Production and Optimization of LTE, a <em>Leishmania tarentolae</em> Derived Cell-Free Protein Expression System for Recombinant Protein Production

Our cell-free protein expression system, which typically requires a cold chain for transport, now has a pioneering freeze-dried version. This version remains stable at ambient temperatures, making it the first eukaryotic system available in this format. This simplifies transportation to labs and field applications.

The current experimental challenges of cell-free protein production include optimizing reaction conditions to ensure that recombinant proteins are properly folded and active. Although the cost-effectiveness of cell-free techniques versus conventional in vivo protein expression remains a significant challenge, the simplicity of our eukaryotic LTE cell-free system to produce helps alleviate this. The LTE cell-free system facilitates swift reconstitution and analysis of protein networks and biosynthetic pathways.

Its integration with technologies like AlphaLISA and in vivo assays enables functional analysis of complex systems, including the protein interaction network of SARS-CoV-2 and the hookworm secretome. The LTE cell-free system enables rapid, cost-effective production of hard-to-express proteins in a multiplex format. It offers easy optimization for protein synthesis, excelling in producing complex or toxic proteins.

The system is scalable and provides consistent batch-to-batch quality.