming: strategies, expression systems and bio-safety considerations. Czech J. Genet. Plant Breed., 50: 1-10.Molecular farming is an experimental application of biotechnology that involves the genetic modification of crops for the production of proteins and chemicals for medicinal and commercial purposes. The vast majority in the developing world cannot afford the high cost of therapeutics produced by existing methods. We need to produce not only new therapeutics but also cheaper versions of the existing ones. Molecular farming could offer a viable option for this growing need for biopharmaceuticals. Plant made therapeutics are cheaper, safer, can be abundantly produced and easily stored. Here, strategies and approaches utilized in plant molecular farming are discussed. Furthermore, the bio-safety considerations related to this emerging field are also discussed.

High-level transient expression of the N-terminal domain of IpaD from Shigella dysenteriae in four plant species transformed with different construct configurations

“…Since some plant hosts are more or less sensitive to A. tumefaciens strain C58 on the one hand, and as the incompatibility between Agrobacterium and the plant hosts results in hypersensitive reaction (HR) followed by provoking the plant's defense system on the other, a number of expression variations are expected to occur (De Cleene and De Ley 1976). The difference in codon usage bias between the transcript and the host genome could be another factor that may affect the protein expression level (Obembe et al 2011;Ahmad 2014). In other words, even though significant quantities of mRNA are produced, a bias in tRNA usage may also take place, leading to premature termination and significantly reduced protein synthesis (Gustafsson et al 2004).…”

Molecular Farming in Plants

“…• Removing the purification step (when the plant tissues containing recombinant protein are edible) [1].…”

“…Protein labels must be removed after purification so that the structure of purified protein can change into its natural position. The technology of oleosin fusion, through which the gene sequence of recombinant proteins is fused to the sequence of a special internal oil protein called oleosin in safflower and canola, is separated after the digestion of internal protease following protein purification [1].…”

“…Hence, we need to produce not only the new drugs but also the cheaper versions of the present samples in the market. Molecular farming can offer efficient solutions for the current growing need for the biomedicines [1]. Plants provide an inexpensive and simple system for the production of valuable recombinant proteins on large scale, and compared to the other production systems, they have numerous advantages in terms of economy, safety, and applicability.…”

Plant Molecular Farming: Much More to Know

“…additionally, plants possess natural protein storage organs and their seeds are easily distributed, allowing local production. [6] The advantage of using plants as bioreactor for the purpose of production of complex organic compound includes. [7]  The cost for the production of protein is low as compare to transgenic animals, Fermentation or bioreactors.…”