Engineering Gypsophila elegans hairy root cultures to produce endosomal escape-enhancing saponins.

ABSTRACT: The limited cytosolic delivery of DNA and protein-based therapeutics due to endosomal entrapment reduces drug efficacy, increasing treatment costs and possible side effects in human and veterinary medicine as a consequence of higher administered dosages. Plant-derived triterpenoid saponins, specifically those with endosomal escape-enhancing (EEE) properties, have shown promise in overcoming this limitation by disrupting endosomal membranes. QS-21, a well-known EEE saponin, has been used as an adjuvant in vaccines, and recent studies have elucidated its biosynthetic pathway. However, EEE saponins are typically present as minor compounds in plants, posing challenges for their large-scale production and purification. Here we investigated the possibility of engineering SO1861 production, an EE

SUBMITTER: Lacchini E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12310815 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature