A simple and visualized method to screen for effective siRNAs by using green fluorescence protein (GFP) as a reporter

To screen for effective small interference RNA(siRNA),a simple and visualized method was developed using the green fluorescence protein(GFP)as a reporter.Candidate siRNAs targeting macrophage migration inhibition factor genes(MIF)were identified.By using the pEGFP-N3 vector,the MIF-GFP expression plasmid,pEGFP-MIF,was constructed with the same Kozak consensus translation initiation site and start code ATG for the MIF-EGFP coding sequence.Based on the siRNA expression vector pSilencer-4.1,3 candidate MIF siRNA expression plasmids were constructed and co-transfected with the pEGFP-MIF into the HEK293 cells,respectively.The GFP expression in HEK293 cells could be viewed by fluorescence microscopy and the MIF mRNA expressions were determined by real-time quantitative PCR.The 3 candidate MIF siRNA expression plasmids were also co-transfected with the MIF expression plasmid into the HEK293 cells,respectively,and the MIF mRNA expressions were determined by real-time quantitative PCR.The results show that the down-regulated expression of the MIF mRNA was consistent with the GFP expression and the same effective MIF siRNAs were screened by using the pEGFP-MIF or MIF expression plasmid with the candidate MIF siRNAs expression plasmids.Therefore,by using the GFP as a reporter,a useful method was provided to screen for effective siRNAs targeting specific genes co-expressed with the GFP.This may be a good strategy for screening for effective siRNAs targeting different genes.

Fluorescence lifetime imaging of fluorescent proteins as an effective quantitative tool for noninvasive study of intracellular processes

Fluorescence litime imaging(FLIM)is an effective noninvasive bioanalytical tol based onmeasuring fuorescent lifetime of fuorophores.A growing number of FLIM studies utilizes ge-netically engineered fluorescent proteins targeted to specific subcellular structures to probe localmolecular environment,which opens new directions in cell science.This paper highlights theunconventional applications of FLIM for studies of molecular processes in diverse organelles oflive cultured cells.

F-Actin Visualization in Generative and Sperm Cells of Living Pollen of Rice Using a GFP-Mouse Talin Fusion Protein

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the F-actin binding domain of mouse talin labels the actin cytoskeleton in the living generative and sperm cells of a third generation transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.) plant, A005-G-T-1-2. Observations were made on pollen at four major developmental stages, viz. I. uni-nucleate microspore stage; II. early bi-cellular pollen stage; III. late bi-cellular pollen stage; and IV. tri-cellular pollen stage. At each of these developmental stages vegetative nucleus, generative nucleus/ cell, and sperm cells were seen undergoing continuous and coordinated motion and migration. These movements seemed to be influenced by associated microfilament networks existing in the pollen. Based on these observations we propose that it is the interaction between the microfilament networks (usually one existing in the central cytoplasm and another in the cortex) that controls the dynamic movement of the vegetative nucleus, generative nucleus/cell and sperm cells. Furthermore, we have also observed that there is an array of microfilaments (oriented mostly parallel to the long axis of the cell) existing in the generative and sperm cells. As far as we are aware, this is the first report showing the existence of microfilaments in living generative and sperm cells of rice pollen. The implication and significance of the existence of microfilaments in generative and sperm cells in rendering self-propelled motion of these cells in relation to their passage and movement in the pollen tube and embryo sac for fertilization were discussed.

Production of Transgenic Pig Clone Embryo Expressed the Red Fluorescent Protein by Using the Somatic Cell Nucleus Transplantation Technology

[Objective] The research aimed to lay the foundation for producing the transgenic clone pig.[Method] The pig fetus fibroblast with the red fluorescent protein（RFP）gene that was transfected by the retrovirus was as the donor of nucleus transplantation.By using the somatic cell cloning technology,the development situation in vitro of clone embryo with RFP was studied.[Result] The fusion rate of RFP transgenic cell was 83.87% which had no significant difference with 80.56% of non-transgenic cell（P0.05）.The blastula rate in vitro of RFP transgenic somatic cell reconstructed embryo was 8.67% which had no significant difference with 6.56% of non-transgenic cell（P0.05）.After the reconstructed embryo of RFP transgenic somatic cell was transplanted into fifteen receptors,there was no conception individual.[Conclusion] The transgenic cell with the red fluorescent protein as the donor could successfully clone the transgenic embryo and obtain the transgenic blastula.

