The composites based on the Ti O2 are potentially used in wetland pollution control. In this work, the biological effect of the Ag/Ag Br/Ti O2/Active carbon(AC) composites was studied on the plasmid DNA and Tetrahymen...The composites based on the Ti O2 are potentially used in wetland pollution control. In this work, the biological effect of the Ag/Ag Br/Ti O2/Active carbon(AC) composites was studied on the plasmid DNA and Tetrahymena membrane. The atomic force micrograph(AFM) images showed that, in the presence of the composites under illumination, most p UC18 DNA molecules showed quite different topography and were opened and relaxed circle shapes. After DNA was catalyzed for 40 min, all supercoiled and circular DNA were changed into the linear DNA molecules. The gel electrophoresis experiment confirmed the results and demonstrated the dynamic process of DNA degradation. ATR-FTIR spectra revealed that amide groups and PO2-of the phospho-lipid phospho-diester on Tetrahymena surface were oxidized in the presence of the composites under illumination. An increase in the fluorescence polarization of DPH was observed, reflecting a significant decrease in membrane fluidity of Tetrahymena.展开更多
[Objective] The pathogenic Escherichia coli in musk deer was classified at molecular level to provide basic materials for molecular epidemiology of pathogenic Escherichia coli in musk deer. [Method] Plasmids from 24 p...[Objective] The pathogenic Escherichia coli in musk deer was classified at molecular level to provide basic materials for molecular epidemiology of pathogenic Escherichia coli in musk deer. [Method] Plasmids from 24 pathogenic Escherichia coli in musk deer were extracted by the Lysis Triton method, and then identified by single enzyme digestion with three endonucleases of Hind Ⅲ, EcoR Ⅰ and BamH Ⅰ. [Result] The yield rate of plasmids was 91.6%, and 24 pathogenic Escherichia coli in musk deer had the identical or similar plasmid profiles. [Conclusion] Plasmid DNA analysis offers scientific basis for molecular epidemiology of pathogenic Escherichia coli in musk deer in Sichuan Institute of Musk Deer Breeding.展开更多
The activities of the catalytic hydrolysis of phosphate diester (BNPP) [bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate diester] and plasmid DNA (pUC 18) by mononuclear macrocyclic polyamine metal complexes have been investigated i...The activities of the catalytic hydrolysis of phosphate diester (BNPP) [bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate diester] and plasmid DNA (pUC 18) by mononuclear macrocyclic polyamine metal complexes have been investigated in this paper. The results showed that the highest activity in hydrolysis of BNPP was obtained with le--Zn(II) complex (composed of lipophilic group) as catalyst. The hydrolysis rate enhancement is up to 3.64 × 10^4 fold. These metal complexes could effectively promote the cleavage of plasmid DNA (pUC18) at physiological conditions.展开更多
Plasmid vector is increasingly applied to gene therapy or gene vaccine. The production of plasmid pCMV-AP3 for cancer gene therapy was conducted in a modified MBL medium using a recombinant E. coli BL21 system. The ef...Plasmid vector is increasingly applied to gene therapy or gene vaccine. The production of plasmid pCMV-AP3 for cancer gene therapy was conducted in a modified MBL medium using a recombinant E. coli BL21 system. The effects of different MMBL components on plasmid yield, cell mass and specific plasmid DNA productivity were evaluated on shake-flask scale. The results showed that glucose was the optimal carbon source. High plasmid yield (58.3 mg/L) was obtained when 5.0 g/L glucose was added to MMBL. Glycerol could be chosen as a complementary carbon source because of the highest specific plasmid pro- ductivity (37.9 mg DNA/g DCW). After tests of different levels of nitrogen source and inorganic phosphate, a modified MMBL medium was formulated for optimal plasmid production. Further study showed that the initial acetate addition (less than 4.0 g/L) in MMBL improved plasmid production significantly, although it inhibited cell growth. The results will be useful for large-scale plasmid production using recombinant E. coli system.展开更多
Objective:The development of gene carriers for efficient gene delivery into cells has attracted growing attention in recent years.The aim of this study was to achieve a better outcome of AAV-293 cells transfection by ...Objective:The development of gene carriers for efficient gene delivery into cells has attracted growing attention in recent years.The aim of this study was to achieve a better outcome of AAV-293 cells transfection by plasmid DNA.Methods:We studied the optimal condition for higher efficiency of cationic lipid-mediated cell transfection.Four experimental groups were set.Plasmid DNA and liposome were mixed in each groups at different ratios(μg:μL),1:2.5,1:3.5,1:4.0 and 1:5.0,respectively.LacZ gene functioned as reporter gene,measuring the transfection efficiency of the four groups using the method of X-gal staining.Results:When the ratio was 1:3.5,the cell transfection rate was the highest.While the ratio of 1:2.5 recommended by product manual achieve the lowest transfection rate.Their difference had statistical significance.Conclusion:In order to obtain a higher transfection efficiency,optimization on conditions of the ratio of plasmid DNA to liposome is necessary in cell transfection.展开更多
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify a 600-base pair (bp) sequence of plasmid pGEX-2T DNA bound on soil colloidal particles from Brown soil (Alfisol) and Red soil (Ultisol), and three different ...Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify a 600-base pair (bp) sequence of plasmid pGEX-2T DNA bound on soil colloidal particles from Brown soil (Alfisol) and Red soil (Ultisol), and three different minerals (goethite, kaolinite, montmorillonite). DNA bound on soil colloids, kaolinite, and montmorillonite was not amplified when the complexes were used directly but amplification occurred when the soil colloid or kaolinite-DNA complex was diluted, 10- and 20-fold. The montmorillonite-DNA complex required at least 100-fold dilution before amplification could be detected. DNA bound on goethite was amplified irrespective of whether the complex was used directly, or diluted 10- and 20-fold. The amplification of mineral-bound plasmid DNA by PCR is, therefore, markedly influenced by the type and concentration of minerals used. This information is of fundamental importance to soil molecular microbial ecology with particular reference to monitoring the fate of genetically engineered microorganisms and their recombinant DNA in soil environments.展开更多
