The recombinant expression systems for structure determination of eukaryotic membrane proteins

Eukaryotic membrane proteins, many of which are key players in various biological processes, constitute more than half of the drug targets and represent important candidates for structural studies. In contrast to their physiological significance, only very limited number of eukaryoUc membrane protein structures have been obtained due to the technical challenges in the genera- tion of recombinant proteins. In this review, we examine the major recombinant expression systems for eukaryotic membrane proteins and compare their relative advantages and disadvantages. We also attempted to summarize the recent technical strategies in the advancement of eukaryotic membrane protein purification and crystallization.

Expression of Recombinant Human Lysozyme-tachyplesin I(hLYZ-TP I)in Pichia Pastoris and Analysis of Antibacterial Activity

Antimicrobial peptides （AMPs） are making headlines in science because they demonstrate superior microbicidal characteristics compared to synthetic and semi-synthetic antibiotics.

Susceptibility to AcMNPV and Expression of Recombinant Proteins by a Novel Cell Clone Derived from a Trichoplusia ni QAU-BTI-Tn9-4s Cell Line

It is well known that Tn5B1-4 (commercially known as the High Five) cell line is highly susceptible to baculovirus and provides superior production of recombinant proteins when compared to other insect cell lines.But the characteristics of the cell line do not always remain stable and may change upon continuous passage.Recently an alphanodavirus,named Tn5 Cell Line Virus (or TNCL Virus),was identified in High Five cells in particular.Therefore,we established a new cell line,QB-Tn9-4s,from Trichoplusia ni,which was determined to be free of TNCL virus by RT-PCR analysis.In this paper,we describe the development of a novel cell clone,QB-CL-B,from a low passage QB-Tn9-4s cell line and report its susceptibility to AcMNPV,and the level of recombinant protein production.This cell clone was similar to its parental cells QB-Tn9-4s and Tn5B1-4 cells in morphology and growth rate;although it also showed approximately the same responses to AcMNPV infection and production of occlusion bodies,there were higher levels of recombinant protein production in comparison to QB-Tn9-4s (parental cells) and High5 cells.

Expression and purification of recombinant human hemangiopoietin in Escherichia coli

Objective:To express the soluble recombinant hemangiopoietin protein in E.coli BL21(DE3).Methods:Using human fetal live cDNA as a template,a partial cDNA fragment of HAPO coding N-terminal region was subcloned into plasmids pTrc99,pQE60 and pET32c to construct different recombinant prokaryotic expression systems.After selecting,the soluble rhHAPO fusion protein was expressed stably in E.coli BL21(DE3) by vector pET32c-HAPO and further isolated by nickelnitrilotriacetic acid(NTA) affinity chromatography.After cleavage with enterokinase,the rhHAPO protein was applied to Fast Flow SP sepharose column.Results:The rhHAPO protein had a purity of more than 95% and a good bioactivity based on the cell adhesion assay in ECV304 cells.Conclusion:We have established a protein engineering system to produce rhHAPO which may provide the possibility for clinical application.

STRUCTURE AND EXPRESSION OF EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS MEMBRANE ANTIGEN IN RECOMBINANT VACCINIA VIRUS

The Epstein-Barr virus membrane antigen was constructed and inserted into vaccinia virus, Tian-tan strain in order to study the effect of this virus on EB infection and tumorogenesis. The EBV-derived membrane antigen was expressed under the control of a 7.5 K promoter of vaccinia virus. The antibody against the membrane antigen of EB virus was produced on rabbits vaccinated with recombinant vaccinia virus.