Actin Visualization in Living Immature Pollen of Rice Using a GFP-Mouse Talin Fusion Protein

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the F_actin binding domain of mouse talin labels the actin cytoskeleton in the immature pollen of stable transformed rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants. Actin microfilaments could be visualized only in the late_developmental stage of the immature pollen. During this developmental stage, microfilaments, initially composed of very short fibrils, develop into a very complex and novel network that sometimes totally and sometimes partially encloses the vegetative nucleus and the spherical shaped generative cell in the central cytoplasm of the immature pollen. The behavior of the actin microfilamentous structure throughout the late_developmental stage of the immature pollen is extremely dynamic, and the likelihood of this structure in generating forces for vegetative nucleus and generative cell movement in the immature pollen has been discussed. No actin filaments were visualized in the spherical generative cells.

Soluble Expression and Rapid Quantification of GFP-hepA Fusion Protein in Recombinant Escherichia coli

To establish a rapid quantification method for heparinase I during its production in recombinant Escherichia coli, a translational fusion vector was constructed by fusing the N terminus of heparinase I to the C terminus of a green fluorescent protein mutant （GFPmutl）. As a result, not only was the functional recombinant expression of heparinase I in E. coli accomplished, but also a linear correlation was obtained between the GFP fluorescence intensity and heparinase I activity, allowing enzyme activity to be quantified rapidly during the fermentation.

Gene transfer into primary cultures of fetal neural stem cells by a recombinant adenovirus carrying the gene for green fluorescent protein

Objective: To evaluate the transduction efficiency of a recombinant adenovirus carrying the gene for green fluorescent protein (Ad-GFP) into the primary cultures of fetal neural stem cells (NSCs) by the expression of GFP. Methods: The Ad-GFP was constructed by homologous recombination in bacteria with the AdEasy system; NSCs were isolated from rat fetal hippocampus and cultured as neurosphere suspensions. After infection with the recombinant Ad-GFP, NSCs were examined with a fluorescent microscopy and a flow cytometry for their expression of GFP. Results: After the viral infection, flow cytometry analysis revealed that the percentage of GFP-positive cells was as high as 97.05%. The infected NSCs sustained the GFP expression for above 4 weeks. After differentiated into astrocytes or neurons, they continued to express GFP efficiently. Conclusion: We have success- fully constructed a viral vector Ad-GFP that can efficiently infect the primary NSCs. The reporter gene was showed fully and sustained expression in the infected cells as well as their differentiated progenies.

Multilineage Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells from Green Fluorescent Protein Transgenic Mice

Aim The aim of this study was to confirm the multilineage differentiation ability of dental pulp stem cells （DPSCs） from green fluorescent protein （GFP） transgenic mice. The expression of GFP in DPSCs was also observed during differentiation. Methodology DPSCs were harvested from the dental pulp tissue of transgenic nude mice, and then transferred to osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic media. The morphological characterization of induced cells was observed by microscopy and histological staining. The expression of marker genes was measured by RT-PCR. Results The endogenous GFP and multilineage potential of transgenic DPSCs had no influence on each other. Moreover, the results of fluorescence microscopic imaging suggest that there was no significant decline of GFP expression during DPSCs differentiation. Conclusion As the population of GFP labeled DPSCs can be easily identified, this will be a promising method for tracking DPSCs in vivo.

Fluorescent Proteins as a Visible Molecular Signal for Rapid Quantification of Bioprocesses： Potential and Challenges

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) and its variants /homolog proteins are generally called as GFP-like fluorescent proteins (FPs), which are widely used as visible molecular tools for monitoring a wide range of biological processes due to their capability of simple, accurate and real time quantification. The FPs-based molecular and visible quantification tools are giving more impact on bioprocess engineering, enabling the biomolecule-level dynamic information to be linked with the process-level events. In this review, different applications of FPs in biological engineering with emphasis on rapid molecular bioprocess quantification, such as quantification of the transcription efficiency, the protein production, the protein folding efficiency, the cell concentration, the intracellular microenvironments and so on, would be first introduced. The challenges of using FPs with respect to actual bioprocess applications for the precise quantification including the interaction of FPs and the fused partner proteins, the maturation of FPs, the inner filter effect and sensing technology were then discussed. Finally, the future development for the FPs used in molecular bioprocess quantification would be proposed.

