Research Paper Published: Controlling Protein Expression via Targeted Ovomucoid Elimination in Chicken Eggs

We are pleased to announce that a new research paper titled "Protein expression control by targeted elimination of ovomucoid in chicken eggs" has been published in the journal Protein Expression and Purification.

The paper was co-authored by Prof. Hiroyuki Horiuchi (Professor at the Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, and Scientific Advisor to PtBio Inc.) and Dr. Ryo Ezaki (Specially Appointed Associate Professor at the same Graduate School and Senior Researcher at PtBio’s R&D Department).

The article is scheduled for publication in Volume 240 (May 2026 issue) and is currently available online via the following link:

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pep.2026.106905

Research Overview

Ovomucoid is the primary allergen found in chicken eggs. Because it is highly resistant to heat and digestive enzymes, traditional food processing methods face significant limitations in reducing its presence. This research validates a strategy to accurately eliminate this protein at the biosynthesis stage using genome editing technology, rather than relying on post-production processing.

The study provides experimental evidence of successfully removing ovomucoid alone while maintaining the original functionality and antibacterial activity of the egg white, utilizing a knockout methodology with state-of-the-art nucleases. The paper also explores the importance of safety evaluations and practical applications, referencing previous cases of genome-edited foods.

This achievement is drawing attention as a flagship example of animal protein expression control, demonstrating that functional modification of food is possible through the precise regulation of specific proteins.