Cloning and expression of human arresten gene and effect of its recombinant protein on endothelial cell proliferation

To clone human arresten gene and investigate biological activity of the recombinant protein.Methods Human arresten gene was obtained from the plasmid pGEMArr and subcloned into the BamHⅠ and Pst Ⅰ restriction sites of prokaryotic expression vector pRSET containing T7 promoter.The recombinant plasmid pRSETAN was subsequently transformed into the strain E.coli BL21(DE3),and the target gene was expressed under induction of IPTG.The expressed protein was extracted,purified by Ni 2+ chelation affinity chromatography and refoled.The effect of the recombinant protein on proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was also analyzed with the MTT assay.Results Endonuclease digesting and DNA sequencing confirmed that the arresten gene was correctly inserted into the expression vector.The recombinant protein was hightly expressed in the form of inclusion body in the host bacteria after induction.SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that the recombinant protein with a molecular weight of 26×103 amounted to 27% of the total bacterial proteins.The purity of the expected protein could reach over 96% through affinity chromatography.After renaturation,the recombinant protein could reach over 96% through affinity chromatography.After renaturation,the recombinant protein could significantly suppress proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelia cells(HUVECs) induced by vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).Conclusion Human arresten gene was successfully cloned into the expression vector pRSET and expressed at high level in Escherichia coli.Purified and refolded arresten protein could effectively inhibit proliferation of vascular endothelia cells.2 refs.

Expression and antimicrobial activity of the recombinant bovine lactoferricin in Pichia pastoris

Lactoferricin,a multifunctional peptide located in the N-terminal region of lactoferrin,has a broad-spectrum bacteriostatic activity.It is a promising candidate as a food additive and immune fortification agent and does not have the risks associated with drug residues and drug resistance.First,we performed promoter and host cell screening to achieve the recombinant expression of lactoferricin in Pichia pastoris,showing an initial titer of 19.5 mg/L in P.pastoris X-33 using PAOX1 promoter.Second,we constructed a 0030-α hybrid signal peptide by fusing the 0030 signal peptide with the pro-sequence of α-factor secretory signal peptide.This further increased the production of lactoferricin,with a titer of 28.8 mg/L in the fermentation supernatant in the shaking flask.Next,we increased the expression of lactoferricin by fusing it with anionic antioxidant peptides.The neutralization of positive charges yielded a titer of 55.3 mg/L in the shaking flask,and a highest titer of 193.9 mg/L in a 3-L bioreactor.The antimicrobial activity analysis showed that recombinant-expressed lactoferricin exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli,Bacillus subtilis,and Staphylococcus aureus.This study provides a reference for the construction of microbial cell factories capable of efficiently synthesizing antimicrobial peptides.

Cloning and Expression of One Fibrinolytic Enzyme from Bacillus sp. zlw-2

The gene encoding fibrinolytic enzyme from Bacillus sp. zlw-2 was cloned and sequenced （accession no. EU734749）, which was 1146 bp, encoded 381 amino acids and had 99% homology with Nattokinase YF308 and NAT. The genes encoding pre-pro-fibrinolytic enzyme （including signal peptide, propeptide, and mature peptide） and fibrinolytic enzyme （including mature peptide） were cloned into pET28a vector respectively and then transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 （DE3）. The recombinant ofpre-pro-fibrinolytic enzyme showed enzyme activity of 183 U mL^-1, while no detectable enzyme activity could be found from the recombinant of the mature peptide.

Expression and Identification of Inclusion Forming-related Domain of NS80 Nonstructural Protein of Grass Carp Reovirus

Grass carp reovirus （GCRV）, a double stranded RNA virus that infects aquatic animals, often with disastrous effects, belongs to the genus Aquareovirus and family Reoviridea. Similar to other reoviruses, genome replication of GCRV in infected cells occurs in cytoplasmic inclusion bodies, also called viral factories. Sequences analysis revealed the nonstmctural protein NS80, encoded by GCRV segment 4, has a high similarity with μNS in MRV（Mammalian orthoreovimses）, which may be associated with viral factory formation. To understand the function of the μNS80 protein in virus replication, the initial expression and identification of the immunogenicity of the GCRV NS80 protein inclusion forming-related region （335-742） was investigated in this study. It is shown that the over-expressed fusion protein was produced by inducing with IPTG at 28℃. In addition, serum specific rabbit antibody was obtained by using super purified recombinant NS80（335-742） protein as antigen. Moreover, the expressed protein was able to bind to anti-his-tag monoclonal antibody （mouse） and NS80〈335.742） specific rabbit antibody. Further western blot analysis indicates that the antiserum could detect NS80 or NS80C protein expression in GCRV infected cells. This data provides a foundation for further investigation of the role of NS80 in viral inclusion formation and virion assembly.