In vivo transfection of enhanced green fluorescent protein in rat retinal ganglion cells mediated by ultrasound-induced microbubbles

BACKGROUND： Studies have demonstrated that ultrasound-mediated microbubble destruction significantly improves transfection efficiency of enhanced green fluorescent protein （EGFP） in in vitro cultured retinal ganglial cells （RGCs）. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the feasibility of ultrasound-mediated microbubble destruction for EGFP transfection in rat RGCs, and to compare efficiency and cell damage with traditional transfection methods. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： In vivo, gene engineering experiment. The study was performed at the Central Laboratory, Institute of Ultrasonic Imaging, Chongqing Medical University from March to July 2008. MATERIALS： Eukaryotic expression vector plasmid EGFP and microbubbles were prepared by the Institute of Ultrasonic Imaging, Chongqing Medical University. The microbubbles were produced at a concentration of 8.7 × 10^11/L, with a 2-4 μm diameter, and 10-hour half-life in vitro. METHODS： A total of 50 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups. Normal controls （n = 5） were infused with 5 μL normal saline to the vitreous cavity; the naked plasmid group （n = 15） was infused with 5 pL EGFP plasmid to the vitreous cavity; in the plasmid with ultrasound group （n = 15）, the eyes were irradiated with low-energy ultrasound wave （0.5 W/cm^2） for a total of 60 seconds （irradiated for 5 seconds, at 10-second intervals） immediately following infusion of EGFP plasmids to the vitreous cavities. In the microbubble-ultrasound group （n = 15）, the eyes were irradiated with the same power of ultrasonic wave immediately following infusion of microbubbles containing EGFP plasmids to the vitreous cavities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： After 7 days, retinal preparations and EGFP expression in RGCs were observed by fluorescence microscopy. RGC quantification in the retinal ganglion cell layer was performed. In addition, EGFP mRNA expression was semi-quantitatively determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS： The transfection efficiency of EGFP to RGCs by microbubbles with ultrasound was significantly greater than the other groups, and no obvious damage was detected in the RGCs. CONCLUSION： Under irradiation of low-frequency ultrasound waves, ultrasound-mediated microbubble destruction was effective and resulted in safe transfection of the EGFP gene to the RGCs.

Repair of spinal cord injury by neural stem cells transfected with brain-derived neurotrophic factor-green fluorescent protein in rats A double effect of stem cells and growth factors?

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor（BDNF）can significantly promote nerve regeneration and repair.High expression of the BDNF-green fluorescent protein（GFP）gene persists for a long time after transfection into neural stem cells.Nevertheless,little is known about the biological characteristics of BDNF-GFP modified nerve stem cells in vivo and their ability to induce BDNF expression or repair spinal cord injury.In the present study,we transplanted BDNF-GFP transgenic neural stem cells into a hemisection model of rats.Rats with BDNF-GFP stem cells exhibited significantly increased BDNF expression and better locomotor function compared with stem cells alone.Cellular therapy with BDNF-GFP transgenic stem cells can improve outcomes better than stem cells alone and may have therapeutic potential for spinal cord injury.

Efficient expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) mediated by a chimeric promoter in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

To improve the expression efficiency of exogenous genes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a high efficient expression vector was constructed. Green fluorescent protein （GFP） was expressed in C. reinhardtii under the control of promoters： RBCS2 and HSP70A-RBCS2. Efficiency of transformation and expression were compared between two transgenic algae： RBCS2 mediated strain Tran-Ⅰ and HSP70A-RBCS2 mediated strain Tran-Ⅱ. Results show that HSP70A-RBCS2 could improve greatly the transformation efficiency by approximately eightfold of RBCS2, and the expression efficiency of GFP in Tran-Ⅱ was at least double of that in Tran-Ⅰ. In addition, a threefold increase of GFP in Tran-Ⅱ was induced by heat shock at 40℃. All of the results demonstrated that HSP70A-RBCS2 was more efficient than RBCS2 in expressing exogenous gene in C. reinhardtii.

