First BAFF gene cloned from an aquatic mammal

The finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) is one of the smallest cetacean species. Research into the immune system of the finless porpoise is essential to the protection of this species, but, to date, no genes coding for proteins from the tumor necrosis factor family (TNF family) have yet been reported from finless porpoises. The TNF B cell activating factor (BAFF) is critical to B cell survival, proliferation, maturation, and immunoglobulin secretion and to T cell activation. It acts through its three receptors, BAFF-R, BCMA, and TACI. In the present study, the full-length cDNA of BAFF (designated NpBAFF) from the finless porpoise was cloned using RT-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) techniques, and its biological activities have been characterized. To our knowledge, this is the first report of any BAFF gene being cloned from an aquatic mammal. The full-length cDNA of NpBAFF consists of 1502 bases including an 852 bp open reading frame encoding 283 amino acids. This protein was found to contain a predicted transmembrane domain, a putative furin protease cleavage site, and a typical TNF homology domain corresponding to other, known BAFF homologues. Sequence comparison indicated that the amino acid sequence of NpBAFF was very similar to its bovine (87.68%), porcine (76.33%), hircine (87.68%) and canine (82.19%) counterparts. The predicted three-dimensional (3D) structure of the NpsBAFF monomer, analyzed by comparative protein modeling, revealed that it was very similar to its human counterpart. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that NpBAFF showed a notable homology with Artiodactyla BAFFs. The SUMO-NpsBAFF was efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Laser scanning confocal microscopy analysis showed that NpsBAFF could bind to its receptors on B cells. In vitro, MTT assays indicated that SUMO-NpsBAFF could promote the survival or proliferation of mouse splenic B cells grown with anti-mouse IgM. These findings indicate that NpBAFF plays an important role in the survival or proliferation of B cells and has functional cross-reactivity among cetaceans and other mammals. The present findings may provide valuable information for research into the immune system of the finless porpoise.     

Molecular structure, expression and bioactivity characterization of TNF13B (BAFF) gene in mefugu, Takifugu obscurus

B-cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF) induces B-cell survival, proliferation, immunoglobulin secretion and plays a role in enhancing immune responses. In the present study, a BAFF homolog has been identified in mefugu Takifugu obscurus, and its biological activities have been characterized. The mefugu BAFF (fBAFF) cDNA is 789 bp in length and translates into a 262-aa protein. The fBAFF genomic sequence consists of six exons and five introns, is approximately 1.8 kb in size. Amino acid sequence comparison indicated that fBAFF possessed the TNF signatures, a transmembrane domain, a putative furin protease cleavage site and three cysteine residues, which were the typical characteristics of TNF gene in mammals and birds. The predicted three-dimensional (3D) structure of the fsBAFF monomer analyzed by comparative protein modeling revealed that it was very similar to its human counterpart. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed that fBAFF was predominantly expressed in mefugu lymphoid tissue spleen. The SUMO-fsBAFF and GFP/fsBAFF efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3) were confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting analysis. After purification, the GFP/fsBAFF fusion protein obtained similar fluorescence spectrum to those of GFP. Laser scanning confocal microscopy analysis showed GFP/fsBAFF could bind to its receptors. In vitro, the MTT assays and flow cytometric analysis indicated that SUMO-fsBAFF could promote the proliferation of mefugu splenocytes or mouse splenic B cells together with/without anti-mouse IgM. These findings indicate that SUMO-fsBAFF plays an important role in proliferation of mefugu B cells and has functional cross-reactivity among mefugu and other mammalians. Therefore, BAFF may be a potential immunologic factor for enhancing immunological efficacy in fish.     

cDNA cloning, recombinant expression and bioactivity of Père David's deer BAFF

B cell activating factor (BAFF), a member of the TNF family, is a critical cytokine for the survival, proliferation, maturation, and differentiation of B cells. In the present study, Père David's deer BAFF (miBAFF) was amplified from Elaphurus davidianus using RT-PCR. This is the first BAFF cloned from a member of Cervidae family. The open reading frame (ORF) of the miBAFF cDNA consists of 843 bases that encode a 280-amino acid protein bearing typical TNF homology domain. Sequence alignment shows that miBAFF shares 39.3%-97% sequence homology with the BAFF sequences of other mammals. Comparative protein modeling predicted that the 3D structure of the soluble mature portion of miBAFF (misBAFF) is very similar to that of human BAFF (hsBAFF). Recombinant misBAFF fused to a SUMO-tag was efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells. The protein molecular weight of ~36 KDa was determined using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting. In vitro, purified misBAFF was shown to promote the survival and proliferation of Père David's deer peripheral blood lymphocytes and mouse B cells. These results indicate that miBAFF plays an important role in the survival/proliferation of mouse B cells and, shows highly conserved evolutionarily, leading to functional cross-reactivity that exists between mouse and Père David's deer BAFF.     