For systemic injection of cationic liposome/plasmid DNA (pDNA) complexes (cationic lipoplexes), polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modification (PEGylation) of lipoplexes can enhance their systemic stability. In this study, we...For systemic injection of cationic liposome/plasmid DNA (pDNA) complexes (cationic lipoplexes), polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modification (PEGylation) of lipoplexes can enhance their systemic stability. In this study, we examined whether intravenous injection of PEGylated cationic lipoplexes into tumor-bearing mice could deliver pDNA into tumor tissues and induce transgene expression. PEGylation of cationic liposomes could prevent their agglutination with erythrocytes. However, when PEGylated cationic lipoplexes were injected intravenously into tumor-bearing mice, they accumulated in tumor vascular vessels and did not exhibit transgene expression in tumors with both poor and well-developed vascularization. Furthermore, PEGylated cationic lipoplexes of CpG- free pDNA could not increase transgene expression in tumors after intravenous injection. These results suggested that PEGylation could not extravasate cationic lipoplexes from vascular vessels in tumors and abolished transgene expression although it enhanced the systemic stability of cationic lipoplexes by avoiding interactions with blood components such as erythrocytes. Successful delivery of pDNA to tumors by PEGylated cationic liposomes will require a rational strategy and the design of liposomal delivery systems to overcome the issue associated with the use of PEG.展开更多
Pulsed electric field has been used widely as a nonviral approach to improving gene delivery in basic and translational research[1-2].The technique has been called electrotransfection(ET),electroporation,electrogene t...Pulsed electric field has been used widely as a nonviral approach to improving gene delivery in basic and translational research[1-2].The technique has been called electrotransfection(ET),electroporation,electrogene transfer,and gene electroinjection in the literature [1,3].It has a great potential to improve clinical treatment of diseases through delivery of vaccines and therapeutic genes,genome and epigenome editing,and generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells for tissue engineering[1-3].During ET,extracellular transport of plasmid DNA(pDNA)relies on electrophoresis,which is critical for applications in vivo.However,mechanisms of intracellular transport remain to be understood.The lack of understanding has hindered the translation of ET technology to the clinic.It is well known that pulsed electric field can generate transient hydrophilic pores in the plasma membrane(i.e.,electroporation)that permit membrane-impermeant molecules to enter cells.Although the pores have yet to be visualized directly under a microscope,the electric field-induced membrane permeabilization has been demonstrated through experimental measurements of electrical conductance of synthetic lipid membranes and plasma membranes,direct observation of fluorescent markers crossing the membranes facing both cathode and anode,and numerical simulations of the membrane permeabilization[1,3].Results from the simulations have predicted that the cutoff size of the pores is on the order of a few hundred nanometers,and the lifetime of the pores that are larger than 100 nm is on the order of 10 msec.Although these data provide a solid evidence of the membrane permeabilization,recent studies have demonstrated that the generation of the pores is insufficient for ET[1,4].The reasons are as follows.First,the lifetime of the pores is several orders of magnitude shorter than the time scale for pDNA uptake,which is on the order of 10 min.Second,complex formation between pDNA and plasma membrane is a necessary condition for successful gene transfer.Third,inhibition of clathrin mediated endocytosis or Rac-1 dependent micropinocytosis can reduce the amount of pDNA internalized by cells [1].Finally,we demonstrate that few pDNA molecules can be observed in the cytosol that are not associated with the intracellular vesicles[5],suggesting that pDNA uptake is mediated by endocytosis.In addition to the internalization,ET requires the pDNA in the cytoplasm to reach the nucleus.To understand mechanisms of intracellular trafficking of pDNA,we have examined time-dependent pDNA distributions in cells,quantitatively determined percentages of pDNA molecules associated with different endocytic compartments using transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and investigated different approaches to facilitate cytoplasmic transport and nuclear entry of pDNA.Our data have shown that electrotransfected pDNA is located in different vesicular ultrastructures at or near the plasma membrane at10 min post application of electric pulses[5].In the hard-to-transfect cells(e.g.,4T1),pDNA penetration from the cell surface is less active,and the total number of vesicular structures associated with pDNA is low,compared to those in the easyto-transfect cells(e.g.,COS7).Our data have also shown that macropinocytosis is the most common pathway shared by all types of cells.To investigate how improve pDNA transport in cells,we have photochemically treated cells to non-specifically induce pDNA escape from intracellular vesicles,or blocked endosome and autophagic vacuole maturation through treatment of cells with Bafilomycin Al,an inhibitor of vacuolar H+ATPase.Our data demonstrate that both treatments can lead to reduction of ET efficiency although the treatment for inducing endosomal escape can enhance poly-L-lysine mediated gene delivery.These data suggest that the vesicles play an important role in protecting the naked pDNA during intracellular trafficking.The nuclear envelope is another major barrier to ET.To facilitate the nuclear entry,we have examined three different approaches.One is to synchronize the nuclear envelope breakdown(NEBD)prior to ET;the second approach is to pre-treat cells with a nuclear pore dilating agent(i.e.,trans-1,2-cyclohexanediol);and the third one is to incorporate a nuclear targeting sequence(NTS)(i.e.,SV40)into the pDNA.Our data have shown that the synchronization of the NEBD can significantly improve the ET efficiency without compromising the cell viability.The nuclear pore dilation can improve the ET as well but the dilating agent is cytotoxic.The incorporation of NTS into pDNA can improve the gene delivery efficiency but the improvement is cell-type dependent,suggesting that the NTS has to be screened and optimized for the cells of interest.In summary,the transient pores in the plasma membrane induced by the electric pulses will enable cellular uptake of membrane-impermeant molecules up to the size of small proteins.Larger molecules(e.g.,pDNA)have to be internalized via endocytic processes triggered by the pulsed electric field.Within the cells,pDNA transport is mediated by vesicles and can be blocked by non-specific escape from vesicles or inhibition of vesicle maturation.The nuclear entry of pDNA can be enhanced,without compromising cell viability,through the use of the NTS or the synchronization of the NEBD.展开更多
