Fusion protein

Fusion protein is a protein created through the joining of two or more genes which originally coded for separate proteins. Translation of this fusion gene results in a single or multiple polypeptides with functional properties derived from each of the original proteins.

Overview

Fusion proteins can occur naturally in the body through the process of gene fusion. This can occur when a translocation, interstitial deletion, or chromosomal inversion brings two separate genes together. Fusion proteins can also be created in the lab for use in research and medicine.

Types of Fusion Proteins

There are several types of fusion proteins, including chimeric proteins, recombinant proteins, and fusion toxins.

Chimeric Proteins

Chimeric proteins are fusion proteins created in the lab by joining genes from different species. These proteins can be used in research to study the function of different protein domains or in medicine as biopharmaceuticals.

Recombinant Proteins

Recombinant proteins are fusion proteins created in the lab by joining genes from the same species. These proteins can be used in research to study the function of different protein domains or in medicine as biopharmaceuticals.

Fusion Toxins

Fusion toxins are a type of fusion protein that combines a toxin with a protein that targets specific cells. These proteins can be used in medicine to selectively kill specific types of cells, such as cancer cells.

Medical Applications

Fusion proteins have a wide range of medical applications. They can be used as biopharmaceuticals, in gene therapy, and in the development of vaccines.

Biopharmaceuticals

Many biopharmaceuticals are fusion proteins. These drugs can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases.

Gene Therapy

Fusion proteins can be used in gene therapy to deliver therapeutic genes to specific cells in the body.

Vaccines

Fusion proteins can be used in the development of vaccines. By combining a protein from a pathogen with a protein that stimulates the immune system, a fusion protein vaccine can provoke a stronger immune response than a traditional vaccine.

See Also

• Protein engineering
• Protein domain
• Gene fusion
• Biopharmaceuticals
• Gene therapy
• Vaccines

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Fusion_protein

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  Structure of a fusion protein

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  Illustration of a fusion protein

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  Diagram of chimeric and humanized antibodies

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  Bcr-abl fusion gene

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  Structure of a fusion protein