Analysis of assembly of synthetic antibody fragments: expression of functional scFv with predefined specificity

Biotechniques. 1997 Sep;23(3):500-3. doi: 10.2144/97233st09.

Abstract

In this work, we have investigated parameters important for the assembly of synthetic genes encoding antibody fragments. These genes are constructed from a set of overlapping single-stranded oligonucleotides (primers), which are assembled into a gene sequence in a one-step process using PCR. Using the Oligo program, we made a detailed analysis of wanted and unwanted interactions between these primers; both the stability of hairpin structures of homodimers and of heterodimers were examined. The Oligo program could be used to identify unwanted interactions of high stability, and the present study suggests that if the stabilities of the unwanted interactions are kept to 25%-50% of the designed interactions, a successful assembly of synthetic genes can occur.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Technical Report

MeSH terms

  • Antibody Specificity*
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA / biosynthesis
  • DNA Primers
  • Drug Stability
  • Gene Expression*
  • Gene Library
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fragments / biosynthesis
  • Immunoglobulin Fragments / genetics*
  • Immunoglobulin Fragments / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / genetics
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Oligonucleotides / genetics
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Immunoglobulin Fragments
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains
  • Oligonucleotides
  • immunoglobulin Fv
  • DNA