SORF CONSTRUCTS AND MULTIPLE GENE EXPRESSION

Embodiments of the invention relate to vector constructs and methods for expression of polypeptides including multimeric products such as therapeutic antibodies. Particular constructs allow for the generation of expression products from a single open reading frame (sORF). An embodiment provides an isolated or purified expression vector for generating one or more recombinant protein products comprising a single open reading frame insert; said insert comprising a signal peptide nucleic acid sequence encoding a signal peptide; a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a first polypeptide; a first intervening nucleic acid sequence encoding a first protein cleavage site, wherein said first protein cleavage site is provided by an intein segment of a Ion protease gene of Pyrococcus or a klbA gene of Pyrococcus or Methanococcus, or a modified intein segment derived therefrom; and a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a second polypeptide. Certain embodiments of constructs and methods employ an intein segment of a Ion protease gene of Pyrococcus abyssi, Pyrococcus furiosus, or Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3; or an intein segment of a klbA gene of Pyrococcus abyssi, Pyrococcus furiosus, or Methanococcus jannaschii; or other intein segment.