连接肽长度对单链抗体与小分子半抗原结合力的影响

为了分析单链抗体的连接肽长度对其与小分子半抗原结合力的影响,本研究以含(G_4S)_3连接肽的伏马菌素特异单链抗体基因H2为模板,PCR扩增获得含G_4S和(G_4S)_2连接肽的单链抗体编码基因,分别命名为H2-5和H2-10,通过基因工程操作构建到p HENHi载体中,转化大肠杆菌XL1-Blue进行原核表达,纯化后利用ELISA检测单链抗体的亲和力。结果显示含不同长度连接肽的单链抗体均能在大肠杆菌中可溶性表达,单链抗体结合力与连接肽长度的关系为(G_4S)_3G_4S(G_4S)_2,即单链抗体H2与其抗原伏马菌素的亲和力最高,其次为H2-5和H2-10抗体。因此,含有较长连接肽的单链抗体能够自身折叠形成有活性的蛋白,并表现出与小分子半抗原更强的结合能力。     

抗人P185^erbB2的scFv—Fc融合蛋白的表达及免疫功能分析

为提高鼠源单抗用于体内治疗的效应功能及降低人抗鼠抗体反应 ,将编码抗人P185 erbB2 单抗轻、重链可变区 (VL、VH)融合构建的单链抗体 (scFv)基因片段与人IgG1的Fc区基因片段融合构建了scFv Fc融合基因 ,并将其克隆到哺乳动物细胞表达载体pCIDN中。用重组载体转染CHO细胞 ,通过G4 18筛选获得稳定高表达克隆。更换无血清培养基培养 ,经重组蛋白质A亲和层析柱纯化scFv Fc融合蛋白。融合蛋白质在还原SDS PAGE中表现为5 2kD的条带 ;与SK BR 3细胞裂解液共培育可特异性地沉淀出P185 erbB2 蛋白 ;FACS分析表明融合蛋白质识别P185 erbB2 蛋白的胞外段 ;ELISA测定融合蛋白质对细胞表面抗原P185 erbB2 的亲和常数为 7.5× 10 -10 (mol/L) -1。构建scFv Fc融合基因 ,将其克隆到表达载体 ,进一步稳定表达抗P185 erbB2 的scFv Fc融合蛋白 ,为进一步的体外、体内研究鼠源单抗治疗效果创造了条件。     

融合基因anti-erbB2 scFv-Fc-CD28-CD3(ζ)的构建及真核表达

本研究利用SWISS-MODEL预测该融合蛋白的三级结构。利用PCR的方法分别从重组pPIC9k、重组pBullet和pSecTag2B上扩增出3段基因片段,即片段anti-erbB2 scFv(简称A)、片段Fc-CD28-CD3(ζ)(简称B)和信号肽序列(简称S)。利用SOE-PCR将3段序列连接形成融合基因片段S-A-B。经TA克隆扩增及鉴定后,将融合基因片段与逆转录病毒表达载体pLNCX相连构建重组真核表达载体,电转染人淋巴瘤T细胞株Jurkat,G418筛选后用流式细胞术检测融合蛋白稳定表达情况。经预测在anti-erbB2 scFv与Fc基因片段之间不加连接肽的融合蛋白,在三级结构上可形成更佳的功能构象。经PCR、酶切及测序鉴定均证实成功构建重组真核表达载体pLNCX/S-A-B(在A与B基因片段之间不加linker)。经流式细胞术检测,在转染的Jurkat细胞中融合蛋白表达率约为56.17%。本研究应用分子克隆的方法成功地构建了重组真核表达载体pLNCX/anti-erbB2 scFv-Fc-CD28-CD3(ζ),融合基因能够在淋巴瘤T细胞株中表达,为制备含该融合基因的原代T淋巴细胞,进行erbB2过表达肿瘤的靶向基因治疗研究奠定了实验基础。     