Broad-host-range plasmids are frequently associated with antibiotic resistance genes and can quickly spread antibiotic resistant phenotypes among diverse bacterial populations. Wastewater treatment plants have been id...Broad-host-range plasmids are frequently associated with antibiotic resistance genes and can quickly spread antibiotic resistant phenotypes among diverse bacterial populations. Wastewater treatment plants have been identified as reservoirs for broad-host-range plasmids carrying resistance genes. The threat of broad-host-range plasmids released into the environment from wastewater treatment plants has identified the need for disinfection protocols to target broad-host- range plasmid destruction. Here we evaluate the efficacy of dissolved ozone at 2 and 8 mg·L–1 as a primary means for the destruction of broad-host-range plasmid and chromosomal DNA in simulated effluent. Pilot-scale tests using an experimental unit were carried out in municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent and compared with ultraviolet (UV)-irradiation and chlorination methodologies. Genes specific to Escherichia coli (uidA) and IncP broad-host-range plasmids (trfA) were monitored using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and total DNA was monitored using absorbance spectroscopy. In wastewater treatment plant experiments, E. coli qPCR results were compared to a recognized culture-based method (Colilert?) for E. coli. In laboratory experiments, dissolved ozone at 8 mg·L–1 significantly destroyed 93% total, 98% E. coli, and 99% of broad-host-range plasmid DNA. Ozonation, UV-irradiation, and chlorination significantly reduced DNA concentrations and culturable E. coli in wastewater treat- ment plant effluent. Chlorination and UV disinfection resulted in 3-log decreases in culture-based E. coli concentrations in wastewater treatment plant effluent while changes were not significant when measured with qPCR. Only ozonation significantly decreased the IncP broad-host-range plasmid trfA gene, although concentrations of 2.2 × 105 copies trfA·L–1 remained in effluent. Disinfection processes utilizing high dissolved ozone concentrations for the destruction of emerging contaminants such as broad-host-range plasmid and total DNA may have utility as methods to ensure downstream environmental health and safe water reuse become more important.展开更多
Background: The accumulation of free radicals is linked to a number of diseases. Free radicals can be scavenged by antioxidants and reduce their harmful effects. It is therefore essential to look for naturally occurri...Background: The accumulation of free radicals is linked to a number of diseases. Free radicals can be scavenged by antioxidants and reduce their harmful effects. It is therefore essential to look for naturally occurring antioxidants that come from plants, as synthetic antioxidants are toxic, carcinogenic and problematic for the environment. Lycopene is one of the carotenoids, a pigment that dissolves in fat and has antioxidant properties. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity were assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The impact of lycopene on bacteria (E. coli) susceptibility to γ-radiation was examined by radio sensitivity assay. The study also examined the induction of strand breaks in plasmid pUC19 DNA and how lycopene extract protected the DNA from γ-radiation in vitro. Results: At varying concentrations, lycopene demonstrated its ability to scavenge free radicals such as 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). IC<sub>50</sub> for lycopene was determined at 112 μg/mL which was almost partial to IC<sub>50</sub> of standard antioxidant L-ascorbic acid. The D<sub>10</sub> value 180 Gy of E. coli was found to be >2-fold higher in the extract-containing lycopene sample than in the extract-free controls. The lycopene extracts inhibited the radiation-induced deterioration of the plasmid pUC19 DNA. At an IC<sub>50</sub> concentration, lycopene provided the highest level of protection. Conclusion: Lycopene functions as an efficient free radical scavenger and possible natural antioxidant source. For cancer patients and others who frequently expose themselves to radiation, lycopene may be a useful plant-based pharmaceutical product for treating a variety of diseases caused by free radicals.展开更多
The possibility of delivering DNA effi ciently to cells represents a crucial issue for the treatment of both genetic and acquired diseases.However,even although the effi ciency of non-viral transfection systems has im...The possibility of delivering DNA effi ciently to cells represents a crucial issue for the treatment of both genetic and acquired diseases.However,even although the effi ciency of non-viral transfection systems has improved in the last decade,none have yet proven to be suffi ciently effective in vivo.We report herein our results on the functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWNT)and multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWNT)by two cationic amphiphiles(lipid RPR120535 and pyrenyl polyamine),their use for the complexation of plasmid DNA,and their efficiency in transfecting cells in vitro.The experiments have shown that the efficiency of transfection is higher when using SWNT instead of MWNT,and that transfection effi ciency is similar or slightly higher when using nanoplexes(SWNT/lipid RPR120535/DNA)instead of lipoplexes(lipid RPR120535/DNA)and several orders of magnitude higher than that of naked DNA.This study therefore shows both that the transfection is better when using SWNTs and that it is dependent on the nature of the amphiphilic molecules adsorbed on the nanotubes.展开更多
