A novel, smaller scaffold for Affitins: Showcase with binders specific for EpCAM
Recently, we have characterized the 7 kDa DNA-binding family, and Aho7c originating from Acidianus hospitalis was shown to be its smallest member with thermostability comparable to those of Sac7d and Sso7d. Here, after four rounds of selection by ribosome display against the human recombinant Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (hrEpCAM), we obtained novel Aho7c-based Affitins. The binders were expressed in soluble form in Escherichia coli, displayed high stability (up to 74°C; pH 0–12) and were shown to be specific for the hrEpCAM extracellular domain with picomolar affinities (KD = 110 pM). Thus, we propose Aho7c as a good candidate for the creation of Affitins with a 10% smaller size than the Sac7d-based ones (60 vs. 66 amino acids).
Kalichuk V, Renodon-Cornière A, Béhar G, Carrión F, Obal G, Maillasson M, Mouratou B, Préat V, Pecorari F
Biotechnol Bioeng. 2018 Feb;115(2):290-299. doi: 10.1002/bit.26463