抗人CD3单链抗体四聚体基因的构建及表达

为构建和表达抗人CD3单链抗体 (scFv) 人p5 3四聚功能域融合基因 ,选用人IgG3上游铰链区作为抗人CD3scFv和人p5 3四聚功能域之间连接的linker .利用递归PCR法扩增人IgG3上游铰链区与人p5 3四聚功能域融合基因 ,克隆入pUC18载体中构建pUC18 IgG3 p5 3克隆载体 .将抗人CD3scFv克隆入pUC18 IgG3 p5 3载体中 ,构建抗人CD3scFv 人p5 3四聚功能域融合基因 .经酶切鉴定及序列测定证实后 ,将融合基因克隆入真核表达载体pSecTag2 B中 ,转染HeLa细胞进行表达 ,表达产物纯化后利用流式细胞仪进行亲和活性测定 .获得了抗人CD3scFv 人p5 3四聚功能域融合基因 ,基因全长 882bp ,可编码 2 94个氨基酸 ,与已发表的抗人CD3scFv、人IgG3上游铰链区和人p5 3四聚功能域基因cDNA序列一致 .表达产物经SDS PAGE和Western印迹实验证实为约 35kD的特异蛋白条带 ,纯化后经流式细胞仪检测可以特异性地结合人外周血单个核细胞 (PBMC)细胞 ,亲和力高于scFv ,为进一步临床应用奠定基础     

人源性天然抗体库的构建及淀粉样蛋白Ab1-42寡聚体单链抗体的筛选和鉴定

本研究旨在利用噬菌体展示技术构建人源性天然抗体库,以可溶性Aβ1-42寡聚体对抗体库进行筛选获得针对低分子量Aβ1-42寡聚体的特异性单链抗体。利用RT-PCR法从10个健康人外周血淋巴细胞中得到全套人抗体VH和VL基因,经过重叠延伸PCR将VH和VL连接得到scFv片段,将scFv片段酶切后克隆至pCANTAB5E噬菌体载体,电转化TG1感受态菌,获得库容为2.5×109单链抗体库。经辅助噬菌体M13K07拯救,以可溶性Aβ1-42寡聚体为抗原,对抗体库进行4轮筛选,ELISA法筛选特异性识别Aβ1-42寡聚体的阳性克隆,将筛选到的阳性克隆B19转化至E.coli HB2151菌,诱导表达可溶性scFv抗体。SDS-PAGE及Western blotting分析结果显示可溶性scFv抗体获得了正确表达,且能够与Aβ1-42三聚体及纤维特异性结合,亲和力(Kd)为9×10-6 mol/L。Aβ1-42寡聚体特异性单链抗体的获得为老年性痴呆(AD)的治疗研究奠定了基础。     

人源性天然抗体库的构建及淀粉样蛋白Aβ1-42寡聚体单链抗体的筛选和鉴定

本研究旨在利用噬菌体展示技术构建人源性天然抗体库,以可溶性Aβ1-42寡聚体对抗体库进行筛选获得针对低分子量Aβ1-42寡聚体的特异性单链抗体.利用RT-PCR法从10个健康人外周血淋巴细胞中得到全套人抗体VH和VL基因,经过重叠延伸PCR将VH和VL连接得到scFv片段,将scFv片段酶切后克隆至pCANTAB5E噬菌体载体,电转化TG1感受态菌,获得库容为2.5×109单链抗体库.经辅助噬菌体M13K07拯救,以可溶性Aβ1-42寡聚体为抗原,对抗体库进行4轮筛选,ELISA法筛选特异性识别Aβ1-42寡聚体的阳性克隆,将筛选到的阳性克隆B19转化至E coliHB2151菌,诱导表达可溶性scFv抗体.SDS-PAGE及Western blotting分析结果显示可溶性scFv抗体获得了正确表达,且能够与Aβ1-42三聚体及纤维特异性结合,亲和力(Kd)为9×10-6 mol/L.Aβ1-42寡聚体特异性单链抗体的获得为老年性痴呆(AD)的治疗研究奠定了基础.     

