Background

Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an urgent and ongoing need for research into the disease and the development of diagnostic assays and therapies.

The nucleocapsid (N) protein is one of the 4 structural proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It binds to the viral RNA, forming the nucleocapsid and plays an important role in viral genome replication. The N protein is highly immunogenic and abundantly expressed during infection which makes it an important marker in diagnostic assays for COVID-19.

Recombinant nucleocapsid proteins are an important R&D tool and are commonly used in viral quantification assays and in ELISAs for detection of human antibodies against coronavirus.

Technology Overview

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed methods for producing and purifying large quantities (100s - 1000s mg) of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein.

Researchers have engineered expression plasmids, including a synthetic gene encoding the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid proteins, codon-optimised for E. coli. Protein expression in E. coli and subsequent purification methods have been optimised, resulting in a high-yield production of soluble nucleocapsid protein.

The system has been adapted to produce nucleocapsid proteins from SARS-CoV-2 variant sequences and other viruses such as influenza A.

Benefits

Large volumes of protein can be produced (up to 5 g/month)
Resultant protein is of a high purity (>95%, assessed by SDS-PAGE)
Ability to produce His tagged and non-tagged (native) versions of the protein
Ability to produce different nucleocapsid proteins, including SARS-CoV-2 variant sequences.
Nucleocapsid proteins currently available:
- SARS-CoV-2, Original Wuhan sequence
- SARS-CoV-2, 203/204: RG>KR mutant sequence
- Influenza A (H3N2/Hong Kong/45/2019)

Applications

Research into the development of diagnostic assays and devices for COVID-19
Research in bulk properties of N proteins
Packing of recombinant ribonucleic acids

Opportunity

The following proteins are available to purchase via the University of Sheffield rapid licencing website (follow the links for more info):

If you have the requirement for any alternative nucleocapsid proteins, we invite you to get in touch to discuss the potential for a research collaboration or a research contract to produce other proteins of interest.

Nucleocapsid protein for SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses

IP Status

Seeking