Single-chained cationic surfactant dodecyl triethyl ammonium bromide and plasmid DNA together can form vesicles once the concentration of plasmid DNA reaches a critical value (Cove). Bigger the size of plasmid DNA, ...Single-chained cationic surfactant dodecyl triethyl ammonium bromide and plasmid DNA together can form vesicles once the concentration of plasmid DNA reaches a critical value (Cove). Bigger the size of plasmid DNA, higher the value of Cove.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To examine the feasibility of linking operons in tandem to enhance expression of heterologous genes in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and clarify the potential control mechanism of the total plasmid DNA amount ...OBJECTIVE: To examine the feasibility of linking operons in tandem to enhance expression of heterologous genes in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and clarify the potential control mechanism of the total plasmid DNA amount in each host cell. METHODS: Two series of expression plasmids, CW11 and CW12, containing 1 to 4 and 1 to 3 heterologous gene operon(s) respectively, were constructed. The molecular size of the CW11 series varied from 5.47 kb to 12.26 kb in 2.25 kb increments. The CW12 series varied from 5.40 kb to 9.72 kb in 2.16 kb increments. The expression level of desired protein was assayed by SDS-PAGE and laser density scanning. Plasmid copy number was determined by incorporation with (3)H-thymidine ((3)H-TdR). RESULTS: No influence of the tandem-joined operons on host growth and plasmid stability was observed. Upon induction, the desired protein accumulations in the CW11 series were 44.9% +/- 3.9%, 51.3% +/- 4.1%, 54.8% +/- 3.3% and 58.2% +/- 3.4% of total cell protein. In the CW12 series, the yields were 32.2% +/- 5.0%, 42.8% +/- 4.1% and 46.9% +/- 4.0% of total cell protein. As size increased, the plasmid copy number decreased, but target gene dosage increased significantly (P 0.05) and restricted to some extent. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the target gene dosage by tandem linking of operons may enhance the expression level of a desired protein. Although the size (kb) and the copy number of each plasmid are negatively interrelated, for certain plasmids in each series, their total DNA amount per cell seems to be a restricted constant for specific E. coli strains under identical incubation condition.展开更多
The advent of atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides a powerful tool for imaging individual DNA molecules. Chemotherapy drugs are often related to DNAs. Though many specific drug-DNA interactions have been observed ...The advent of atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides a powerful tool for imaging individual DNA molecules. Chemotherapy drugs are often related to DNAs. Though many specific drug-DNA interactions have been observed by AFM, knowledge about the dynamic interactions between chemotherapy drugs and plasmid DNAs is still scarce. In this work, AFM was applied to investigate the nanoscale interactions between plasmid DNAs and two commercial chemotherapy drugs (methotrexate and cisplatin). Plasmid DNAs were immobilized on mica which was coated by silanes in advance. AFM imaging distinctly revealed the dynamic changes of single plasmid DNAs after the stimulation of methotrexate and cisplatin. Geometric features of plasmid DNAs were extracted from AFM images and the statistical results showed that the geometric features of plasmid DNAs changed significantly after the stimulation of drugs. This research provides a novel idea to study the actions of chemotherapy drugs against plasmid DNAs at the single-molecule level.展开更多
Plasmid DNA(pDNA)isolation from bacterial cells is one of the most common and critical steps in molecular cloning and biomedical research.Almost all pDNA purification in-volves disruption of bacteria,removal of membra...Plasmid DNA(pDNA)isolation from bacterial cells is one of the most common and critical steps in molecular cloning and biomedical research.Almost all pDNA purification in-volves disruption of bacteria,removal of membrane lipids,proteins and genomic DNA,purifi-cation of pDNA from bulk lysate,and concentration of pDNA for downstream applications.While many liquid-phase and solid-phase pDNA purification methods are used,the final pDNA preparations are usually contaminated with varied degrees of host RNA,which cannot be completely digested by RNase A.To develop a simple,cost-effective,and yet effective method for RNA depletion,we investigated whether commercially available size selection magnetic beads(SSMBs),such as Mag-Bind®TotalPure NGS Kit(or Mag-Bind),can completely deplete bacterial RNA in pDNA preparations.In this proof-of-principle study,we demonstrated that,compared with RNase A digestion and two commercial plasmid affinity purification kits,the SSMB method was highly efficient in depleting contaminating RNA from pDNA minipreps.Gene transfection and bacterial colony formation assays revealed that pDNA purified from SSMB method had superior quality and integrity to pDNA samples cleaned up by RNase A digestion and/or commercial plasmid purification kits.We further demonstrated that the SSMB method completely depleted contaminating RNA in large-scale pDNA samples.Furthermore,the Mag-bind-based SSMB method costs only 5-10%of most commercial plasmid purification kits on a per sample basis.Thus,the reported SSMB method can be a valuable and inexpensive tool for the removal of bacterial RNA for routine pDNA preparations.展开更多
基金Funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51208043)the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)
文摘The composites based on the Ti O2 are potentially used in wetland pollution control. In this work, the biological effect of the Ag/Ag Br/Ti O2/Active carbon(AC) composites was studied on the plasmid DNA and Tetrahymena membrane. The atomic force micrograph(AFM) images showed that, in the presence of the composites under illumination, most p UC18 DNA molecules showed quite different topography and were opened and relaxed circle shapes. After DNA was catalyzed for 40 min, all supercoiled and circular DNA were changed into the linear DNA molecules. The gel electrophoresis experiment confirmed the results and demonstrated the dynamic process of DNA degradation. ATR-FTIR spectra revealed that amide groups and PO2-of the phospho-lipid phospho-diester on Tetrahymena surface were oxidized in the presence of the composites under illumination. An increase in the fluorescence polarization of DPH was observed, reflecting a significant decrease in membrane fluidity of Tetrahymena.
