Lysostaphin
98% as determined by RP-HPLC.
Description
Lysostaphin Recombinant produced in E.Coli is a non-glycosylated polypeptide chain having a molecular mass of 26.92 kDa.
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Lysostaphin was first discovered in the 1960s and has since been recognized for its unique ability to cleave the pentaglycine cross-bridges in the peptidoglycan layer of staphylococcal cell walls . This enzymatic activity results in the rapid lysis and death of the bacterial cells. Unlike traditional antibiotics, lysostaphin exhibits a high degree of specificity for staphylococci, making it inactive against other bacterial genera .
With the advent of genetic engineering, recombinant lysostaphin (r-lysostaphin) has been developed to enhance its production and therapeutic potential. The gene encoding lysostaphin from Staphylococcus simulans is cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli or other suitable host cells . This recombinant approach allows for the large-scale production of lysostaphin with high purity and activity .
Lysostaphin has shown significant promise in both in vitro and in vivo studies for its potential to treat staphylococcal infections . Its ability to rapidly lyse staphylococcal cells makes it a valuable candidate for combating antibiotic-resistant strains such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) . Additionally, lysostaphin can be used in combination with other antibiotics to enhance their efficacy and reduce the likelihood of resistance development .
The production of recombinant lysostaphin involves several key steps:
- Gene Cloning: The lysostaphin gene is extracted from Staphylococcus simulans and amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) .
- Expression Vector Construction: The amplified gene is inserted into a suitable expression vector, such as pET32a, which is then introduced into E. coli cells .
- Protein Expression: The transformed E. coli cells are induced to express the lysostaphin protein, typically using isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) .
- Purification: The expressed lysostaphin is purified using affinity chromatography techniques, such as nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) resin, to obtain a high concentration of the recombinant protein .
The development of recombinant lysostaphin represents a significant advancement in the field of antimicrobial therapy. As antibiotic resistance continues to pose a global health threat, lysostaphin offers a promising alternative for the treatment of staphylococcal infections. Ongoing research aims to further optimize its production, enhance its stability, and explore its potential applications in various clinical settings .
