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Cell-free Protein Synthesis of Next-Generation Therapeutics

Project

Project Details

Program
BioEngineering
Field of Study
Cell-free Protein Synthesis; Bioengineering; Protein Chemistry; Biochemistry
Division
Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Faculty Lab Link
https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/study/faculty/magnus-rueping
Center Affiliation
KAUST Catalysis Center

Project Description

Conventional expression systems require a time span of several days or even weeks for functional therapeutic protein prototyping. This lengthy duration hampers the speed of process development and extends the prototyping period. Moreover, these systems are limited to the 20 canonical amino acids, thereby limiting the production of next-generation therapeutics such as antibody-drug conjugates. Cell-free protein synthesis, also referred to as in vitro protein synthesis or CFPS, offers a potential solution to these constraints. The project’s objective is to explore and characterize our developed cell-free protein synthesis system. The system leverages the speed and adaptability of cell-free mechanisms to fast-track the prototyping of next-generation therapeutics. Project-duration will be 3-6 month, details of arrival/departure dates to be discussed.

About the Researcher

Magnus Rueping
Professor, Chemistry
Physical Science and Engineering Division

Affiliations

Education Profile

  • Postdoctoral fellow, Harvard University
  • Ph.D., ETH Zurich
  • B.Sc./M.Sc., Technical University of Berlin

Research Interests

Professor Rueping's research interests include organocatalysis, metal catalysis and biocatalysis; new reaction methodology and technology; smart materials, photochemistry and flow chemistry.

Selected Publications

  • H.-H. Liao, A. Chatupheeraphat, C.-C. Hsiao, I. Atodiresei, M. Rueping. ""Asymmetric BrA¸nsted Acid Catalyzed Synthesis of Triarylmethanes - Construction of Communesin- and Spiroindoline Scaffolds."" Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 54, 15540-15544
  • M. Nakajima, E. Fava, S. Loescher, Z. Jiang, M. Rueping. ""Photoredox-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Aldehydes, Ketones, and Imines with Visible Light."" Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 54, 8828-8832
  • D. C. Fabry, M. A. Ronge, J. Zoller, M. Rueping. ""C-H Functionalization of Phenols Using Combined Ruthenium and Photoredox Catalysis: In Situ Generation of the Oxidant."" Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 54, 2801-2805
  • S. Raja, M. Nakajima, I. Atodiresei, M. Rueping. ""Combined Experimental and Computational Study for the First Catalytic Asymmetric 4p-Elektrocyclization of N-Heterocycles."" Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 54, 2762-2765
  • M. Leiendecker, C.-C. Hsiao, L. Guo, N. Alandini, M. Rueping. ""Metal-Catalyzed Dealkoxylative Caryl-Csp3 Cross-Coupling - Replacement of Aromatic Methoxy Groups Employing a Functionalized Nucleophile"" Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 53, 12912-12915

Desired Project Deliverables

Students shall extend their general knowledge and skills in molecular biology and protein biochemistry. An emphasis will be put on expression, purification and characterization techniques. Students will be taught to work independently on projects, yet strengthening their critical sense to develop new ideas. In the course of the internship students shall demonstrate this understanding during oral presentations and one final written report.

Recommended Student Background

A background in biochemistry is preferred, but students with backgrounds in chemistry, biotechnology or biology
The ideal candidates should have some experience or interest in conducting standard biochemistry experiments
Experience with or interest in learning laboratory skills associated with analytical chemistry is beneficial
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3-6 months
Internship period
100+
Research Projects
3.5/4
Cumulative GPA
310
Interns a Year