基金Supported by Youth Foundation of Education Department in Sichuan Province (07ZB060)Youth Science and Technology Innovation Fund in Sichuan Agricultural University~~
文摘[Objective] The pathogenic Escherichia coli in musk deer was classified at molecular level to provide basic materials for molecular epidemiology of pathogenic Escherichia coli in musk deer. [Method] Plasmids from 24 pathogenic Escherichia coli in musk deer were extracted by the Lysis Triton method, and then identified by single enzyme digestion with three endonucleases of Hind Ⅲ, EcoR Ⅰ and BamH Ⅰ. [Result] The yield rate of plasmids was 91.6%, and 24 pathogenic Escherichia coli in musk deer had the identical or similar plasmid profiles. [Conclusion] Plasmid DNA analysis offers scientific basis for molecular epidemiology of pathogenic Escherichia coli in musk deer in Sichuan Institute of Musk Deer Breeding.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Department(No.04JY029-018)Education Department of Sichuan Province(No.2006ZD049).
文摘The activities of the catalytic hydrolysis of phosphate diester (BNPP) [bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate diester] and plasmid DNA (pUC 18) by mononuclear macrocyclic polyamine metal complexes have been investigated in this paper. The results showed that the highest activity in hydrolysis of BNPP was obtained with le--Zn(II) complex (composed of lipophilic group) as catalyst. The hydrolysis rate enhancement is up to 3.64 × 10^4 fold. These metal complexes could effectively promote the cleavage of plasmid DNA (pUC18) at physiological conditions.
文摘Plasmid vector is increasingly applied to gene therapy or gene vaccine. The production of plasmid pCMV-AP3 for cancer gene therapy was conducted in a modified MBL medium using a recombinant E. coli BL21 system. The effects of different MMBL components on plasmid yield, cell mass and specific plasmid DNA productivity were evaluated on shake-flask scale. The results showed that glucose was the optimal carbon source. High plasmid yield (58.3 mg/L) was obtained when 5.0 g/L glucose was added to MMBL. Glycerol could be chosen as a complementary carbon source because of the highest specific plasmid pro- ductivity (37.9 mg DNA/g DCW). After tests of different levels of nitrogen source and inorganic phosphate, a modified MMBL medium was formulated for optimal plasmid production. Further study showed that the initial acetate addition (less than 4.0 g/L) in MMBL improved plasmid production significantly, although it inhibited cell growth. The results will be useful for large-scale plasmid production using recombinant E. coli system.
文摘Objective:The development of gene carriers for efficient gene delivery into cells has attracted growing attention in recent years.The aim of this study was to achieve a better outcome of AAV-293 cells transfection by plasmid DNA.Methods:We studied the optimal condition for higher efficiency of cationic lipid-mediated cell transfection.Four experimental groups were set.Plasmid DNA and liposome were mixed in each groups at different ratios(μg:μL),1:2.5,1:3.5,1:4.0 and 1:5.0,respectively.LacZ gene functioned as reporter gene,measuring the transfection efficiency of the four groups using the method of X-gal staining.Results:When the ratio was 1:3.5,the cell transfection rate was the highest.While the ratio of 1:2.5 recommended by product manual achieve the lowest transfection rate.Their difference had statistical significance.Conclusion:In order to obtain a higher transfection efficiency,optimization on conditions of the ratio of plasmid DNA to liposome is necessary in cell transfection.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.40271064)
文摘Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify a 600-base pair (bp) sequence of plasmid pGEX-2T DNA bound on soil colloidal particles from Brown soil (Alfisol) and Red soil (Ultisol), and three different minerals (goethite, kaolinite, montmorillonite). DNA bound on soil colloids, kaolinite, and montmorillonite was not amplified when the complexes were used directly but amplification occurred when the soil colloid or kaolinite-DNA complex was diluted, 10- and 20-fold. The montmorillonite-DNA complex required at least 100-fold dilution before amplification could be detected. DNA bound on goethite was amplified irrespective of whether the complex was used directly, or diluted 10- and 20-fold. The amplification of mineral-bound plasmid DNA by PCR is, therefore, markedly influenced by the type and concentration of minerals used. This information is of fundamental importance to soil molecular microbial ecology with particular reference to monitoring the fate of genetically engineered microorganisms and their recombinant DNA in soil environments.
