The following is a list of notable proteins that are produced from recombinant DNA, using biomolecular engineering. In many cases, recombinant human proteins have replaced the original animal-derived version used in medicine. The prefix "rh" for "recombinant human" appears less and less in the literature. A much larger number of recombinant proteins is used in the research laboratory. These include both commercially available proteins, and those that are generated in the course specific research projects.
Human recombinants that largely replaced animal or harvested from human types
human insulin : Humulin from Lilly and Novolin from Novo Nordisk among others largely replaced bovine and porcine insulin for human therapy. Some prefer to continue using the animal-sourced preparations, as there is some evidence that synthetic insulin varieties are more likely to induce hypoglycemia unawareness. Remaining manufacturers of highly purified animal-sourced insulin include the U.K.'s Wockhardt Ltd., Argentina's Laboratorios Beta S.A., and China's Wanbang Biopharma Co.
Ribosomal proteins: For the studies of individual ribosomal proteins, the use of proteins that are produced and purified from recombinant sources has largely replaced those that are obtained through isolation. However, isolation is still required for the studies of the whole ribosome.
Lysosomal proteins: Lysosomal proteins are difficult to produce recombinantly due to the number and type of post-translational modifications that they have. As a result, recombinant lysosomal proteins are usually produced in mammalian cells. Plant cell culture was used to produce FDA aproved glycosilated lysosmal protein-drug, and additional drug candidates. Recent studies have shown that it may be possible to produce recombinant lysosomal proteins with microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Recombinant lysosomal proteins are used for both research and medical applications, such as enzyme replacement therapy.
Human recombinants with recombination as only source
Polyphenol oxidases : These include both catechol oxidases and tyrosinases. In additional to research, PPOs have also found applications as biocatalysts.
Cystatins are proteins that inhibit cysteine proteases. Research are ongoing to evaluate the potential of using cystatins in crop protection to control herbivorous pests and pathogens.
Industrial applications
Laccases have found a wide range of application, from food additive and beverage processing to biomedical diagnosis, and as cross‐linking agents for furniture construction or in the production of biofuels.