具有谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活性的含硒单链抗体酶制备

 利用RT PCR从分泌有谷胱甘肽结合部位的单克隆抗体杂交瘤细胞株 2F3中 ,扩增出单抗重链可变区和轻链可变区基因 .经DNA测序后 ,用Linker(Gly4 Ser1) 3 构建成单链抗体 (scFv)表达载体pTMF scFv ,将重组质粒pTMF scFv转化到大肠杆菌BL2 1(DE3) ,实现了单链抗体的高效表达 .表达的单链抗体占菌体总蛋白 2 5%～ 30 % .该重组蛋白以包涵体形式存在 ,分子量为 30kD .经过金属螯合亲和层析纯化、复性和凝胶过滤纯化 ,得到电泳均一的单链抗体 .再经化学诱变 ,得到含硒单链抗体酶 ,其谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活性为 330 0U μmol.采用荧光滴定法测定了单链抗体对谷胱甘肽的结合常数     

日本血吸虫未成熟卯单链抗体库的构建、筛选及初步应用

运用噬菌体展示技术构建日本血吸虫未成熟虫卵可溶性抗原（SIEA）单链抗体（scFv）表达文库,以天然分子候选疫苗SIEA26～28ku为靶抗原筛选SIEA单链抗体库,获得特异性单链抗体．并将该scFv基因亚克隆至原核高效表达载体PET32a,诱导SIEA26-28ku特异性scFv大量表达．随后以此为探针筛选日本血吸虫尾蚴cDNA文库,以期获得SIEA2628ku天然分子候选疫苗相关的编码基因．结果显示,所获得的SIEA26-28ku特异性scFv,表达量高,采用该探针初步筛选出相关基因核糖体蛋白S4．SIEA26-28ku特异性scFv的获得,为进一步筛选、分析鉴定抗日本血吸虫病天然分子候选疫苗SIEA26-28ku的编码基因奠定了基础．     

FKBP12真核表达载体的构建及稳定转染A549细胞株的建立

目的:构建FK506结合蛋白12(FK506 binding proteins 12,FKBP12)真核表达载体并建立稳定转染A549细胞株。方法:RT-PCR扩增人平滑肌细胞FKBP12基因片断,构建pcDNA3.1/Hygro(+)-FKBP12真核表达载体,经琼脂糖电泳、特异性内切酶切割及测序验证其正确性。脂质体法转染真核细胞A549,HygromycinB筛选建立稳定转染的细胞株,免疫印迹法检测稳定转染的细胞株。结果:构建了FKBP12真核表达载体并建立了稳定转染的A549细胞株,成功表达FKBP12蛋白。结论:FKBP12真核表达载体成功构建及稳定转染A549细胞株的建立,为深入研究基于FKBP12靶点药物的机制奠定基础,进而为探索安全、高效的免疫抑制剂提供新的途径。     

高效构建卵清白蛋白scFv噬菌体文库及其筛选

目的:建立一种高效噬菌体文库构建方法,获得抗鸡卵清蛋白(ovalbumin,OVA)的单链抗体(scFv)噬菌体展示文库,筛选鉴定获得OVA单链抗体。方法:用OVA蛋白免疫Balb/C小鼠,选取血清抗体效价高的小鼠提取脾脏RNA,利用RT-PCR方法扩增获得小鼠重链和小鼠轻链基因。通过无缝连接酶一步将小鼠重链基因、轻链基因和linker DNA连接起来,插入噬菌体表达载体中,构建OVA scFv噬菌体展示文库。测定文库容量,对文库进行富集筛选,ELISA鉴定阳性克隆,测序后构建真核表达载体,转入Expi-CHO悬浮细胞进行真核表达,利用Western blot进行鉴定。结果:成功获得库容量为1. 2×10~7cfu的OVA scFv噬菌体展示文库,并从中筛选出8个阳性克隆,选取效价最高的2号克隆,在Expi-CHO悬浮细胞中表达获得可溶性抗体。结论:建立了一种高效构建scFv噬菌体文库的方法,筛选获得高结合活性的OVA单链抗体,并成功进行了真核表达,为OVA ELISA检测试剂盒的研制奠定了基础。     

