羽衣甘蓝S_(13-b)位点受体激酶基因的克隆及激酶结构域的原核表达

目的:分离羽衣甘蓝S13-b位点受体激酶(SRK13-b)基因并进行序列及结构域分析,构建SRK13-b结构域的原核表达载体并进行重组蛋白质的原核表达和纯化。方法:提取羽衣甘蓝S13-bS13-b自交不亲和系花期柱头的RNA,用RT-PCR法分离SRK13-b基因;将编码SRK13-b激酶结构域的序列插入大肠杆菌表达载体pET-14b中,构建原核表达质粒pET-SRK13-bCT,转化大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)pLysS菌株,经0.1mmol/LIPTG诱导,用Ni-NTA亲和层析柱对SRK13-b激酶结构域蛋白进行纯化。结果:分离获得羽衣甘蓝SRK13-b基因的长度为2571bp,编码856个氨基酸,GenBank收录号为EU180597;对SRK13-b激酶结构域蛋白进行诱导表达及纯化,SDS-PAGE显示相对分子质量约43×103的蛋白质特异表达,对表达产物进行分离纯化,获得了SRK13-b激酶结构域的融合蛋白。结论:羽衣甘蓝SRK13-b基因的克隆及激酶结构域的原核表达,为研究SRK的功能及自交不亲和性奠定了基础。     

叶绿体分裂蛋白PDV2表达和纯化

叶绿体是植物光合作用的重要场所。PLASTID DIVISION2(PDV2)是叶绿体外膜上调控叶绿体分裂的关键蛋白之一。PDV2的N末端较大伸向细胞质,C末端较小伸向膜间隙,探索叶绿体分裂蛋白PDV2-213(N末端213氨基酸残基)胞质侧结构域可溶性表达获得高纯度的蛋白质,为叶绿体分裂过程中其结构与功能的研究提供依据。通过pET表达载体的构建,优化原核表达条件,实现PDV2-213蛋白的可溶性表达;运用镍柱亲和层析和分子排阻层析的方法,对目的蛋白进行分离纯化。本研究可溶性表达了PDV2-213胞质侧结构域蛋白质,通过表达条件和镍柱亲和层析的优化,降低杂蛋白对PDV2-213蛋白质纯化过程的影响,获得高纯度的蛋白质。PDV2-213胞质侧结构域的高效可溶性表达和纯化,为叶绿体分裂过程中其结构与功能的研究提供依据。     

人热休克蛋白转录因子1 DNA结合结构域的表达、纯化和晶体生长

目的:获得大量热休克转录因子1(HSF1)DNA结合结构域(DBD)蛋白,用于晶体生长的三维结构解析。方法:将DBD基因片段克隆至原核表达载体pGEX-6P-1中并获得高效表达,经过Glutathione SepharoseTM 4B亲和层析、ResourceQ纯化后,蛋白纯度达到95%以上。结果:圆二色谱仪分析蛋白质的二级结构结果显示α螺旋占33%,β折叠占15%;采用悬滴气相扩散法得到了针状DBD晶体。结论:纯化的蛋白质与同源性达68%的Kluyveromyceslactis的DBD有相似的空间构象。获得的蛋白质晶体为进一步的三维结构解析奠定了基础。     

人体鼠双微体2 C端结构域ZF&RING 重组蛋白的表达、纯化及单体结构研究

目的:通过在大肠杆菌SUMO系统中对鼠双微体2(MDM2)C端结构域ZFRING(aa.300-491)进行构建并进行表达,酶切和纯化,从而得到MDM2蛋白C端结构域的单体结构,为其后续的晶体研究及MDM2非p53依赖途径的研究提供途径。方法:利用大肠杆菌SUMO表达系统对zfring基因进行重组构建。构建成功的表达载体经诱导表达优化后,通过Ni-NTA进行亲和层析纯化,并利用SDS-PAGE及Western blot鉴定分析。纯化后的融合蛋白经ULP1酶切得到目的蛋白ZFRING,并通过Hi Trap Q FF离子交换层析检验和去除杂质DNA。最后通过分子筛检验其蛋白结构。结果:构建了SUMO-ZFRING重组载体。重组载体在大肠杆菌高效可溶性表达,纯化并酶切后的目的蛋白ZFRING以单体形式存在。结论:通过原核表达、纯化、酶切及层析发鉴定,成功获得高稳定、高纯度且为单体结构的MDM2 C端结构域ZFRING蛋白,为后续关于MDM2,尤其是其非p53依赖途径的结构学和功能学提供了思路和途径。     