A preparation strategy for protein-oriented immobilized silica magnetic beads with Spy chemistry for ligand fishing

Due to the complexity of bioactive ingredients in biological samples,the screening of target proteins is a complex process.Herein,a feasible strategy for directing protein immobilization on silica magnetic beads for ligand fishing based on SpyTag/SpyCatcher(ST/SC)-mediated anchoring is presented.Carboxyl functional groups on the surface of silica-coated magnetic beads(SMBs)were coupled with SC using the 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide method,named SC-SMBs.The green fluorescent protein(GFP),as the capturing protein model,was ST-labeled and anchored at a specific orientation onto the surface of SC-SMBs directly from relevant cell lysates via ST/SC self-ligation.The characteristics of the SC-SMBs were studied via electron microscopy,energy dispersive spectroscopy,and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.The spontaneity and site-specificity of this unique reaction were confirmed via electrophoresis and fluorescence analyses.Although the alkaline stability of ST-GFP-ligated SC-SMBs was not ideal,the formed isopeptide bond was unbreakable under acidic conditions(0.05 M glycine-HCl buffer,pH 1e6)for 2 h,under 20%ethanol solution within 7 days,and at most temperatures.We,therefore,present a simple and universal strategy for the preparation of diverse protein-functionalized SMBs for ligand fishing,prompting its usage on drug screening and target finding.

DEVELOPMENT OF NEEDLE-BASED MICROENDOSCOPY FOR FLUORESCENCE MOLECULAR IMAGING OF BREAST TUMOR MODELS

Fluorescence molecular imaging enables the visualization of basic molecular processes such as gene expression,enzyme activity,and disease-specific molecular interactions in vivo using targeted contrast agents,and therefore,is being developed for early detection and in situ characterization of breast cancers.Recent advances in developing near-infrared fluorescent imaging contrast agents have enabled the specific labeling of human breast cancer cells in mouse model systems.In synergy with contrast agent development,this paper describes a needle-based fluorescence molecular imaging device that has the strong potential to be translated into clinical breast biopsy procedures.This microendoscopy probe is based on a gradient-index(GRIN)lens interfaced with a laser scanning microscope.Specifications of the imaging performance,including the field-of-view,transverse resolution,and focus tracking characteristics were calibrated.Orthotopic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenografts stably expressing the tdTomato red fluorescent protein(RFP)were used to detect the tumor cells in this tumor model as a proof of principle study.With further development,this technology,in conjunction with the development of clinically applicable,injectable fluorescent molecular imaging agents,promises to perform fluorescence molecular imaging of breast cancers in vivo for breast biopsy guidance.

Expression and Purification of Recombinant MP-GFP Protein in Escherichia coli

Guided pesticide is an unique compound resulted from the conjugation with carrier （amino acid, protein, sugars, etc） and the active pesticide ingredient. One of the attributes of the guided pesticide is its potential to accumulate at the site of the damaged points caused by pest or at the site of entry to the target pests, such as via inhalation, cuticular penetration, and oral digestion. Movement protein （MP） is a kind of protein coded by plant virus. A genetic fusion between green fluorescent protein （GFP） and movement protein resulted in the expression of a fluorescent fusion MP-GFP protein, which was fully biologically active in mediating the cell-to-cell spread of virus. In order to obtain a suitable carrier for a pesticide, fluorescent carrier MP-GFP was constructed. It was found that the recombinant MP-GFP protein was the inclusion body. The results indicated that optimized cultural condition for expression of recombinant MP-GFP protein was incubation at 37°C for 2 h and induction with 0.2 mmol L-1 IPTG （isopropyl-b-dthiogalactopyranoside） at 25°C for 4 h. MP-GFP protein was purified by using Ni-NTA resin. The expressed recombinant MP-GFP protein had both the fluorescence character of report GFP gene and moving character of movement protein. It could provide a guided carrier for studying the guided pesticide. It could also provide convenience for studying the delivery and distribution of the guided pesticide ingredients in the plant.

Fluorescence Tracking of Exogenous DNA in Genetic Transformation of the Chinese Oak Silkmoth Antheraea Pernyi via Sperm-Mediated Gene Transfer

Exogenous DNA expressing green fluorescent protein( GFP) and labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate( FITC) was used to transform the Chinese oak silkmoth Antheraea pernyi( A. pernyi)via sperm-mediated gene transfer( SMGT). Sperms entry into the female reproductive system and eggs were observed using fluorescence microscopy. The ability of A. pernyi sperms to uptake exogenous DNA was confirmed,and transfer of the exogenous DNA was shown by GFP expression in the transgenic eggs. Our result suggested that SMGT could also be used to directly generate transgenic A. pernyi expressing functional genes of interest.