Drosophila type XV/XVIII collagen, Mp, is involved in Wingless distribution

Multiplexin (Mp) is the Drosophila orthologue of vertebrate collagens XV and XVIII. Like them, Mp is widely distributed in the basement membranes of the developing embryos, including those of neuroblasts in the central and peripheral nervous systems, visceral muscles of the gut, and contractile cardioblasts. Here we report the identification of mutant larvae bearing piggyBac transposon insertions that exhibit decrease Mp production associated with abdominal cuticular and wing margin defects, malformation of sensory organs and impaired sensitivity to physical stimuli. Additional findings include the abnormal ultrastructure of fatbody associated with abnormal collagen IV deposition, and reduced Wingless deposition. Collectively, these findings are consistent with the notion that Mp is required for the proper formation and/or maintenance of basement membrane, and that Mp may be involved in establishing the Wingless signaling gradients in the Drosophila embryo.     

Recent developments and applications of immobilized laccase

Laccase is a promising biocatalyst with many possible applications, including bioremediation, chemical synthesis, biobleaching of paper pulp, biosensing, textile finishing and wine stabilization. The immobilization of enzymes offers several improvements for enzyme applications because the storage and operational stabilities are frequently enhanced. Moreover, the reusability of immobilized enzymes represents a great advantage compared with free enzymes. In this work, we discuss the different methodologies of enzyme immobilization that have been reported for laccases, such as adsorption, entrapment, encapsulation, covalent binding and self-immobilization. The applications of laccase immobilized by the aforementioned methodologies are presented, paying special attention to recent approaches regarding environmental applications and electrobiochemistry.     

Neurotensin downregulates the pro-inflammatory properties of skin dendritic cells and increases epidermal growth factor expression

In the last decades some reports reveal the neuropeptide neurotensin (NT) as an immune mediator in the Central Nervous System and in the gastrointestinal tract, however its effects on skin immunity were not identified. The present study investigates the effect of NT on signal transduction and on pro/anti-inflammatory function of skin dendritic cells. Furthermore, we investigated how neurotensin can modulate the inflammatory responses triggered by LPS in skin dendritic cells. We observed that fetal-skin dendritic cells (FSDCs) constitutively express NTR1 and NTR3 (neurotensin receptors) and that LPS treatment induces neurotensin expression. In addition, NT downregulated the activation of the inflammatory signaling pathways NF-κB and JNK, as well as, the expression of the cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10 and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), while the survival pathway ERK and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were upregulated. Simultaneous dendritic cells exposure to LPS and NT induced a similar cytokine profile to that one induced by NT alone. However, cells pre-treated with NT and then incubated with LPS, completely changed their cytokine profile, upregulating the cytokines tested, without changes on growth factor expression. Overall, our results could open new perspectives in the design of new therapies for skin diseases, like diabetic wound healing, where neuropeptide exposure seems to be beneficial.     

