Author:
Balius Gia,Imani Kiana,Petroff Zoë,Beer Elizabeth,Feitosa Thiago Brasileiro,Mccall Nathan,Paule Lauren,Peng Neo Yixuan,Shen Joanne,Singh Vidhata,Strand Cambell,Zau Jonathan,Bernick D. L.
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus affects roughly one in ten people globally and is the world’s ninth leading cause of death. However, a significant portion of chronic complications that contribute to mortality can be prevented with proper treatment and medication. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, such as Exendin-4, are one of the leading classes of Type 2 diabetes treatments but are prohibitively expensive. In this study, experimental models for recombinant Exendin-4 protein production were designed in both Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Protein expression in the chromosomally integrated S. cerevisiae strain was observed at the expected size of Exendin-4 and confirmed by immunoassay. This provides a foundation for the use of this Generally Regarded as Safe organism as an affordable treatment for Type 2 diabetes that can be propagated, prepared, and distributed locally.