LEXSY is a eukaryotic protein expression platform based on the S1-classified protozoan L. tarentolae[1-3].
A recent publication[4] showed how two important proteins for research and drug development, RBD (receptor binding domain of the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus) and AChBP (acetylcholine-binding protein from Lymnaea stagnalis), were expressed, purified (Fig. 1) and analyzed. Both proteins were characterized by functional (antiviral activity, radioligand binding assay) and analytical methods (e.g. LC/MS).
Figure 1: SDS-Page of the recombinant RBD of the Spike-Protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus at different stages of purification – expressed with LEXSY. From Kasheverov et. al. (2024)[4].
“RBD and AChBPs were expressed in mammalian cells, bacteria, insect cells, and yeast. Each of these expression systems has its drawbacks, while LEXSY combines the qualities of the eukaryotic and bacterial systems with native folding of the expressed protein, a post-translational modification profile, and ease of cultivation. The cultivation of Leishmania tarentolae is much cheaper and faster than the cultivation of mammalian cells.”
From Kasheverov et. al. (2024)[4].
LEXSY allows the production of various proteins with a high probability of correct protein folding and a whole range of post-translational modifications (including uniform mammalian-type glycosylation).
[1] Breitling et al. (2002) Non-pathogenic trypanosomatid protozoa as a platform for protein research and production. Protein Expr. Purif. 25:209.
[2] Klatt et al. (2013) Production of glycosylated soluble amyloid precursor protein alpha (sAPPalpha) in Leishmania tarentolae. J. Proteome Res. 12:396.
[3] Guo et al. (2018) Activation and activity of glycosylated KLKs 3, 4 and 11. Biol Chem 399:1009.
[4] Kasheverov et al. (2024) Efficient Expression in Leishmania tarentolae (LEXSY) of the Receptor-Binding Domain of the SARS-CoV-2 S-Protein and the Acetylcholine-Binding Protein from Lymnaea stagnalis. Molecules 29:943.
