Protein Expression Technologies

From The Critics

Reviewer: Eugene A Davidson, PhD(Georgetown University School of Medicine)
Description: This book summarizes techniques/approaches used in protein expression. Bacterial, yeast, and mammalian systems are discussed.
Purpose: The goal is to provide an up-to-date summary of methods presently used for heterologous protein expression. Given the widespread use of such technology, this is an appropriate goal. The objectives are generally met, although some key issues are insufficiently discussed.
Audience: The target audience are laboratory investigators involved in research where protein expression is required. The book would also be of value to students in such laboratories. The editor has assembled a diverse and knowledgeable set of authors.
Features: Since the development of recombinant DNA methods, heterologous expression of proteins has become a standard tool for both academic and industrial laboratories. This book reviews systems commonly used for this purpose. Included are discussions of E. coli, yeasts (Saccharomyces and Pichia), mammalian cells and some other backgrounds (extremophiles, for example).Plasmid construction and optimization is discussed within each background. Special issues relating to protein renaturation are also reviewed. A particularly informative section describes the use of extremophiles for expression. Each chapter has a useful bibliography with adequate reference to primary sources. In those cases where expression is facile, work proceeds. In the many instances where this does not occur, the investigator will still face a major challenge. One drawback of this generally useful book is insufficient discussion of common problems. These include codon bias (some genes simply cannot be expressed in yeast, for example), post-translational modification (bacteria do not glycosylate and, whereas yeast does, the products have little or no resemblance to those produced in human cells, for example). The broad coverage in this book indicates that it will be of value to most laboratories. All investigators need to be aware of the unmet challenges associated with heterologous expression of proteins.
Assessment: This book is generally useful and broad ranging, but it lacks detailed discussion of common problems. The major strength is the compilation of expression systems into a single volume.

Doody Review Service

"... Useful and broad-ranging... The major strength [of the book] is the compilation of expression systems into a single volume."
—March 2005

3 Stars from Doody