Constructing retroviral vector carrying green fluorescent protein(GFP)and investigating the expression of GFP in primary rat myoblast

Objective： To construct green fluorescent protein（GFP） retroviral vector（pLgXSN）, and to investigate the expression of GFP in primary rat myoblast. Methods： GFP cDNA was subcloned into the plasmid pLgXSN, and the recombinant vector was transfected into packaging cell PT67. G418 was used to select positive colony. Myoblasts were infected by a high-titer viral supernatant. The recombinant retroviral plasmid vector was identified by restriction endonuclease analysis and DNA sequence analysis. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry were used to detect the expression of GFP. Results： The GFP cDNA sequence was identical to that of GenBank. Recombinant retroviral plasmid vector pLgGFPSN was constructed successfully. The titer of the packaged recombinant retrovirus was 1×10^6 cfu/ml. Bright green fluorescence of the transfected cells was observed under confocal microscope 48 h after transfection. The transfection rate was 33%. The effective expression of GFP in myoblast infected by recombinant retrovirus lasted for 6 weeks. Conclusion： GFP gene could be effectively and stably expressed in myoblast, which suggests that GFP could act as a marker for studies on myoblast.

Construction and expression of an optimized, novel human immunodeficiency virus type-1 lentiviral vector containing green fluorescent protein

The human immunodeficiency virus （HIV） lentiviral vector is an ideal vector for gene therapy. In the present study, the wild-type HIV-1 genome was segregated into four plasmids, and an optimized novel HIV-1 lentiviral vector containing green fluorescent protein and vesicular stomatitis virus G pseudo-capsule was constructed. The plasmids were pHR-CMV-EGFP, pCMVΔ8.9, pRSV-Rev, pCMV-VSV-G. The four plasmid system was co-transfected into 293T cells, and green fluorescent protein expression was observed. The present study obtained lentiviral particles by high-speed centrifugation, and the lentiviral particle titer was 4 × 108 TU/mL after centrifugation. Thus, an optimized novel HIV-1 lentiviral vector was successfully constructed.

Expression of the Capsid Precursor Protein gene of Foot-and-mouth Disease Virus and Green Fluorescent Protein Gene in BHK-21 Cells Mediated by Retroviral Vector

We have constructed a retroviral vector mediated mammalian cell expression system of the capsid precursor protein of foot-and-mouth disease virus(FMDV).The recombinant retroviral vector pBABEpuro-P1-2A-EGFP was constructed by sequentially inserting capsid precursor protein gene(P1) of FMDV and enhanced green fluorescent protein gene(EGFP) into pBABEpuro.The recombinant retroviral vector and the pVSV-G plasmid were co-transfected into packaging cells(GP2-293) by liposomemediated transduction to produce the pseudovirus.The pseudovirus was used to infect BHK-21 cells and resistant cells were screened with puromycin.Green fluorescent proteins were observed by fluorescence microscopy and expression of the capsid precursor protein gene of FMDV was detected by indirect immunofluorescence.The recombinant retroviral vector pBABEpuro-P1-2A-EGFP was constructed successfully.The capsid precursor protein of FMDV and green fluorescent protein were expressed in BHK-21 cells.The mammalian cell expression system for the capsid precursor protein of FMDV has been constructed successfully,which lays the foundation of development of a FMDV subunit vaccine.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EXPRESSION OF GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN ON DETECTION OF GLIOMA INVASION IN VIVO

Objective: To investigate the invasion and metastasis of glioma in vivo by xenotransplanted tumor established by implanting C6 glioma cells transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene in vitro into the brain of SD rats. Methods: C6 cells were transfected with a plasmid vector (pEGEP-N3) containing the GFP gene. Stable GFP-expressing clones were isolated and performed examination by flow cytometry and electron microscope. GFP-expressing cells were stereotactically injected into the brain parenchyma of SD rats to establish xenotransplanted tumor. Four weeks later rats were killed and continuous brain sections respectively were examined by HE staining, immunohistochemistry method and fluorescence microscopy for detection of tumor cell invasion. Xenotransplanted tumor was primarily cultured to determine the storage of exotic GFP gene in vivo. Results: There were not obvious changes in cell cycle and ultrastructure for the cells transfected with GFP gene. C6 cells transfected with GFP gene maintained stable high-level GFP expression in the central nervous system during their growth in vivo. GFP fluorescence clearly demarcated the primary tumor margin and readily allowed for the detection of distant invasion on the single-cell level, which was evidently superior to HE and immunohistochemistry staining. There was not GFP gene loss of transfected cells in vivo. Conclusions: It is suggested that C6 cells transfected with GFP gene can be visualized by fluorescent microscopy after intracranial implantation. This model is an excellent experimental animal model in research on invasion of glioma.