Improved repeat identification and masking in Dipterans

Repetitive sequences are a major constituent of many eukaryote genomes and play roles in gene regulation, chromosome inheritance, nuclear architecture, and genome stability. The identification of repetitive elements has traditionally relied on in-depth, manual curation and computational determination of close relatives based on DNA identity. However, the rapid divergence of repetitive sequence has made identification of repeats by DNA identity difficult even in closely related species. Hence, the presence of unidentified repeats in genome sequences affects the quality of gene annotations and annotation-dependent analyses (e.g. microarray analyses). We have developed an enhanced repeat identification pipeline using two approaches. First, the de novo repeat finding program PILER-DF was used to identify interspersed repetitive elements in several recently finished Dipteran genomes. Repeats were classified, when possible, according to their similarity to known elements described in Repbase and GenBank, and also screened against annotated genes as one means of eliminating false positives. Second, we used a new program called RepeatRunner, which integrates results from both RepeatMasker nucleotide searches and protein searches using BLASTX. Using RepeatRunner with PILER-DF predictions, we masked repeats in thirteen Dipteran genomes and conclude that combining PILER-DF and RepeatRunner greatly enhances repeat identification in both well-characterized and un-annotated genomes.     

The C. elegans adult male germline: Stem cells and sexual dimorphism

The hermaphrodite Caenorhabditis elegans germline has become a classic model for stem cell regulation, but the male C. elegans germline has been largely neglected. This work provides a cellular analysis of the adult C. elegans male germline, focusing on its predicted stem cell region in the distal gonad. The goals of this study were two-fold: to establish the C. elegans male germline as a stem cell model and to identify sex-specific traits of potential relevance to the sperm/oocyte decision. Our results support two major conclusions. First, adult males do indeed possess a population of germline stem cells (GSCs) with properties similar to those of hermaphrodite GSCs (lack of cell cycle quiescence and lack of reproducibly oriented divisions). Second, germ cells in the mitotic region, including those most distal within the niche, exhibit sex-specific behaviors (e.g. cell cycle length) and therefore have acquired sexual identity. Previous studies demonstrated that some germ cells are not committed to a sperm or oocyte cell fate, even in adults. We propose that germ cells can acquire sexual identity without being committed to a sperm or oocyte cell fate.     

Genetic associations with coronary heart disease: Meta-analyses of 12 candidate genetic variants

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined contribution of 12 genetic variants to the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods

Through a comprehensive literature search for genetic variants involved in the CHD association study, we harvested a total of 10 genes (12 variants) for the current meta-analyses. These genes consisted of GPX1 (rs1050450), PPARD (rs2016520), ALOX15 (rs34210653), SELPLG (rs2228315), FCGR2A (rs1801274), CCL5 (rs2107538), CYP1A1 (rs4646903), TP53 (rs1042522), CX37 (rs1764391), and PECAM1 (rs668, rs12953, and rs1131012).

Results

A total of 45 studies among 23,314 cases and 28,430 controls were retrieved for the meta-analyses of 12 genetic variants. The results showed a significant association between the GPX1 rs1050450 polymorphism and CHD (odd ratio (OR) = 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.25–2.07, P = 0.0002). Other meta-analyses of the rest 11 variants suggested a lack of association with the risk of CHD.

Conclusion

Our results confirmed that GPX1 rs1050450 was associated with susceptibility to CHD in Chinese and Indian populations.     

A let-7/Fas double-negative feedback loop regulates human colon carcinoma cells sensitivity to Fas-related apoptosis

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is considered essential for the regulation of anti-tumor reactions as it sensitizes Fas-related apoptosis in HT29 cells, but the mechanism is unclear. In the current study, our data demonstrated that IFN-γ stimulation and Fas activation suppressed Dicer processing and let-7 microRNA biogenesis, while let-7 microRNA strongly inhibited Fas expression by directly targeting Fas mRNA. Accordingly, our results indicate that Fas and let-7 microRNAs form a double-negative feedback loop in IFN-γ and Fas induced apoptosis in colon carcinoma cell line HT29, which may be an important synergistic mechanism in anti-tumor immune response. We also found that a let-7 microRNA inhibitor increased Fas expression and sensitized cells to Fas-related apoptosis, which may have future implications in colon carcinoma therapy.     

Time evolution of noise induced oxidation in outer hair cells: Role of NAD(P)H and plasma membrane fluidity

Background

Noise exposure impairs outer hair cells (OHCs). The common basis for OHC dysfunction and loss by acoustic over-stimulation is represented by reactive oxygen species (ROS) overload that may affect the membrane structural organization through generation of lipid peroxidation.

