An optimized fermentation process for high-level production of a single-chain Fv antibody fragment in Pichia pastoris Journal Article


Authors: Damasceno, L. M.; Pla, I.; Chang, H. J.; Cohen, L.; Ritter, G.; Old, L. J.; Batt, C. A.
Article Title: An optimized fermentation process for high-level production of a single-chain Fv antibody fragment in Pichia pastoris
Abstract: The expression of a humanized single-chain variable domain fragment antibody (A33scFv) was optimized for Pichia pastoris with yields exceeding 4gL-1. A33scFv recognizes a cell surface glycoprotein (designated A33) expressed in colon cancer that serves as a target antigen for immunotherapy of colon cancer. P. pastoris with a MutS phenotype was selected to express A33scFv, which was cloned under regulation of the methanol-inducible AOX1 promoter. We report the optimization of A33scFv production by examining methanol concentrations using fermentation technology with an on-line methanol control in fed-batch fermentation of P. pastoris. In addition, we examined the effect of pH on A33scFv production and biomass accumulation during the methanol induction phase. A33scFv production was found to increase with higher methanol concentrations, reaching 4.3gL-1 after 72h induction with 0.5% (v/v) methanol. Protein production was also greatly affected by pH, resulting in higher yields (e.g., 4.88gL-1) at lower pH values. Biomass accumulation did not seem to vary when cells were induced at different pH values, but was greatly affected by lower concentration of methanol. Purification of A33scFv from clarified medium was done using a two-step chromatographic procedure using anion-exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography, resulting in 25% recovery and >90% purity. Pure A33scFv was tested for functionality using surface plasmon resonance and showed activity against immobilized A33 antigen. Our results demonstrate that functional A33scFv can be produced in sufficient quantities using P. pastoris for use in further functionality studies and diagnostic applications. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: genetics; methodology; animal; metabolism; animals; ph; immunology; immunoglobulin variable region; immunoglobulin fragment; membrane glycoproteins; recombinant proteins; membrane protein; recombinant protein; surface plasmon resonance; bioreactor; bioreactors; hydrogen-ion concentration; methanol; immunoglobulin fragments; pichia pastoris; fermentation; pichia; purification; a33; scfv; chromatography; humans; human; article; gpa33 protein, human
Journal Title: Protein Expression and Purification
Volume: 37
Issue: 1
ISSN: 1046-5928
Publisher: Academic Press Inc., Elsevier Science  
Date Published: 2004-09-01
Start Page: 18
End Page: 26
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2004.03.019
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 15294276
DOI/URL:
Notes: Protein Expr. Purif. -- Cited By (since 1996):64 -- Export Date: 16 June 2014 -- CODEN: PEXPE -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Leonard Cohen
    18 Cohen
  2. Gerd Ritter
    166 Ritter
  3. Lloyd J Old
    593 Old