Fuusioproteiini

A fusion protein, also known as a chimeric protein, is a hybrid protein made by the joining of two or more distinct protein sequences. This joining can occur through genetic engineering, where the DNA sequences encoding the proteins are fused together and then expressed. Alternatively, it can happen through a post-translational modification event. The resulting fusion protein possesses properties or functions derived from its constituent proteins, often in novel ways.

Fusion proteins are widely utilized in molecular biology and biotechnology. In research, they serve as valuable tools for studying protein localization, interaction, and function. For example, a fluorescent protein like GFP can be fused to a protein of interest to visualize its location within a cell. In medicine, fusion proteins have therapeutic applications, such as in the treatment of cancer. One common example is where an antibody fragment is fused to a cytotoxic protein, allowing the antibody to specifically target cancer cells and deliver a toxic payload. Another application is in the development of vaccines. The creation of fusion proteins allows for the combination of multiple antigens or the display of antigens in a more immunogenic format. The specific arrangement and properties of the fused protein segments determine its overall characteristics and utility.