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Expression and production of llama variable heavy-chain antibody fragments (VHHs) by Aspergillus awamori

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An Erratum to this article was published on 07 December 2004

Abstract

We report the expression and production of llama variable heavy-chain antibody fragments (VHHs) by Aspergillus awamori. Fragments encoding VHHs were cloned in a suitable Aspergillus expression vector and transformants secreting VHH fragments were analysed for integrated gene copy-numbers, mRNA levels and protein production. Functional VHHs were detected in the culture medium, indicating the feasibility of producing this type of protein in a fungal expression system. Secreted VHHs were subjected to (extracellular) degradation, which could be partially prevented by the addition of BSA to the culture medium.

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Acknowledgements

The experiments described in this paper were carried out in the framework of a BTS project for Unilever Research Vlaardingen. The authors thank Marc Roelofs and Dr. Frank Schuren for technical assistance. Dr. Peter Punt and Nicole van Luijk are acknowledged for critical reading of the manuscript.

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Author notes

  1. Vivi Joosten

    Present address: Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University, Dreijenlaan 3, 6703 HA, Wageningen, The Netherlands

  2. B. Christien Lokman

    Present address: HAN University, P.O. Box 31272, 6503 CG, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, TNO Nutrition and Food Research, P.O. Box 360, 3700 AJ, Zeist, The Netherlands

    Vivi Joosten, Cees A. M. J. J. van den Hondel & B. Christien Lokman

  2. Unilever Research Vlaardingen, P.O. Box 114, 3130 AC, Vlaardingen, The Netherlands

    Robin J. Gouka

  3. Department of Molecular Cell Biology and the Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    C. Theo Verrips

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  1. Vivi Joosten
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cees A. M. J. J. van den Hondel.

Additional information

An erratum to this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00253-004-1823-z

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Joosten, V., Gouka, R.J., van den Hondel, C.A.M.J.J. et al. Expression and production of llama variable heavy-chain antibody fragments (VHHs) by Aspergillus awamori. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 66, 384–392 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-004-1689-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-004-1689-0

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