The Expression of BAFF, APRIL and TWEAK Is Altered in Eczema Skin but Not in the Circulation of Atopic and Seborrheic Eczema Patients

The TNF family cytokines BAFF (B-cell activating factor of the TNF family) and APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) are crucial survival factors for B-cell development and activation. B-cell directed treatments have been shown to improve atopic eczema (AE), suggesting the involvement of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of AE. We therefore analyzed the expression of these TNF cytokines in AE, seborrheic eczema (SE) and healthy controls (HC). The serum/plasma concentration of BAFF, APRIL and a close TNF member TWEAK (TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis) was measured by ELISA. The expression of these cytokines and their receptors in skin was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. Unlike other inflammatory diseases including autoimmune diseases and asthma, the circulating levels of BAFF, APRIL and TWEAK were not elevated in AE or SE patients compared with HCs and did not correlate with the disease severity or systemic IgE levels in AE patients. Interestingly, we found that the expression of these cytokines and their receptors was altered in positive atopy patch test reactions in AE patients (APT-AE) and in lesional skin of AE and SE patients. The expression of APRIL was decreased and the expression of BAFF was increased in eczema skin of AE and SE, which could contribute to a reduced negative regulatory input on B-cells. This was found to be more pronounced in APT-AE, the initiating acute stage of AE, which may result in dysregulation of over-activated B-cells. Furthermore, the expression levels of TWEAK and its receptor positively correlated to each other in SE lesions, but inversely correlated in AE lesions. These results shed light on potential pathogenic roles of these TNF factors in AE and SE, and pinpoint a potential of tailored treatments towards these factors in AE and SE.     

Molecular structure, expression analysis and functional characterization of APRIL (TNFSF13) gene in bat (Vespertilio superans Thomas)

A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) is a novel member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, which is involved in immune regulation. In the present study, the full-length cDNA of APRIL (designated bAPRIL) from bat was cloned using RT-PCR and its biological activities have been characterized. The open reading frame (ORF) of this cDNA consists of 753 bases, encoding a protein of 250 amino acids. This protein was found to contain a predicted transmembrane domain, a putative furin protease cleavage site, and a typical TNF homology domain corresponding to other, known APRIL homologs. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis indicated that bAPRIL mRNA was predominantly expressed in bat lymphoid tissue spleen. The SUMO-bsAPRIL was efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Laser scanning confocal microscopy analysis showed that bsAPRIL could bind to its receptors on B cells. In vitro, MTT assays indicated that bsAPRIL could promote the survival/proliferation of mouse splenic B cells grown with anti-mouse IgM. These findings indicate that bsAPRIL plays an important role in the survival and proliferation of B cells and has functional cross-reactivity among mammalians. The present findings may provide valuable information for research into the immune system of the bat.     

Expression, purification, and characterization of recombinant human soluble BAFF secreted from the yeast Pichia pastoris

The B lymphocyte stimulator (BAFF) is a novel member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand family which is important in B lymphocyte maturation and survival. Herein, the cDNA coding for the extracellular domain of the BAFF (hsBAFF) has been cloned into the secreting expression organism Pichia pastoris. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting assays of culture broth from a methanol-induced expression strain demonstrated that recombinant hsBAFF, a 20.2 kDa glycosylated protein, was secreted into the culture medium. The recombinant protein was purified to greater than 95% using DEAE-Sepharose ion exchange and Superdex 75 size-exclusion chromatography steps. Finally, 102 mg of the protein was obtained in high purity from 1 L of the supernatant and its identity to hsBAFF was confirmed by NH(2)-terminal amino acid sequence analysis Bioactivity of the recombinant hsBAFF was confirmed by the ability of the protein to stimulate human B lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. Our results suggest that the P. pastoris expression system can be used to produce large quantities of fully functional hsBAFF for both research and industrial purpose.     