颗粒裂解肽G13结构域的重组表达及蛋白质结构预测

基因工程构建表达是获得抗菌肽的一种成本较低的方法,本实验人工合成G13结构域编码DNA序列,PCR扩增后,用T-A克隆法与pBAD/TOPO ThioFusion表达载体连接,通过PCR鉴定筛选出正确重组质粒,在大肠杆菌Top10中对目的蛋白进行表达,大肠杆菌工程菌经阿拉伯糖诱导后取样,用SDS-PAGE检测表达情况,采用生物信息学方法对表达蛋白的结构特征进行模拟分析。结果显示：目的蛋白在原核系统中实现了高效表达,表达量高达67%以上,主要以包涵体形式表达。蛋白结构预测结果显示,目的蛋白原有的α螺旋活性结构无改变,从而为抗菌肽高效生产提供了有效可靠的研究途径。     

拟南芥耐盐基因ENH1在陆生植物中的进化

[目的]ENH1是最近鉴定的拟南芥耐盐基因,编码一个叶绿体定位的蛋白,N末端具有一个PZD结构域,C末端具有一个RUBR结构域;功能上与活性氧自由基的脱毒有关,本文研究ENH1基因的进化历史和功能分化。[方法]从陆地植物基因组中获得同源蛋白,重建这个基因家族的系统发生,通过生物信息学手段研究其蛋白质结构域组织,蛋白质相互作用和表达谱。[结果]总共获得35个ENH1同源蛋白序列,大多数物种保持一个基因拷贝,系统发育上单子叶与双子叶被明确划分,并获得高度的支持,在进化过程EHN1蛋白获得了PDZ结构域。[结论]功能上,这个基因家族通过获得PZD结构域适应被子植物细胞的复杂功能要求,ENH1样基因可能涉及叶绿体的多种功能,此外,ENH1基因家族适合作为系统发育重建的分子标记。     

LSECtin-CRD-GST融合蛋白的原核表达、纯化及复性

目的:构建C型凝集素LSECtin主要功能结构域CRD的原核表达载体,在大肠杆菌中表达LSECtin-CRD-GST融合蛋白。方法:根据Gen Bank发布的LSECtin基因序列设计引物,利用基因重组技术将获得的LSECtin-CRDc DNA定向克隆至C端带GST蛋白标签序列的融合表达载体p GEX-6p-1中,转化大肠杆菌Origami(DE3)进行重组蛋白的诱导表达,用GST柱亲和纯化融合蛋白。结果:获得了原核表达载体p GEX-6p-1-LSECtin-CRD,诱导表达出大量相对分子质量约40×103的包涵体融合蛋白,经纯化、复性获得可溶蛋白,经Western印迹鉴定为目的蛋白。结论:获得足量的LSECtin-CRD-GST融合蛋白,为进一步研究CRD蛋白结构域的动态构象变化提供了实验材料。     

人类新细胞因子CKLFSF2羧基端蛋白在大肠杆菌中的表达纯化、抗体制备与鉴定

哺乳动物细胞表达的人类新细胞因子——趋化素样因子超家族成员-2(CKLFSF2)存在分泌形式,位于CKLFSF2分子的羧基端,具有细胞趋化作用.为进一步研究CKLFSF2羧基端蛋白的结构和生物学功能及抗体制备,构建了GST-CKLFSF2C51原核表达质粒,经原核表达、亲和层析、凝胶过滤,获得GST-CKLFSF2C51融合蛋白和CKLFSF2羧基端蛋白(CKLFSF2C51),纯度可达到95%以上.GST-CKLFSF2C51融合蛋白用于制备多克隆抗体,ELISA方法检测抗体效价阳性,蛋白质印迹检测CKLFSF2哺乳动物细胞超表达细胞裂解液,获得特异性条带与预期大小一致.CKLFSF2C51经N端测序,质谱鉴定与预期结果一致,该蛋白质具有对PC-3细胞趋化的活性,并且该活性可被制备的多克隆抗体中和.上述结果表明,原核CKLFSF2羧基端蛋白具有与CKLFSF2真核表达蛋白类似的细胞趋化活性,原核CKLFSF2羧基端蛋白制备的多克隆抗体可用于免疫组织化学、蛋白质印迹检测,并能中和CKLFSF2蛋白的趋化活性作用.     

