Expression Systems

The multi-disciplinary research in this area is directed towards the design of state-of-the art expression systems based on a comprehensive, fundamental understanding of bacteria, fungi and plants for the production of novel drug targets for diseases such as TB, malaria, HIV/Aids and cancer, biomedical and industrial proteins as well as novel biofuels.

Research highlights

	Engineering Bacillus halodurans for improved expression of peptides Researchers in the expression systems research group describe their successful modification of the type III secretion pathway of B.halodurans for the secretion of heterologous flagellin fusion peptides. These peptides are beneficial to the pharmaceutical sector among other areas.

	Investigating the genetic relationships of pearl millet landraces Pearl millet provides great potential in food security and biofuels but its rich genetic diversity is either poorly characterised or documented resulting in limited use in breeding programs. The authors of this study report an analysis of genetic relationships of pearl millet landraces collected from two districts in Zimbabwe where it is the fifth most important cereal crop.

	Strategies for expression of malaria parasite proteins for new drugs Researchers involved in bioscience research at the CSIR and collaborative partners, in this paper review the status quo of heterologous production of plasmodial proteins. They also provide strategies and hosts for functional expression and annotation of these proteins which scientists study to combat antimalarial drug resistance.