A Novel Protein Folding System

Technology ID: 99KUMC218

Description:  Efficient refolding of proteins in vitro is an important problem in protein structural analysis and biotechnological manufacturing of pharmaceutical products.  Because of their inherent ability to rapidly overexpress proteins to high yields, bacterial systems are the organisms of choice for protein mass production.  However, overexpression of foreign and mutant proteins often leads to the development of large intracellular aggregates or inclusion bodies.  The so-called "protein-folding problem" is to blame for billions of dollars wasted in biotech industry.

Researchers at the University of Kansas Medical Center have developed an in vitro protein folding system for preventing large scale protein misfolding and aggregation and for concentrating aggregation prone in a stable non-aggregation form.  This protein folding system is designed to operate at a relatively low cost and it has been demonstrated successful at folding sensitive oxidation prone proteins under anaerobic conditions as well as very large complex proteins.  A folding kit is being developed and it is anticipated that this technology will benefit both basic science researchers and industry scientists.

Patent: Issued May 2005, US Patent # 6,887,682

Filed of Applications: Optimize in vitro  protein folding, rapid screening to optimize protein-folding conditions drug screening.

Market Size:

State of the Art:

Advantages:

• Inexpensive 
• Demonstration of folding large/concentrated proteins (mg/ml range) and membrane proteins
• A unique "catch and release" system ensures stabilization and easy removal from the folding kit.
• The system is reversible and reusable

State of Development:  Development of a large folding kit

Technical Obstacles: None

Contact: If you would like more information, please contact the Technology Transfer Office at 913-588-5721.