DNA2.0 today introduced the GPS Bioengineering Platform: GeneGPS™, GenomeGPS™ and ProteinGPS™ — a suite of proprietary technologies for engineering optimized genes, genomes and proteins. The company also announced the issuance of US patent 8,126,653 “Synthetic Nucleic Acids for Expression of Encoded Proteins.” This is the third patent supporting the GeneGPS technology, which uses heuristics and systematic variance in combination with efficient gene synthesis to control and maximize recombinant protein expression in any host.
Biology is inherently an information science operating within a mega-dimensional space of discreet nodes of biological function. Each node corresponds to functional units such as genes, proteins, pathways or organisms. DNA2.0’s GPS Bioengineering Platform applies modern engineering principles, including mathematical nonlinear systems modeling and optimization algorithms, to navigate biological hyperspace in order to determine optimal solutions across multiple nodes of biological function.
“At DNA2.0 we have modified the standard algorithms for engineering complex systems to work with biological processes,“ said Jeremy Minshull, cofounder and CEO of DNA2.0. “No other commercial or in-house method embodies the sophisticated design approach that DNA2.0 employs with the GPS Bioengineering Platform. With the GPS system, researchers save time and money, while quickly getting to meaningful results.“
Patented GeneGPS Technology: Optimize for Expression
Expression of recombinant proteins is vitally important for modern biotechnology. Unfortunately, many proteins are difficult to express outside their original host and frequently hard to express at sufficient levels even within their native host. Optimizing a gene for expression by designing the most effective coding sequence is therefore essential. Gene synthesis allows researchers the flexibility to, in principle, design any gene sequences for their application. But which gene sequence to design? Despite the high value of gene sequence design, most currently used design algorithms are based on anecdotal evidence that is at best statistically insignificant. GeneGPS™ instead takes a proven, patented approach to designing the most effective coding sequence through heuristic investigation of the relevant variables.
DNA2.0‘s new patent—8,126,653—describes how gene design variables are encoded in the synthetic gene to maximize protein expression. This patent, in conjunction with previously issued patents 7,561,973 and 7,561,972, form the foundation for GeneGPS. GeneGPS is offered as a service to DNA2.0’s regular gene synthesis customers without reach-through licenses of any kind.
“What our customers need is reliable expression,” said Mark Welch, Director of Gene Design and co-inventor on the patent. “A gene that has been optimized using GeneGPS algorithms for maximal protein expression often yields between 10- and 100-fold more protein than one designed using the algorithms of our competitors or the natural sequence. This increase immediately translates to saving months of time on painstaking optimization studies or being able to use much smaller culture volumes. In several instances, DNA2.0’s GPS design technology has enabled projects that otherwise would have had to be terminated due to lack of protein expression.”
ProteinGPS: Design Directly for the Final Application
ProteinGPS is the protein engineering system that quickly and efficiently designs proteins with improved characteristics. This technology is covered by US patent 8,005,620 issued to DNA2.0 and additional pending applications.
“By utilizing ProteinGPS, you can optimize your protein directly for function in the final application,” said Claes Gustafsson, cofounder and Chief Commercial Officer of DNA2.0 and co-inventor of the company’s GPS patent portfolio. “Protein GPS uses the same type of underlying mathematical tools as GeneGPS to identify correlations that allow you to screen small numbers of variants and do away with high-throughput (HTP) screens, saving researchers years of time and millions of dollars.”
About DNA2.0
DNA2.0 is the leading bioengineering solutions provider. Founded in 2003, DNA2.0 offers an integrated pipeline of solutions for the research community, including gene design, optimization, synthesis and cloning, as well as platforms for protein and strain engineering. It is the fastest provider of synthetic genes—based in the US with a global customer base encompassing academia, government and the pharmaceutical, chemical, agricultural and biotechnology industries. DNA2.0 is by far the most published synthetic gene vendor, providing expert support to and collaboration with scientists. DNA2.0 explores novel applications for synthetic genes and is exploiting the synergy between highly efficient gene design and synthesis processes and new protein optimization technologies. DNA2.0’s tools and solutions are fueling the transformation of biology from a discovery science to an engineering discipline. The company is privately held and is headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif. For more information, please visit www.DNA20.com.