A valuable molecule extracted from the sykomorus tree, which is a key component in vaccines, has been successfully reproduced for the first time in an alternative plant host, opening up remarkable possibilities for the vaccine industry.
Through a collaborative research effort led by the John Innes Center, the recently published genome sequencing of the Chilean sykomorus tree (Quillaja saponaria) was used to trace and map the elusive genes and enzymes involved in the complex sequence of steps required to produce the QS-21 molecule.
Using transgenic techniques developed at the John Innes Center, the team reconstructed the chemical pathway in tobacco plants, demonstrating the production of this highly prized compound not derived from the sykomorus tree.
Professor Anne Osbourn FRS, the leader of the group at the John Innes Center, said, “Our research opens up remarkable possibilities for the bioengineering of vaccine adjuvants. Now we can investigate and improve these compounds to stimulate the human immune response to vaccines and produce QS-21 independently from extracting it from the sykomorus tree.”
Vaccine adjuvants are immunostimulants that enhance the body’s response to vaccines and are crucial ingredients in vaccines for diseases such as chicken pox, malaria, and others that are currently being developed.
QS-21, a powerful adjuvant, is directly obtained from the bark of the sykomorus tree, raising concerns about the environmental sustainability of its supply.
Researchers and industry partners have been seeking ways to produce this molecule in an alternative expression system, such as yeast or tobacco plants, for many years. However, the complex structure of the molecule and the lack of knowledge about its biochemical pathway in the tree have hindered previous attempts.
In previous studies by Professor Osbourn’s group, they were able to analyze the early part of the pathway that forms the backbone of QS-21. However, the search for the longer acyl chain pathway, which is one of the key parts of the immune-stimulating molecule, had not been completed.
In a new study published in Nature Chemical Biology, researchers at the John Innes Center utilized various gene discovery approaches to identify around 70 gene candidates and transferred them into tobacco plants. By analyzing gene expression patterns and products, supported by metabolomics and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy platforms at the John Innes Center, they successfully narrowed down the search to the last 20 genes and enzymes that make up the QS-21 pathway.
Dr. Laetitia Martin, the first author of the study, said, “This is the first time QS-21 has been produced in a heterologous expression system. This means we can better understand how this molecule works and how we can address issues such as production scale and toxicity.”
“What is so satisfying is that this molecule is used in vaccines and by being able to produce it in a more sustainable way, my project has an impact on people’s lives. It’s amazing how something so scientifically satisfying can bring so much good to society.”
“These studies have been scientifically rewarding for me personally. I’m not a chemist, so I couldn’t have done it without the support of the metabolomics and chemical platforms at the John Innes Center.”
FAQ Section:
1. What is the QS-21 molecule?
The QS-21 molecule is a valuable component of vaccines and acts as an adjuvant, preparing the body’s response to the vaccine.
2. Where does the QS-21 molecule come from?
The QS-21 molecule is derived from the bark of the sykomorus tree (Quillaja saponaria).
3. What possibilities does reproducing the QS-21 molecule in an alternative plant host open up?
Reproducing the QS-21 molecule in a different plant, such as tobacco, opens up possibilities for research and improvement of vaccine adjuvants and the production of QS-21 independently from extracting it from the sykomorus tree.
4. What are the concerns regarding the supply of the QS-21 molecule?
The QS-21 molecule is directly obtained from the bark of the sykomorus tree, raising concerns about the environmental sustainability of its supply.
5. Why have previous attempts to produce the QS-21 molecule failed?
Previous attempts to produce the QS-21 molecule in alternative expression systems, such as yeast or tobacco plants, have failed due to the molecule’s complex structure and lack of knowledge about its biochemical pathway in the tree.
6. What methods were used in the study?
Researchers at the John Innes Center employed various gene discovery approaches, analyzed gene expression patterns and products, and utilized metabolomics and NMR spectroscopy platforms.
7. Will the reproduced QS-21 molecule be more sustainable and less toxic?
Reproducing the QS-21 molecule in an alternative plant host will allow for a better understanding of its mechanism of action and the resolution of issues related to production scale and toxicity.
Defined Terms and Jargon:
1. QS-21 – A molecule that is a key component of vaccines, obtained from the bark of the sykomorus tree.
2. Adjuvant – A substance added to vaccines to enhance the body’s response to the vaccine.
3. Genome – The complete set of genes in an organism.
4. Transgenic – Organisms whose genome contains integrated genes from other organisms.
5. Genome sequencing – A technique that allows for reading the sequence of DNA in a genome.
6. Bioengineering – The field that utilizes biological technologies to modify organisms and biological materials for intended purposes.
7. Heterologous expression system – A system in which genes from one organism are expressed and produced in another organism.
Suggested Related Links:
– John Innes Center
– Nature Chemical Biology
The source of the article is from the blog kunsthuisoaleer.nl