Published February 23, 2024 | Version v1
Publication

Increasing the Scalability of Toxin-Intein Orthogonal Combinations

Description

Inteins are proteins embedded into host proteins from which they are excised in an autocatalytic reaction. Specifically, split inteins are separated into two independent fragments that reconstitute the host protein during the catalytic process. We recently developed a novel strategy for the specific killing of pathogenic and antibiotic resistant bacteria based on toxin-intein combinations. Bacterial type II toxin-antitoxin systems are protein modules in which the toxin can provoke cell death whereas the antitoxin inhibits toxin activity. Although our previous system was based on a split intein (iDnaE) and the CcdB toxin, we demonstrated that iDnaE is able to reconstitute four different toxins. To expand the applicability of our system by widening the repertoire of toxin-intein combinations for complex set-ups, we introduced a second intein, iDnaX, which was artificially split. We demonstrate that iDnaX is able to reconstitute the four toxins, and we manage to reduce its scar size to facilitate their use. In addition, we prove the orthogonality of both inteins (iDnaE and iDnaX) through a toxin reconstitution assay, thus opening the possibility for complex set-ups based on these toxin-intein modules. This could be used to develop specific antimicrobial and other biotechnological applications.

Abstract

Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS-UMR 3525, PLASWIRES 612146/FP7-FET

Abstract

French Government ANR-10-LABX-62-IBEID

Abstract

Fondation pour la Recherche Medicale EQU202103012569

Abstract

Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación PID2019-104784RJ, BFU2017-88202-P

Additional details

Created:
February 25, 2024
Modified:
February 25, 2024