Animal-Free Protein using Recombinant DNA Technology

Context: The global market base for alternative proteins is on the rise. Animal-Free Proteins produced using Recombinant DNA Technology are one such viable option to produce alternative proteins. 

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims & Mains: Recombinant DNA Technology: About, Applications & Benefits; BioE3 Policy.  

Animal-Free Protein using Recombinant DNA Technology: 

• Animal-free protein refers to proteins (dairy, egg, meat proteins, other biological products) produced without using animals. The proteins are produced by relying on microbes (bacteria, fungi, yeast) engineered through Recombinant DNA Technology (rDNA). E.g.,
  • Casein (milk protein) produced in labs without cows.
  • Insulin (earlier extracted from a pig’s pancreas) is now developed by bacteria.
  • Collagen (earlier extracted from animal bones) is now produced in labs. 
• This is also called precision fermentation or microbial fermentation.

Key steps involved:

• Identification of the gene responsible for making a specific animal protein (E.g. Insulin)
• Gene Insertion: The gene is inserted into the DNA of a vector (bacteria, fungi, yeast) using Recombinant DNA Technology. 
• Protein Expression: The vector is now genetically engineered and acts like a mini factory (bio factory) and produces the desired protein. 

Benefits of Animal-Free Protein using Recombinant DNA Technology

• Efficient: Requires less resources (land, water, feed) compared to traditional animal husbandry. 
• Sustainable: Reduces dependence on livestock farming (which contributes to over 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions). 
• Safer: Eliminates the risks of zoonotic pathogens (E.g., prions in mad cow disease, viruses in poultry). Reduced risk of xenobiotic rejection or allergic reactions. 
• Animal Welfare: No ethical and moral issues.
• Desired traits: Proteins can be modified for enhanced nutrition (E.g., more digestible Casein; allergen free proteins) 

What is Recombinant DNA Technology?

• Recombinant DNA technology or genetic engineering involves manipulation of the genetic code or DNA of a living organism by combining genetic material from different sources.  
• Basic principle: Isolating a specific gene or DNA sequence of interest from one organism and inserting it into the genome of another organism, via an appropriate vector. The inserted gene can be from the same species or from a different species.
• Use case: It is used to obtain desired characteristics (traits) in living organisms or to produce useful biological products.  

Key steps involved in R-DNA technology: 

• Isolation of the gene or DNA sequence of interest from the source organism.
• Fragmenting this DNA using ‘molecular scissors’ (Restriction endonuclease Enzymes).
• Screening the fragments for a ‘desired gene’.
• Inserting the fragments with the desired gene into a ‘vector’ (plasmids, bacteriophage, cosmid) to develop a recombinant DNA (done using an enzyme called DNA ligase which acts like molecular glue).
• Introducing the recombinant vector into the target organism or host cell. The vector integrates into the host's genome and the gene of interest is expressed. 
• Expression: The target organism produces the protein encoded by the inserted gene.

Applications of R-DNA Technology: 

• Creation of Genetically modified (GM) crops with desirable traits (resistance to pests, diseases, or herbicides). 
• Production of therapeutic proteins such as insulin, interferon and human growth hormone (Human insulin was the 1st therapeutic protein to be genetically cloned in E.coli using R-DNA technology). 
• Creation of Mono-clonal antibodies.
• Production of vaccines. E.g., Hepatitis-B vaccine
• Backbone of diagnostic tests for diseases like HIV and Hepatitis. 
• Produce clotting factors for treating Haemophilia. 
• Development of synthetic anti-venom, free from animal-derived proteins.
• Create genetically engineered microorganisms for bioremediation and cleaning up environmental pollutants.

With the launch of the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy, the government is focusing more on the manufacture of smart proteins, which entail reduced land, water, and energy requirements, while addressing nutritional needs and widespread protein deficiencies.