小鼠Prune蛋白DHH结构域的原核表达及多克隆抗体的制备

[目的]表达、纯化小鼠Prune蛋白DHH结构域(m-Prune D),并制备多克隆抗体。[方法]生物信息学方法分析m-Prune D氨基酸序列;PCR扩增目的基因m-Prune D,克隆入原核表达载体p ET28a(+);IPTG诱导目的基因表达,SDS-PAGE和Western Blot鉴定蛋白表达,亲和层析法纯化蛋白;用纯化的重组m-Prune D免疫小鼠制备多克隆抗体;Western Blot检测多克隆抗体特异性。[结果]PCR成功扩增m-Prune D基因,双酶切及测序结果表明成功构建m-Prune D原核表达载体,SDS-PAGE和Western Blot鉴定表明成功表达约25 k Da的重组蛋白。纯化蛋白免疫小鼠后抗体滴度最高可达1∶25 600,所制备的多克隆抗体可特异性识别原核和真核细胞中DHH结构域蛋白。[结论]在E.coli中成功表达小鼠Prune蛋白DHH结构域,制备了多克隆抗体血清,可用于Prune蛋白生物学功能的进一步研究。     

人Fas N端融合蛋白的原核表达、纯化及初步分析

目的：对Fas蛋白N端的30～108位肽段进行原核表达,制备可溶性蛋白,并完成二级结构分析。方法：利用BLAST程序进行同源性分析,确定所要构建的FasN端半胱氨酸富集结构域（CRD）,PCR扩增目的基因片段,将其克隆入表达载体pGEX-6P-1,并转化大肠杆菌BL21（DE3）,于16℃用0.2mmol/L的IPTG诱导25h表达GST-Fas融合蛋白;用Glu-tathione Sepharose 4B柱分离GST-Fas融合蛋白,用PreScission蛋白酶切去GST标签,将洗脱的蛋白样品经Superdex 75凝胶预装柱进一步纯化;对所获得的可溶性、高纯度蛋白进行圆二色谱分析。结果与结论：获得重组质粒pGEX-6P-1-fas,并在大肠杆菌中可溶性表达了FasN端CRD功能结构域蛋白;经亲和层析、酶切、分子筛层析后,获得了可溶的、高纯度的FasN端CRD功能结构域蛋白;圆二色谱结果揭示目标蛋白富含β-折叠,为进一步研究Fas的结构和功能奠定了基础。     

CUEDC2的N端结构域溶液结构初步探索

目的:为了更好地研究CUEDC2(CUE domain containing 2)的生物学功能,对其N端含133个氨基酸残基的结构域的三维结构进行初步探索。方法:用亲和纯化方法纯化GST-CUEDC2(1-133 aa)和His-CUEDC2(1-133aa),采用圆二色谱和核磁共振方法初步研究其结构。结果:圆二色谱实验表明CUEDC2(1-133 aa)cut比CUEDC2(1-133 aa)uncut的螺旋结构更多,折叠更好;核磁共振实验表明CUEDC2(1-133 aa)cut的1H-15N HSQC谱交叉峰更多,峰强度更均匀。结论:CUEDC2(1-133 aa)cut为最适合用核磁共振方法进行结构计算的片段。     

CUEDC2与雌激素受体β相互作用并抑制其转录活性

目的：探索未知功能蛋白CUEDC2对雌激素受体（ER）β转录活性的调控,为进一步阐明CUEDC2在乳腺癌发生发展中的作用提供线索。方法：运用双荧光报告系统检测雌激素受体的转录激活活性,运用GST pull-down技术检测CUEDC2与ERβ的相互作用,同时外源过表达CUEDC2及ERβ,通过Western印迹检测CUEDC2对ERβ表达水平的影响。结果与结论：CUEDC2能够与ERβ相互作用并抑制ERβ的转录活性,但其对ERβ的表达水平没有影响。     

Over-expression and refolding of isotopically labeled recombinant catalytic domain of human macrophage elastase (MMP-12) for NMR studies

