Jan-Willem de GierProfessor of Biochemistry

Engineering Escherichia coli for recombinant protein production

The bacterium Escherichia coli is the most widely used host for the production of recombinant proteins. However, protein production yields are often not satisfactory. Our laboratory is using systems biotechnology approaches to improve the production of recombinant proteins in E. coli. In short, we identify the bottlenecks hampering protein production and apply this information to engineer or select for strains with improved production characteristics. Recently, we have also made a start with engineering platforms for vaccine development based on bacterial autotransporters. Our research utilizes a host of different techniques: advanced bacterial genetics, molecular biology, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, proteomics, mass spectrometry and whole genome sequencing.

 

SciLifeLab E. coli strain collection for protein production

Our E. coli protein production strains and expression vectors are available through SciLifeLab (www.scilifelab.se/). It is of note that many strains have not yet been published and that constructing strains is also an option. So, feel free to contact us. Strains and expression vectors will be made available for academic use under an MTA and a fee will be charged for handling your request. The conditions for the use of strains and expression vectors for commercial applications have to be negotiated. 

 

Group members

Alexandros Karyolaimos, PhD Student

Zhe Zhang, PhD Student

Henrik Östbye, PhD Student

Publications:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=de gier jw

 

Funding sources

These investigations are supported by grants from VR-NT, EU, SSF and SciLifeLab.