INCLUSION BODIES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

Abstract

Protein aggregation is commonly observed phenomenon occurring during production of recombinant proteins in genetically engineered organisms over-expressing foreign genes. Aggregation of such recombinant proteins often leads to the formation of insoluble protein clusters named inclusion bodies (IBs). Although usually considered as waste by-products of protein production, over the last decade, this general misconception has been questioned by various studies. Gradual understanding of the structural, molecular and physiological features has revealed promising potential of these so far undesirable cellular products. In the present review we summarize basic characteristics of IBs, their use in antimicrobial peptides production and in various biotechnological fields, including tissue engineering, drug delivery and biocatalysis.