Development of three-dimensional protein modification method towards ambient temperature transportation and storage of biologics

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19H02833
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 37010:Bio-related chemistry
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: FUJITA DAISHI 京都大学, 高等研究院, 准教授 (20713564)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 自己集合分子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The approach of surrounding the protein vicinity with a chemical structure, i.e., spatial modification, stabilizes the encapsulated protein. We herein developed a methodology that enables stable storage of proteins even under conditions that would normally lead to protein denaturation. Using a cutinase-like protein as a model protein, we investigated the stabilization effect and found that the protein was remarkably stabilized against heat, denaturants, and organic solvents. In particular, the stabilization effect of the protein in organic solvents was more than 1000-fold. Even partially denatured proteins did not aggregate, and refolding occurred when the concentration of organic solvents was lowered. We have successfully proposed the concept of a new protein stabilization methodology.

Free Research Field

超分子化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

タンパク質や核酸といった生体分子は、科学者の研究対象に留まらず、近年はワクチンや医薬品の新しいモダリティーとして大きく存在感を増している。しかしCOVID-19に対するmRNAワクチンでも話題になった通り、生物製剤の輸送や保管には、管理された低温環境（コールドチェーン）が不可欠であり、特に発展途上国ではその普及が困難である。本研究は、新概念の生体分子安定化法の実現に成功し、上記課題の解決に新しい方法論を提唱するものである。