Human macrophage elastase (MMP-12) plays an important role in inflammatory processes and is involved in a number of physiological or pathological situations, such as conversion of plasminogen into angiostatin, allergic airway inflammation, vascular remodeling or alteration, as well as emphysema, and has been justified as a novel drug target. Here, we report the over-expression in Escherichia coil, purification and refolding of MMP-12 catalytic domain for NMR studies. The primary sequence of expressed protein was identified by means of MALDI-TOF MS, and was confirmed by the MALDI-TOF MS data of trypsin-digested peptides. A significantly optimized protocol has been worked out to prepare 15N and/or 13C-labeled MMP-12 catalytic domain, and the yield of the purified protein is estimated to 10-12 mg from 0.5L of M9 minimal media. Finally, the 15N-1H HSQC spectrum of uniformly 15N-labeled MMP-12 catalytic domain indicates the presence of well-ordered and properly folded protein in a monomeric form.     

CUEDC2 interacts with heat shock protein 70 and negatively regulates its chaperone activity

Recently studies have revealed that CUEDC2, a CUE domain-containing protein, plays critical roles in many biological processes, such as cell cycle, inflammation and tumorigenesis. In this study, to further explore the function of CUEDC2, we performed affinity purification combined with mass spectrometry analysis to identify its interaction proteins, which led to the identification of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). We confirmed the interaction between CUEDC2 and HSP70 in vivo by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Mapping experiments revealed that CUE domain was required for their binding, while the PBD and CT domains of HSP70, mediated the interaction with CUEDC2. The intracellular Luciferase refolding assay indicated that CUEDC2 could inhibit the chaperone activity of HSP70. Together, our results identify HSP70 as a novel CUEDC2 interaction protein and suggest that CUEDC2 might play important roles in regulating HSP70 mediated stress responses.     

Biochemical,Biophysical and IgE-Epitope Characterization of the Wheat Food Allergen,Tri a 37

Wheat is an important staple food and potent allergen source. Recently, we isolated a cDNA coding for wheat alpha-purothionin which is recognized by wheat food allergic patients at risk for severe wheat-induced allergy. The purpose of the present study was the biochemical, biophysical and IgE epitope characterization of recombinant alpha-purothionin. Synthetic genes coding for alpha-purothionin were expressed in a prokaryotic system using Escherichia coli and in a eukaryotic expression system based on baculovirus-infected Sf9-insect cells. Recombinant proteins were purified and characterized by SDS-PAGE, mass spectrometry, circular dichroism, chemical cross-linking and size exclusion chromatography. Five overlapping peptid were synthesized for epitope mapping. Alpha-purothionin-specific rabbit antibodies were raised to perform IgE-inhibition experiments and to study the resistance to digestion. The IgE reactivity of the proteins and peptides from ten wheat food allergic patients was studied in non-denaturing RAST-based binding assays. Alpha-purothionin was expressed in the prokaryotic (EcTri a 37) and in the eukaryotic system (BvTri a 37) as a soluble and monomeric protein. However, circular dichroism analysis revealed that EcTri a 37 was unfolded whereas BvTri a 37 was a folded protein. Both proteins showed comparable IgE-reactivity and the epitope mapping revealed the presence of sequential IgE epitopes in the N-terminal basic thionin domain (peptide1:KSCCRSTLGRNCYNLCRARGAQKLCAGVCR) and in the C-terminal acidic extension domain (peptide3:KGFPKLALESNSDEPDTIEYCNLGCRSSVC, peptide4:CNLGCRSSVCDYMVNAAADDEEMKLYVEN). Natural Tri a 37 was digested under gastric conditions but resistant to duodenal digestion. Immunization with EcTri a 37 induced IgG antibodies which recognized similar epitopes as IgE antibodies from allergic patients and inhibited allergic patients'' IgE binding. Reactivity to Tri a 37 does not require a folded protein and the presence of sequential IgE epitopes indicates that sensitization to alpha-purothionin occurs via the gut. Both allergens can be used for in-vitro diagnosis of wheat food allergy. The induction of blocking IgG antibodies suggests the usefulness for immunotherapy.     