文摘For systemic injection of cationic liposome/plasmid DNA (pDNA) complexes (cationic lipoplexes), polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modification (PEGylation) of lipoplexes can enhance their systemic stability. In this study, we examined whether intravenous injection of PEGylated cationic lipoplexes into tumor-bearing mice could deliver pDNA into tumor tissues and induce transgene expression. PEGylation of cationic liposomes could prevent their agglutination with erythrocytes. However, when PEGylated cationic lipoplexes were injected intravenously into tumor-bearing mice, they accumulated in tumor vascular vessels and did not exhibit transgene expression in tumors with both poor and well-developed vascularization. Furthermore, PEGylated cationic lipoplexes of CpG- free pDNA could not increase transgene expression in tumors after intravenous injection. These results suggested that PEGylation could not extravasate cationic lipoplexes from vascular vessels in tumors and abolished transgene expression although it enhanced the systemic stability of cationic lipoplexes by avoiding interactions with blood components such as erythrocytes. Successful delivery of pDNA to tumors by PEGylated cationic liposomes will require a rational strategy and the design of liposomal delivery systems to overcome the issue associated with the use of PEG.
基金supported by grants from National Institutes of Health ( GM098520 and GM130830)National Science Foundation ( CBET-1264186)
文摘Pulsed electric field has been used widely as a nonviral approach to improving gene delivery in basic and translational research[1-2].The technique has been called electrotransfection(ET),electroporation,electrogene transfer,and gene electroinjection in the literature [1,3].It has a great potential to improve clinical treatment of diseases through delivery of vaccines and therapeutic genes,genome and epigenome editing,and generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells for tissue engineering[1-3].During ET,extracellular transport of plasmid DNA(pDNA)relies on electrophoresis,which is critical for applications in vivo.However,mechanisms of intracellular transport remain to be understood.The lack of understanding has hindered the translation of ET technology to the clinic.It is well known that pulsed electric field can generate transient hydrophilic pores in the plasma membrane(i.e.,electroporation)that permit membrane-impermeant molecules to enter cells.Although the pores have yet to be visualized directly under a microscope,the electric field-induced membrane permeabilization has been demonstrated through experimental measurements of electrical conductance of synthetic lipid membranes and plasma membranes,direct observation of fluorescent markers crossing the membranes facing both cathode and anode,and numerical simulations of the membrane permeabilization[1,3].Results from the simulations have predicted that the cutoff size of the pores is on the order of a few hundred nanometers,and the lifetime of the pores that are larger than 100 nm is on the order of 10 msec.Although these data provide a solid evidence of the membrane permeabilization,recent studies have demonstrated that the generation of the pores is insufficient for ET[1,4].The reasons are as follows.First,the lifetime of the pores is several orders of magnitude shorter than the time scale for pDNA uptake,which is on the order of 10 min.Second,complex formation between pDNA and plasma membrane is a necessary condition for successful gene transfer.Third,inhibition of clathrin mediated endocytosis or Rac-1 dependent micropinocytosis can reduce the amount of pDNA internalized by cells [1].Finally,we demonstrate that few pDNA molecules can be observed in the cytosol that are not associated with the intracellular vesicles[5],suggesting that pDNA uptake is mediated by endocytosis.In addition to the internalization,ET requires the pDNA in the cytoplasm to reach the nucleus.To understand mechanisms of intracellular trafficking of pDNA,we have examined time-dependent pDNA distributions in cells,quantitatively determined percentages of pDNA molecules associated with different endocytic compartments using transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and investigated different approaches to facilitate cytoplasmic transport and nuclear entry of pDNA.Our data have shown that electrotransfected pDNA is located in different vesicular ultrastructures at or near the plasma membrane at10 min post application of electric pulses[5].In the hard-to-transfect cells(e.g.,4T1),pDNA penetration from the cell surface is less active,and the total number of vesicular structures associated with pDNA is low,compared to those in the easyto-transfect cells(e.g.,COS7).Our data have also shown that macropinocytosis is the most common pathway shared by all types of cells.To investigate how improve pDNA transport in cells,we have photochemically treated cells to non-specifically induce pDNA escape from intracellular vesicles,or blocked endosome and autophagic vacuole maturation through treatment of cells with Bafilomycin Al,an inhibitor of vacuolar H+ATPase.Our data demonstrate that both treatments can lead to reduction of ET efficiency although the treatment for inducing endosomal escape can enhance poly-L-lysine mediated gene delivery.These data suggest that the vesicles play an important role in protecting the naked pDNA during intracellular trafficking.The nuclear envelope is another major barrier to ET.To facilitate the nuclear entry,we have examined three different approaches.One is to synchronize the nuclear envelope breakdown(NEBD)prior to ET;the second approach is to pre-treat cells with a nuclear pore dilating agent(i.e.,trans-1,2-cyclohexanediol);and the third one is to incorporate a nuclear targeting sequence(NTS)(i.e.,SV40)into the pDNA.Our data have shown that the synchronization of the NEBD can significantly improve the ET efficiency without compromising the cell viability.The nuclear pore dilation can improve the ET as well but the dilating agent is cytotoxic.The incorporation of NTS into pDNA can improve the gene delivery efficiency but the improvement is cell-type dependent,suggesting that the NTS has to be screened and optimized for the cells of interest.In summary,the transient pores in the plasma membrane induced by the electric pulses will enable cellular uptake of membrane-impermeant molecules up to the size of small proteins.Larger molecules(e.g.,pDNA)have to be internalized via endocytic processes triggered by the pulsed electric field.Within the cells,pDNA transport is mediated by vesicles and can be blocked by non-specific escape from vesicles or inhibition of vesicle maturation.The nuclear entry of pDNA can be enhanced,without compromising cell viability,through the use of the NTS or the synchronization of the NEBD.
