ProteoNic and Fraunhofer IME sign Research License and start collaboration on protein expression in
ProteoNic and Fraunhofer Institute of Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (Fraunhofer IME) announce their collaboration regarding protein expression in plant systems. Fraunhofer IME has obtained a Research License to use ProteoNic’s UNic™ expression technology in a variety of its research projects. In addition, ProteoNic will support Fraunhofer IME by supplying its expertise and research services regarding translation optimization for the development of a plant expression system that produces antibodies at commercially relevant yields.
ProteoNic and Fraunhofer Institute of Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (Fraunhofer IME) announce their collaboration regarding protein expression in plant systems. Fraunhofer IME has obtained
a Research License to use ProteoNic’s UNic™ expression technology in a variety of its research projects. In addition, ProteoNic will support Fraunhofer IME by supplying its expertise and research services regarding translation optimization for the development of a plant expression system that produces antibodies at commercially relevant yields.
Stefan Schillberg, Head Department of Plant Biotechnology at the Fraunhofer IME commented: “The IME has pioneered the expression of recombinant antibodies in plants demonstrating that plant cells are capable of expressing antigens and functional antibodies. We believe that implementation of ProteoNic’s expression optimization cassettes will allow us to develop improved plant expression vectors finally resulting in increased recombinant protein yields. This will be an important step towards the establishment of sustainable plant production platforms“.
ProteoNic CSO Raymond Verhaert remarks: “We are proud that the highly renowned scientists of Fraunhofer IME recognize the value of our expression enhancing technology utilizing the potential of optimizing messenger RNA usage in cell factories. The strong position of Fraunhofer covering the broad range from fundamental research to industrial applications enhances ProteoNic’s track record for the UNic™ technology and related services for plant expression systems, in addition to our mammalian and fungal applications”. Verhaert elaborates: “As scientists, we both are fully aware of the necessity of fundamental research needed to develop a market relevant and economical solution that the industry is willing to implement. These types of collaborations enable us to profit from additional insight in the fundamental processes of protein expression. Already in the short term, this will benefit Fraunhofer and its customers.
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About Fraunhofer IME
The business areas of the IME Molecular Biology division offer the pharmaceutical, agrobiotechnology and nutrition industries a contract research-oriented unit dedicated to research and development work, as well as contract services. Our aim is to support progress in the development of novel products and procedures, ultimately bringing them to market. Further emphasis is placed on the development of novel key technologies and the resulting intellectual property. The IME has a comprehensive expertise in the field of plant molecular biology and has produced various recombinant proteins in plants. Major activities during the last years include the process development and pilot scale production of plant-derived recombinant proteins, from intact plants as well as from plant cell suspension cultures.