Integrated Expression of the Oenococcus oeni mleA Gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Malolactic enzyme is the function enzyme which catalyses the reaction for L-malate converting to L-lactic during malolactic fermentation （MLF）. In this paper, researches concerning the malolactic enzyme gene mleA cloned from a patent strain Oenococcus oeni SD-2a screened in Chinese wine and integrated expressing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae were performed in order to carry out both alcoholic fermentation （AF） and malolactic fermentation （MLF） during winemaking, with a view to achieving a better control of MLF in enology. To construct the expression plasmid named pYILmleA, cloned mleA gene, PGK1 promoter, and ADH1 terminator were ligated and inserted into integrating vector YIp5. Yeast transformants were screened on SD/-Ura and identified by auxotrophic test, mating type test, and colony PCR. Target protein was detected by SDS-PAGE and the targeted gene integrated to the chromosome was detected by dot bloting hybridization. After the transformant was cultured in SD/-Ura adding glucose （10%） and L-malate （5 648 mg L-1） for 4 d, the culture supernatant was collected and L-malate and L-lactic acid contents were detected by HPLC. 1 278-1 312 mg L-1 L-lactic acids were detected, while the comparative drop rates of L-malate were 20.18-20.85%. L-malate and L-lactic contents of the transformants showed extra significant difference and significant difference with the control ones by t-test respectively. The result indicated that the functional expression was achieved in recombinants S. cerevisiae.

Cloning of Bile Salt Hydrolase Gene and Its Expression in Lactic Acid Bacteria

According to the sequence of the bile salt hydrolase （BSH） gene of Bifidobacterium and the restriction enzyme cutting sites of expression vector pNZ8148, primers were designed and the bile salt hydrolase （BSH） gene was gotten from Bacillus bifidus ATCC 29521 by PCR. BSH gene was inserted into lactic acid bacteria expression vector pNZ8148 to construct the recombinant pNZ8148-BSH. The recombinant pNZ8148-BSH was transferred into lactic acid bacteria NZ9000 with electrotransformation method. And the recombinant which could express BSH protein was obtained. It was identified by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and activity verification. The result could provide a rationale reference for expressing BSH in lactic acid bacteria.

Recombinant Human IgG antibodies against Human Cytomegalovirus

Objective To study the passive immunization with human monoclonal antibodies as for prophylaxis of human cytomegalovirus （HCMV） infection. Methods Fab monoclonal antibodies to HCMV were recovered by repertoire cloning of mRNA from a HCMV infected individual. Antigen binding specificity, CDR sequence of VH and VL and neutralizing activity on HCMV AD169 stain were analyzed in vitro. The light and heavy chain Fd fragment genes of Fab antibodies were further cloned into a recombinant baculovirus expression vector pAC-K-Fc to express intact IgG. Secreted products were purified with affinity chromatography using protein G. Results SDS-PAGE and Western blot confirmed the expression of the intact IgG. Immuno-blotting and -precipitation were used to identify HCMV proteins. One Fab monoclonal antibody recognized a conformational HCMV protein. Conclusion IgG antibodies can neutralize the HCMV AD169 strain efficiently at a titer of 2.5 μg/mL and may prove valuable for passive immunoprophylaxis against HCMV infection in humans.

Construction of Prokaryotic Expression Plasmid of Fusion Protein Including Porin A and Porin B of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae and Its Expression in E.coli

In order to provide a rational research basis for clinical detection and genetic engineering vaccine, plasmid pET-28a (+) encoding both Porin gene PIA and PIB of Neisseria gonorrhoeae was constructed and a fusion protein in E.coli DE3 expressed. The fragments of PIA and PIB gene of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were amplified and cloned into prokaryotic expression plasmid pET-28a(+) with double restriction endonuclease cut to construct recombinant pET-PIB-PIA. The recombinant was verified with restriction endonuclease and sequenced and transformed into E.coli DE3 to express the fusion protein PIB-PIA after induced with IPTG. The results showed PIA-PIB fusion DNA fragment was proved correct through sequencing. A 67 kD (1 kD=0 992 1 ku) fusion protein had been detected by SDS-PAGE. It was concluded that the fusion protein was successively expressed.