文摘Broad-host-range plasmids are frequently associated with antibiotic resistance genes and can quickly spread antibiotic resistant phenotypes among diverse bacterial populations. Wastewater treatment plants have been identified as reservoirs for broad-host-range plasmids carrying resistance genes. The threat of broad-host-range plasmids released into the environment from wastewater treatment plants has identified the need for disinfection protocols to target broad-host- range plasmid destruction. Here we evaluate the efficacy of dissolved ozone at 2 and 8 mg·L–1 as a primary means for the destruction of broad-host-range plasmid and chromosomal DNA in simulated effluent. Pilot-scale tests using an experimental unit were carried out in municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent and compared with ultraviolet (UV)-irradiation and chlorination methodologies. Genes specific to Escherichia coli (uidA) and IncP broad-host-range plasmids (trfA) were monitored using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and total DNA was monitored using absorbance spectroscopy. In wastewater treatment plant experiments, E. coli qPCR results were compared to a recognized culture-based method (Colilert?) for E. coli. In laboratory experiments, dissolved ozone at 8 mg·L–1 significantly destroyed 93% total, 98% E. coli, and 99% of broad-host-range plasmid DNA. Ozonation, UV-irradiation, and chlorination significantly reduced DNA concentrations and culturable E. coli in wastewater treat- ment plant effluent. Chlorination and UV disinfection resulted in 3-log decreases in culture-based E. coli concentrations in wastewater treatment plant effluent while changes were not significant when measured with qPCR. Only ozonation significantly decreased the IncP broad-host-range plasmid trfA gene, although concentrations of 2.2 × 105 copies trfA·L–1 remained in effluent. Disinfection processes utilizing high dissolved ozone concentrations for the destruction of emerging contaminants such as broad-host-range plasmid and total DNA may have utility as methods to ensure downstream environmental health and safe water reuse become more important.
文摘Background: The accumulation of free radicals is linked to a number of diseases. Free radicals can be scavenged by antioxidants and reduce their harmful effects. It is therefore essential to look for naturally occurring antioxidants that come from plants, as synthetic antioxidants are toxic, carcinogenic and problematic for the environment. Lycopene is one of the carotenoids, a pigment that dissolves in fat and has antioxidant properties. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity were assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The impact of lycopene on bacteria (E. coli) susceptibility to γ-radiation was examined by radio sensitivity assay. The study also examined the induction of strand breaks in plasmid pUC19 DNA and how lycopene extract protected the DNA from γ-radiation in vitro. Results: At varying concentrations, lycopene demonstrated its ability to scavenge free radicals such as 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). IC<sub>50</sub> for lycopene was determined at 112 μg/mL which was almost partial to IC<sub>50</sub> of standard antioxidant L-ascorbic acid. The D<sub>10</sub> value 180 Gy of E. coli was found to be >2-fold higher in the extract-containing lycopene sample than in the extract-free controls. The lycopene extracts inhibited the radiation-induced deterioration of the plasmid pUC19 DNA. At an IC<sub>50</sub> concentration, lycopene provided the highest level of protection. Conclusion: Lycopene functions as an efficient free radical scavenger and possible natural antioxidant source. For cancer patients and others who frequently expose themselves to radiation, lycopene may be a useful plant-based pharmaceutical product for treating a variety of diseases caused by free radicals.
文摘The possibility of delivering DNA effi ciently to cells represents a crucial issue for the treatment of both genetic and acquired diseases.However,even although the effi ciency of non-viral transfection systems has improved in the last decade,none have yet proven to be suffi ciently effective in vivo.We report herein our results on the functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWNT)and multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWNT)by two cationic amphiphiles(lipid RPR120535 and pyrenyl polyamine),their use for the complexation of plasmid DNA,and their efficiency in transfecting cells in vitro.The experiments have shown that the efficiency of transfection is higher when using SWNT instead of MWNT,and that transfection effi ciency is similar or slightly higher when using nanoplexes(SWNT/lipid RPR120535/DNA)instead of lipoplexes(lipid RPR120535/DNA)and several orders of magnitude higher than that of naked DNA.This study therefore shows both that the transfection is better when using SWNTs and that it is dependent on the nature of the amphiphilic molecules adsorbed on the nanotubes.
