Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Escherichia coli-Based Cell-Free Protein Synthesis: Protocols for a robust, flexible, and accessible platform technology
Published on: February 25, 2019
Escherichia coli as a glycoprotein production host: recent developments and challenges
Stephen R P Jaffé1, Benjamin Strutton1, Zdenko Levarski2
1ChELSI Institute, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK.
Engineering Escherichia coli for therapeutic glycoprotein production is advancing rapidly. Researchers are improving N-glycosylation efficiency and glycan composition in E. coli, aiming for cost-effective glycoprotein manufacturing.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells are the standard for producing therapeutic glycoproteins.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) is being engineered as an alternative host system.
- The transfer of an N-glycosylation pathway from Campylobacter jejuni to E. coli in 2002 was a key development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in N-glycosylation of recombinant therapeutic proteins in E. coli.
- To discuss advancements in glycan composition and glycosylation efficiency.
- To highlight remaining challenges for E. coli as an industrial host.
Main Methods:
- Functional transfer of N-glycosylation pathways.
- Engineering of E. coli for enhanced glycosylation.
- Manipulation of glycan composition in E. coli.
Main Results:
- Significant advancements in engineering E. coli for N-glycosylation.
- Improvements in glycosylation efficiency and control over glycan structures.
- Demonstrated potential for E. coli in recombinant protein production.
Conclusions:
- E. coli shows promise as a host for glycoprotein production.
- Further engineering is required to achieve economically viable glycoprotein manufacturing.
- Overcoming current challenges will enable widespread industrial application.
Related Concept Videos
Production of Pharmaceuticals
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Bioreactor Controls-III
Upstream Processing

