This study successfully demonstrates the expression of both the codon-optimized (OP) and non-optimized (NO) insulin glargine gene constructs using the pPICZα vector in Pichia pastoris X-33. The plasmid constructs were validated through sequencing, which confirmed the accurate synthesis and integration into the vectors (Fig. 1a and 1b). After the constructs were confirmed, they were linearized using SacI, resulting in a fragment of approximately 3.800 kb, as observed in agarose gel electrophoresis (Fig. 2). This step was crucial for facilitating homologous recombination, ensuring stable and efficient integration into the yeast genome (Karbalaei et al., 2020; Li et al., 2007). This setup allowed for subsequent successful transformation into P. pastoris.
The successful integration of the insulin glargine gene into the yeast genome was confirmed through PCR analysis using the AOX1 primer. Both the OP and NO constructs exhibited the expected 759 bp band (Fig. 4), which, along with sequencing results (Fig. 5a and 5b), validated the accurate incorporation and structural integrity of the constructs within the genome. This step established the readiness of the system for protein expression.
Upon successful transformation, insulin glargine expression was induced in ½ BSM medium using methanol as the inducer. In P. pastoris systems, methanol is commonly employed to activate the AOX1 promoter, which drives gene expression under methanol-utilizing conditions (Daly and Hearn, 2005). The silver staining results after 96 hours of fermentation (Fig. 6) revealed protein bands corresponding to insulin glargine, with molecular weights of approximately 7.5 kDa and 10 kDa. These bands were consistent with reported proinsulin (Feizi et al., 2020; Kaki et al., 2022; Nurdiani et al., 2024, 2022). The progressive appearance and increasing intensity of these bands over time indicate the accumulation of insulin glargine, with notable expression observed after 48 hours.
Pichia pastoris is recognized as a highly effective model organism for the production of recombinant proteins due to its superior secretory capabilities compared to Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Ahmad et al., 2014). As a methylotrophic yeast, P. pastoris offers several advantages, including the ability to perform post-translational modifications that closely mimic those of higher eukaryotic systems (Daly and Hearn, 2005; Puxbaum et al., 2015). These modifications such as glycosylation, disulfide bond formation, and proteolytic processing—are essential for the proper functionality of therapeutic proteins (Ahmad et al., 2014; Cereghino and Cregg, 2000). Additionally, P. pastoris exhibits a higher capacity for secreting heterologous proteins than S. cerevisiae, making it particularly advantageous for industrial applications like insulin glargine production (Macauley-Patrick et al., 2005). This increased capacity is attributed to the yeast's highly efficient protein folding and processing systems in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus (Barlowe and Miller, 2013; Delic et al., 2013). Thus, P. pastoris serves not only as a reliable platform for recombinant protein production but also as an important model for studying eukaryotic cell secretion mechanisms (Cereghino and Cregg, 2000; Daly and Hearn, 2005).
One significant advantage of using P. pastoris for insulin glargine production is its capacity to perform post-translational modifications essential for the biological activity of therapeutic proteins. This yeast can produce glycosylation patterns similar to those in humans, which are critical for the stability and functionality of insulin analogues (Cereghino and Cregg, 2000). Our results underscore the efficacy of P. pastoris X-33 as a host for insulin glargine production.
Additionally, P. pastoris X-33 is highly suitable for industrial applications due to its scalability, high growth rate, and robust protein expression capabilities. These characteristics align with the findings of Macauley-Patrick et al, who highlighted the benefits of P. pastoris in large-scale recombinant protein production (Macauley-Patrick et al., 2005). Furthermore, P. pastoris is amenable to genetic manipulation, allowing for further optimization of expression systems to enhance yield and protein quality.
Codon usage bias refers to the non-random selection of synonymous codons, where different codons that encode the same amino acid vary in their translation efficiency (Brandis and Hughes, 2016; Novoa and Ribas de Pouplana, 2012). Codon optimization has been widely recognized as an effective strategy for improving heterologous gene expression by aligning codon usage with the host's tRNA pool, thereby enhancing translation efficiency and proper protein folding (Gustafsson et al., 2012, 2004; Mauro and Chappell, 2014; Menzella, 2011). In our study, codon optimization led to a substantial increase in protein yield, confirming its practical benefits for insulin glargine synthesis.
In P. pastoris, codon usage bias can significantly impact gene expression due to differences in the preferred codons between the yeast and the source organism of the gene. Non-adapted genes may face challenges in achieving optimal expression. Addressing this, codon optimization modifies the gene's codons to align with the host's preferences without altering the amino acid sequence. This adjustment enhances mRNA translation efficiency and stability, reduces ribosomal stalling, and improves protein folding, all of which contribute to higher yields of functional protein (Sinclair and Choy, 2002). Additionally, proper protein folding minimizes the accumulation of misfolded proteins and reduces the activation of stress pathways, such as the unfolded protein response (UPR), ultimately lowering the metabolic burden on the host cells (Wong et al., 2018).
This study successfully highlights the potential of codon optimization as a method for enhancing the production efficiency of insulin glargine. This demonstrates that codon optimization is an effective strategy to boost the yield and efficiency of recombinant protein production, particularly in yeast expression systems, thereby offering a promising approach for industrial-scale production of insulin analogues. Future research should focus on optimizing the fermentation process, improving protein purification methods, and scaling up production to meet the growing clinical demand for insulin glargine in diabetes management.