Description: Recombinant protein is a protein that has been genetically designed from different sources, allowing the production of specific proteins that are not naturally found in an organism. This process involves manipulating DNA to insert a gene that encodes the desired protein into a vector, which is then introduced into host cells, such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells. These cells, by expressing the inserted gene, produce the recombinant protein in significant amounts. Recombinant proteins are fundamental in biotechnology and biomedical research, as they allow the production of proteins with enhanced characteristics or new functions. Additionally, their design can include modifications that optimize their stability, activity, or solubility, making them more effective for specific applications. The ability to produce recombinant proteins has revolutionized the field of molecular biology, enabling advances in gene therapy, vaccine production, and drug development, among others.
History: The history of recombinant proteins dates back to the 1970s when recombinant DNA techniques were developed. In 1973, Paul Berg and his colleagues created the first recombinant DNA molecule by combining DNA from different sources. This breakthrough laid the foundation for the production of recombinant proteins. In 1982, the first recombinant protein for medical use, human insulin, produced by genetically modified bacteria, was approved. Since then, the technology has evolved, allowing the production of a wide variety of therapeutic and diagnostic proteins.
Uses: Recombinant proteins have multiple applications in medicine, research, and industry. They are used in the production of drugs, such as hormones, antibodies, and clotting factors. They are also essential in vaccine manufacturing, such as vaccines against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus. In research, they are employed to study biological functions and in clinical trials. Additionally, they are used in the food industry and in the production of enzymes for various industrial processes.
Examples: Examples of recombinant proteins include human insulin, which is used to treat diabetes, and factor VIII, which is used in the treatment of hemophilia. Another example is the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab, used in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer. Recombinant proteins have also been developed for vaccine production, such as the surface protein of the hepatitis B virus, which is used in the vaccine against this disease.
