GTC Biotherapeutics (fka GTCB)

[jessellivermore]

Yeast or Goats ???

What does this GycoFi announcement mean re. GTCB's technique??
The announcement says they have managed to create glycolization in a yeast strain. This is a great accomplishment for them because it allows them to produce the same level of peptide protien complexes available via mamalian cell culture. This does not mean they can create the complex tertiary structure of the type of proteins GTCB will be targeting. Proteins of the most complex three dimensional structure require enzymes, co-enzymes and co-factors eg. zinc, magesium etc for their final shape. These factors actually form chemical bonds with the amino acids to produce finger like projections or other shapes necessary for a functional protein. These factors are not present in yeast cultures. Why is this "equipment" available in the mammary gland? The answer is in most newborn mammals, including humans, the immune system is not well developed. Since the newborn has little immune response of its own. It is provided "passive immunity" via antibodies that it receives in the mothers milk. These antibodies which would be digested in the adult are absorbed intact in the newborn. They are produced by the mammary glands.