Identification of the non-specific cytotoxic cell receptor protein 1 (NCCRP1) in regenerating axolotl limbs

The teleost non-specific cytotoxic cells (NCC) are evolutionary precursors of the mammalian natural killer (NK) cells and an important element of innate immunity. The non-specific cytotoxic cell receptor protein (NCCRP1) is a characteristic cell surface protein with main functions in target cell recognition and cytotoxicity with sequence information available for many species of fish. We have isolated a cDNA encoding the Axolotl homologue of fish NCCRP1 out of limb regeneration blastema and analysed its expression by RT-PCR. Sequence analysis revealed a high degree of homology with teleost NCCRP1 on nucleotide and deduced amino acid levels. NCCRP1 contains a conserved C-terminal F-box-associated domain (FBA) and proline-rich motifs (PRM) characteristic for this protein family. NCCRP1 is expressed in multiple tissues with high levels in limb regeneration blastema. The present work describes for the first time the cloning of the NCCRP1 gene in a tetrapod vertebrate providing a valuable link between fish and higher vertebrates. Our findings suggest the existence of NCC in axolotl and a role of the innate immune system in the processes of limb regeneration.     

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of tumor necrosis factor alpha from a marine fish reveal its constitutive expression and ubiquitous nature

The tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNF alpha) gene from the marine fish, gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.), has been isolated by RT-PCR using degenerate primers designed against vertebrate TNF alpha conserved motifs and subsequent rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The TNF alpha cDNA consists of a 142 bp 5' untranslated region (5'UTR), a single open reading frame of 762 bp, which could code for a 253 amino acid protein, and a 476-bp 3'UTR. The protein sequence deduced from seabream TNF alpha gene shows a high degree of homology with the Japanese flounder TNF alpha (65.6% identity and 78.9% similarity) and, more important, it is more homologous to mammalian TNF alphas (41.1-48.6% similarity) than to TNF betas (36.0-43.5% similarity). The prediction of a transmembrane domain between residues 37 and 54 of seabream TNF alpha and the presence of a conserved Thr-Leu sequence, which is associated with cleavage of the mouse TNF alpha molecule, suggest that seabream TNF alpha exists in two forms, a membrane-bound and a soluble form. RT-PCR shows that the seabream TNF alpha messenger was widely and constitutively accumulated. Lastly, stimuli known to up-regulate seabream IL-1 beta, lipopolysaccharide and lymphocyte-derived macrophage-activating factor, failed to up-regulate TNF alpha in cultured macrophages. The putative role of three AU-rich endotoxin-responsive motifs (AREs) of seabream TNF alpha mRNA, found within two phylogenetically conserved protein binding regions, is discussed.     

卵形鲳鲹组织蛋白酶B基因的克隆及表达分析

为研究卵形鲳鲹(Trachinotus ovatus)组织蛋白酶B(Cathepsin B, CatB)基因的表达特征和功能,应用RTPCR和RACE技术获得卵形鲳鲹CatB(TroCatB)基因的全长cDNA。TroCatB cDNA全长为2181 bp。其中5′UTR和3′UTR分别为391和797 bp, ORF为993 bp,推定编码330个氨基酸残基,推定分子质量和理论等电点分别为36.37 kD和5.73。蛋白结构预测TroCatB蛋白具有信号肽(1Met-18Ala)、前体肽(25Leu-64Gly)和一个典型木瓜蛋白酶家族半胱氨酸结构域,含107Cys、277His、297Asn 3个蛋白酶催化活性位点。同源性分析显示TroCatB蛋白与其他脊椎动物的同源性为67.0%—90.9%,成熟肽区与其他脊椎动物的同源性为73.7%—92.4%。NJ系统发育树显示卵形鲳鲹和其他鱼类聚为一支,与髙体鰤距离最近。实时荧光定量PCR检测TroCatB基因mRNA在健康卵形鲳鲹各组织中均有表达,在脾脏中表达最高;在溶藻弧菌感染后, TroCatB基因在脾脏、头肾组织中的mRNA表达水平...     

