Gene optimization and compilation
Based on experimental studies and extensive biocomputing of the protein misconformation problem, Vigilent is actively developping new tools for native heterologous protein expression, early diagnosis of conformational diseases and their immunotherapies. The work is based on a deep understanding of factors allowing the cell to control protein folding.
It is known that, under defined circumstances, a majority of nascent proteins are identified and marked by cellular enzymes (ubiquitins) for proteolysis whilst still attached on the protein factory (ribosome). Actually, the amount of misfolded proteins depends on the cellular resources needed for protein synthesis: factors, aminoacides, tRNAs, foldases, quality-control enzymes, agents in charge of co- or post-translational protein modifications,...
Studying these and other parameters, we identified novel entities participating substancially in the folding process and involved in protein misfolding.
Building on these findings, Vigilent has two goals:
- investigate actively ways and means avoiding misfolding in heterologous protein expression systems,
- understand the mechanism by which homologous proteins can misfold and aggregate, thereby inducing devastating conformational diseases.
Target applications are:
- highly efficient, cost effective native protein expression and mass production,
- conformational diseases: early diagnostic,
- conformational diseases: immunotherapies.