基金supported by National Natural Scientific Foundation of China(No.21073155)Jiangsu Provincial Natural Scientific Foundation(No.BK2010308)a project funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)
文摘Single-chained cationic surfactant dodecyl triethyl ammonium bromide and plasmid DNA together can form vesicles once the concentration of plasmid DNA reaches a critical value (Cove). Bigger the size of plasmid DNA, higher the value of Cove.
基金ThisstudywassupportedbyagrantfromtheNationalHighTechnologyResearchandDevelopmentProgram (No .10 2 0 8 0 20 2)
文摘OBJECTIVE: To examine the feasibility of linking operons in tandem to enhance expression of heterologous genes in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and clarify the potential control mechanism of the total plasmid DNA amount in each host cell. METHODS: Two series of expression plasmids, CW11 and CW12, containing 1 to 4 and 1 to 3 heterologous gene operon(s) respectively, were constructed. The molecular size of the CW11 series varied from 5.47 kb to 12.26 kb in 2.25 kb increments. The CW12 series varied from 5.40 kb to 9.72 kb in 2.16 kb increments. The expression level of desired protein was assayed by SDS-PAGE and laser density scanning. Plasmid copy number was determined by incorporation with (3)H-thymidine ((3)H-TdR). RESULTS: No influence of the tandem-joined operons on host growth and plasmid stability was observed. Upon induction, the desired protein accumulations in the CW11 series were 44.9% +/- 3.9%, 51.3% +/- 4.1%, 54.8% +/- 3.3% and 58.2% +/- 3.4% of total cell protein. In the CW12 series, the yields were 32.2% +/- 5.0%, 42.8% +/- 4.1% and 46.9% +/- 4.0% of total cell protein. As size increased, the plasmid copy number decreased, but target gene dosage increased significantly (P 0.05) and restricted to some extent. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the target gene dosage by tandem linking of operons may enhance the expression level of a desired protein. Although the size (kb) and the copy number of each plasmid are negatively interrelated, for certain plasmids in each series, their total DNA amount per cell seems to be a restricted constant for specific E. coli strains under identical incubation condition.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (61503372, 61522312, 61327014 and 61433017)the Youth Innovation Promotion Association CASthe CAS FEA International Partnership Program for Creative Research Teams
文摘The advent of atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides a powerful tool for imaging individual DNA molecules. Chemotherapy drugs are often related to DNAs. Though many specific drug-DNA interactions have been observed by AFM, knowledge about the dynamic interactions between chemotherapy drugs and plasmid DNAs is still scarce. In this work, AFM was applied to investigate the nanoscale interactions between plasmid DNAs and two commercial chemotherapy drugs (methotrexate and cisplatin). Plasmid DNAs were immobilized on mica which was coated by silanes in advance. AFM imaging distinctly revealed the dynamic changes of single plasmid DNAs after the stimulation of methotrexate and cisplatin. Geometric features of plasmid DNAs were extracted from AFM images and the statistical results showed that the geometric features of plasmid DNAs changed significantly after the stimulation of drugs. This research provides a novel idea to study the actions of chemotherapy drugs against plasmid DNAs at the single-molecule level.
基金supported in part by research grants from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2019M663446 to ZZ)the Postdoctoral Program of the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing,China(cstc2019jcyj-bsh0006 to ZZ)+6 种基金WW was supported by the Medical Scientist Training Program of the National Institutes of Health(T32 GM007281)This project was also supported in part by The University of Chicago Cancer Center Support Grant(P30CA014599)the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health through Grant Number UL1 TR000430TCH was supported by the Mabel Green Myers Research Endowment Fund and The University of Chicago Orthopaedics Alumni Fund.Funding sources were not involved in the study designin the collection,analysis and interpretation of datain the writing of the reportand in the decision to submit the paper for publication.
文摘Plasmid DNA(pDNA)isolation from bacterial cells is one of the most common and critical steps in molecular cloning and biomedical research.Almost all pDNA purification in-volves disruption of bacteria,removal of membrane lipids,proteins and genomic DNA,purifi-cation of pDNA from bulk lysate,and concentration of pDNA for downstream applications.While many liquid-phase and solid-phase pDNA purification methods are used,the final pDNA preparations are usually contaminated with varied degrees of host RNA,which cannot be completely digested by RNase A.To develop a simple,cost-effective,and yet effective method for RNA depletion,we investigated whether commercially available size selection magnetic beads(SSMBs),such as Mag-Bind®TotalPure NGS Kit(or Mag-Bind),can completely deplete bacterial RNA in pDNA preparations.In this proof-of-principle study,we demonstrated that,compared with RNase A digestion and two commercial plasmid affinity purification kits,the SSMB method was highly efficient in depleting contaminating RNA from pDNA minipreps.Gene transfection and bacterial colony formation assays revealed that pDNA purified from SSMB method had superior quality and integrity to pDNA samples cleaned up by RNase A digestion and/or commercial plasmid purification kits.We further demonstrated that the SSMB method completely depleted contaminating RNA in large-scale pDNA samples.Furthermore,the Mag-bind-based SSMB method costs only 5-10%of most commercial plasmid purification kits on a per sample basis.Thus,the reported SSMB method can be a valuable and inexpensive tool for the removal of bacterial RNA for routine pDNA preparations.