Methods

Here we investigated in OHC different functional zones the mechanisms linking metabolic functional state (NAD(P)H intracellular distribution) to the generation of lipid peroxides and to the physical state of membranes by two photon fluorescence microscopy.

Results

In OHCs of control animals, a more oxidized NAD(P)H redox state is associated to a less fluid plasma membrane structure. Acoustic trauma induces a topologically differentiated NAD(P)H oxidation in OHC rows, which is damped between 1 and 6 h. Peroxidation occurs after ~ 4 h from noise insult, while ROS are produced in the first 0.2 h and damage cells for a period of time after noise exposure has ended (~ 7.5 h) when a decrease of fluidity of OHC plasma membrane occurs. OHCs belonging to inner rows, characterized by a lower metabolic activity with respect to other rows, show less severe metabolic impairment.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that plasma membrane fluidity is related to NAD(P)H redox state and lipid peroxidation in hair cells.

General Significance

Our results could pave the way for therapeutic intervention targeting the onset of redox umbalance.     

2-溴棕榈酸调节背根神经节中ASIC3蛋白的膜定位缓解大鼠骨癌痛

骨癌痛（BCP）是恶性肿瘤患者最常见的疼痛之一,严重影响患者的生活质量。BCP的分子作用机制和新药研发都迫在眉睫。2-溴棕榈酸（2-BP）作为一种蛋白质棕榈化抑制剂在病理性疼痛中有镇痛效果,而在骨癌痛中作用仍不清楚。酸敏感离子通道3型（ASIC3）,作为一个重要的疼痛因子能否受到2-BP的调控也未知。为了检测2-BP在骨癌痛中的作用,并研究其对背根神经节（DRG）中ASIC3的调控,本文开展了相关工作。1）首先建立BCP大鼠模型,将大鼠乳腺癌细胞（MRMT-1）注射入雌大鼠胫骨骨髓腔内,21 d后通过X射线和机械痛检测,发现与假性手术组相比,BCP模型大鼠的胫骨被破坏;同时,BCP组大鼠的机械疼痛值明显上升（假性手术组PWT vs. BCP PWT:16.1 ± 1.5 vs. 5.3 ± 1.5; P<0.01）;表明大鼠乳腺癌骨转移疼痛模型成功构建。2）蛋白质免疫印迹检测结果显示,与正常和假性手术组相比,BCP大鼠L4-L6 DRG中酸敏感离子通道3蛋白表达上调（0.63 ± 0.03, 0.64 ± 0.1 和 1.07 ± 0.05）。3）在术后第21 d,给BCP大鼠腹腔注射2-BP,发现给药组BCP大鼠的机械疼痛值下调 （6 h后,PWT 对照 vs. PWT 2-BP: 6.9 ± 2.0 vs. 10.8 ± 1.6, P<0.01）,表明2-BP在骨癌痛模型大鼠中具有镇痛作用。4）蛋白质免疫印迹结果显示,与给药前相比,2-BP处理后降低了BCP大鼠L4-L6 DRG中膜上ASIC3蛋白的表达（1.05 ± 0.13, 0.66 ± 0.12）。同时,在ASIC3介导的酸痛模型中,2-BP给药降低大鼠震颤的次数（对照组为27 ± 1.8次,2-BP组为10 ± 1.5次）,表明2-BP给药阻断ASIC3介导的酸痛。5）在ASIC3转染的SH-SY5Y细胞中,与对照相比,2-BP给药后明显降低膜上ASIC3蛋白表达量（1.0 ± 0.2, 0.58 ± 0.10）。这些结果表明,2-BP在骨癌痛中具有镇痛作用,其镇痛机制涉及到调控背根神经节中膜上酸敏感离子通道3的表达。