Expression, purification, and characterization of coiled coil and leucine zipper domains of C-terminal myosin binding subunit of myosin phosphatase for solution NMR studies

Protein-protein interactions between MBS and PKG are mediated by the involvement of C-terminal domain of MBS, MBS(CT180) and N-terminal coiled coil (CC) leucine zipper (LZ) domain of PKG-Iα, PKG-Iα1(-59). MBS(CT180) is comprised of three structurally variant domains of non-CC, CC, and LZ nature. Paucity of three-dimensional structural information of these MBS domains precludes atomic level understanding of MBS-PKG contractile complex structure. Here we present data on cloning, expression, and purification of CC, LZ, and CCLZ domains of MBS(CT180) and their biophysical characterization using size exclusion chromatography (SEC), circular dichroism (CD), and two-dimensional (1)H-(15)N HSQC NMR. The methods as detailed resulted in high level protein expression and high milligram quantities of purified isotopically ((15)N and (13)C) enriched polypeptides. SEC, CD, and (1)H-(15)N HSQC NMR experiments demonstrated that recombinantly expressed MBS CC domain is well folded and exists as a dimer within physiologic pH range, which is supported by our previous findings. The dimerization of CC MBS is likely mediated through formation of coiled coil conformation. In contrast, MBS LZ domain was almost unfolded that exists as non-stable low structured monomer within physiologic pH range. Protein folding and stability of MBS LZ was improved as a function of decrease in pH that adopts a folded, stable, and structured conformation at acidified pH 4.5. SEC and NMR analyses of LZ vs. CCLZ MBS domains indicated that inclusion of CC domain partially improves protein folding of LZ domain.     

Elevated expression of CUEDC2 protein confers endocrine resistance in breast cancer

Endocrine resistance is a major obstacle to hormonal therapy for breast cancers. Although reduced expression of estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) is a known contributing factor to endocrine resistance, the mechanism of ER-α downregulation in endocrine resistance is still not fully understood. Here we report that CUE domain-containing protein-2 (CUEDC2), a ubiquitin-binding motif-containing protein, is a key factor in endocrine resistance in breast cancer. We show that CUEDC2 modulates ER-α protein stability through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Through the study of specimens from a large cohort of subjects with breast cancer, we found a strong inverse correlation between CUEDC2 and ER-α protein expression. Notably, subjects with tumors that highly expressed CUEDC2 had poor responsiveness to tamoxifen treatment and high potential for relapse. We further show that ectopic CUEDC2 expression impaired the responsiveness of breast cancer cells to tamoxifen. Therefore, our findings suggest that CUEDC2 is a crucial determinant of resistance to endocrine therapies in breast cancer.     

Expression, purification, and secondary structure characterization of recombinant KCTD1

Potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 1 (KCTD1) contains a BTB domain, which can facilitate protein-protein interactions that may be involved in the regulation of signaling pathways. Here we describe an expression and purification system that can provide a significant amount of recombinant KCTD1 from Escherichia coli. The cDNA encoding human KCTD1 was amplified and cloned into the expression vector pET-30a(+). The recombinant protein was expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) cells and subsequently purified using affinity chromatography. To confirm that KCTD1 was correctly expressed and folded, the molecular weight and conformation were analyzed using mass spectroscopy, Western blot, and circular dichroism. Optimizing KCTD1 expression and investigating its secondary structure will provide valuable information for future structural and functional studies of KCTD1 and KCTD family proteins.     

CUE domain‐containing protein 2 promotes the Warburg effect and tumorigenesis

Cancer progression depends on cellular metabolic reprogramming as both direct and indirect consequence of oncogenic lesions; however, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here, we report that CUEDC2 (CUE domain‐containing protein 2) plays a vital role in facilitating aerobic glycolysis, or Warburg effect, in cancer cells. Mechanistically, we show that CUEDC2 upregulates the two key glycolytic proteins GLUT3 and LDHA via interacting with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) or 14‐3‐3ζ, respectively. We further demonstrate that enhanced aerobic glycolysis is essential for the role of CUEDC2 to drive cancer progression. Moreover, using tissue microarray analysis, we show a correlation between the aberrant expression of CUEDC2, and GLUT3 and LDHA in clinical HCC samples, further demonstrating a link between CUEDC2 and the Warburg effect during cancer development. Taken together, our findings reveal a previously unappreciated function of CUEDC2 in cancer cell metabolism and tumorigenesis, illustrating how close oncogenic lesions are intertwined with metabolic alterations promoting cancer progression.