A Viral Expression Vector from Foxtail mosaic virus to Express Green Fluorescent Protein

[Objective]Foxtail mosaic virus(FoMV)infects gramineous and dicotyledonous plants.In this study,we sought to construct a viral vector based on FoMV to express exogenous proteins in plants.[Method]A recombinant viral expression vector was constructed by inserting the promotor of Potato virus X(PVX)and exogenous gene sequences into the 3’non-coding region of the FoMV coat protein gene.[Results]The plasmid pCB301-FoMV-CP-PVXprom-GFP expressed green fluorescent protein in inoculated Nicotiana benthamiana leaves.[Conclusion]A recombinant viral expression vector was constructed successfully.

Expression and functional identification of the hypothetical adhesin P32 from Mycoplasma genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium is the main causative agent for non-gonococcal and non-chlamydial urethritis. P32 is the putative surface-exposed membrane protein of M. genitalium and it has substaintial identity in amino acid sequence with adhesin protein P30 from M. pneumoniae. Since M. pneumoniae mutants lacking P30 protein is defective in cytadherence, P32 protein has been proposed to be an essential adhesin implicated in the adherence of M. genitaliurn to host cells. The prokaryotic expression vector pET-30 （ ＋ ）/p32 was constructed in the present study, and the recombinant protein was expressed in E. coli and purified under denaturing condition. As demonstrated by the immuno- blotting analysis, the recombinant protein could react with rabbit antisera against M. genitalium, and adherence inhibition assays were performed with antisera against this recombinant protein. It was demonstrated that P32 protein apperared to be an adhesion protein of M. genitalium, thus providing the experimental basis for better understanding of the pathogenesis of M. genitalium infection and for the development of the related vaccines against the infection.

Highly efficient expression of human extracellular superoxide dismutase(rhEcSOD)with ultraviolet-B-induced damage-resistance activity in transgenic silkworm cocoons

Extracellular superoxide dismutase(EcSOD)protects tissues from oxidative stress,and thus is considered as a therapeutic agent for many diseases such as atherosclerosis,hypertension,and cancer.However,cost-effective production of bioactive recombinant human EcSOD(rhEcSOD)remains a challenge.Herein,we developed an efficient strategy for producing active rhEcSOD by transgenic silkworms.rhEcSOD was successfully synthesized as homodimers and homotetramers in the middle silk gland and spun into the cocoons with a concentration of 9.48±0.21 mg/g.Purification of rhEcSOD from the cocoons could be conveniently achieved with a purity of 99.50%and a yield of 3.5±0.5 mg/g.Additionally,N-glycosylation at the only site of N89 in rhEcSOD with 10 types were identified.The purified rhEcSOD gained the potent enzymatic activity of 4162±293 U/mg after Cu/Zn ions incorporation.More importantly,rhEcSOD was capable of penetrating and accumulating in the nuclei of cells to maintain cell morphology and attenuate ultraviolet B-induced cell apoptosis by eliminating reactive oxygen species and inhibiting the C-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway.These results demonstrated that the transgenic silkworm could successfully produce rhEcSOD with enzymatic and biological activities for biomedical applications.

Developments of Subunit and VLP Vaccines Against Influenza A Virus

Influenza virus is a continuous and severe global threat to mankind. The continuously re-emerging disease gives rise to thousands of deaths and enormous economic losses each year, which emphasizes the urgency and necessity to develop high-quality influenza vaccines in a safer, more efficient and economic way. The influenza subunit and VLP vaccines, taking the advantage of recombinant DNA technologies and expression system platforms, can be produced in such an ideal way. This review summarized the recent advancements in the research and development of influenza subunit and VLP vaccines based on the recombinant expression of hemagglutinin antigen (HA), neuraminidase antigen (NA), Matrix 2 protein (M2) and nucleocapsid protein (NP). It would help to get insight into the current stage of influenza vaccines, and suggest the future design and development of novel influenza vaccines.