鳜小肽转运载体PepT1基因分子特征及其表达研究

小肽转运载体（PepT1）是低亲和力、高容量的肽转运载体,在小肽的吸收过程中发挥着重要的作用。研究采用同源克隆和RACE技术克隆了鳜鱼（Siniperca chuatsi） PepT1基因全长cDNA序列,其cDNA序列全长为2480 bp,包含43 bp的5'UTR序列,232 bp的3'UTR序列,以及2205 bp开放阅读框,编码735个氨基酸。 氨基酸序列同源性分析结果显示,鳜鱼与石斑鱼（Epinephelus aeneus）、鲈鱼（Dicentrarchus labrax）PepT1间同源性均为89%,与其他非鱼类物种的同源性则在46%56%。经预测,鳜鱼PepT1编码蛋白的分子量为64.8 kD,等电点为8.97,该蛋白具有与哺乳动物同源蛋白相似的12 个螺旋跨膜结构,并且在跨膜区9和10之间有一个大的外环;跨膜区氨基酸高度保守,并存在有5个膜外N-糖基化位点和3个膜内含蛋白激酶C基序的相同区域。实时荧光定量表达分析表明,鳜鱼PepT1基因在前肠和中肠中表达量显著高于后肠（P0.05）,这说明前、中肠是鳜鱼肠道吸收小肽的主要部位;在胚后不同发育阶段鳜鱼前肠均能检测到PepT1基因的表达,并且在10 g个体中表达量最高,之后随着体重的增加其表达量维持在一个稳定水平。本研究结果首次报道了鳜鱼PepT1基因全序列及其分子表达特征,为鱼类营养及生理学的研究提供有价值的参考资料。       

Airway epithelial cells produce B cell-activating factor of TNF family by an IFN-beta-dependent mechanism

Activation of B cells in the airways is now believed to be of great importance in immunity to pathogens, and it participates in the pathogenesis of airway diseases. However, little is known about the mechanisms of local activation of B cells in airway mucosa. We investigated the expression of members of the B cell-activating TNF superfamily (B cell-activating factor of TNF family (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL)) in resting and TLR ligand-treated BEAS-2B cells and primary human bronchial epithelial cells (PBEC). In unstimulated cells, expression of BAFF and APRIL was minimal. However, BAFF mRNA was significantly up-regulated by TLR3 ligand (dsRNA), but not by other TLR ligands, in both BEAS-2B cells (376-fold) and PBEC (224-fold). APRIL mRNA was up-regulated by dsRNA in PBEC (7-fold), but not in BEAS-2B cells. Membrane-bound BAFF protein was detectable after stimulation with dsRNA. Soluble BAFF protein was also induced by dsRNA (> 200 pg/ml). The biological activity of the epithelial cell-produced BAFF was verified using a B cell survival assay. BAFF was also strongly induced by IFN-beta, a cytokine induced by dsRNA. Induction of BAFF by dsRNA was dependent upon protein synthesis and IFN-alphabeta receptor-JAK-STAT signaling, as indicated by studies with cycloheximide, the JAK inhibitor I, and small interfering RNA against STAT1 and IFN-alphabeta receptor 2. These results suggest that BAFF is induced by dsRNA in airway epithelial cells and that the response results via an autocrine pathway involving IFN-beta. The production of BAFF and APRIL by epithelial cells may contribute to local accumulation, activation, class switch recombination, and Ig synthesis by B cells in the airways.     

Dexamethasone inhibits BAFF expression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play a major role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). FLS isolated from patients with RA (FLS-RA) express B cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF), a cytokine that has been associated with the onset and progression of RA. Glucocorticoids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs used in the treatment of RA. In the present study, we examined the effect of dexamethasone (Dex) on constitutive and TNF-alpha- and IFN-gamma-induced BAFF expression in FLS-RA. BAFF mRNA expression and soluble BAFF were determined by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. The results showed that constitutive BAFF mRNA expression was inhibited by Dex in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Also, Dex inhibited the secretion of BAFF in a time-dependent manner reaching 76% of inhibition 72 h after treatment. Moreover, Dex suppressed both mRNA and protein BAFF expression induced by TNF-alpha but had no effect on IFN-gamma-induced BAFF expression. In comparison with B cells cultured alone, B cells co-cultured with FLS-RA exhibited a higher survival, which was inhibited when FLS-RA were pretreated with Dex. However, the enhanced B cell survival was reestablished by the addition of rhBAFF. Therefore, Dex is a potent inhibitor of constitutive and TNF-alpha-induced BAFF expression in FLS-RA.     

Construction and characterization of a bi-functional EGFP/sBAFF fusion protein

A fusion between gene encoding fluoresce-enhanced green fluorescent protein variant (EGFP) and soluble domain of human B-cell-activating factor of the TNF family (sBAFF) was constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli. The EGFP/sBAFF had an apparent molecular weight of 45 kDa and was detected with anti-hsBAFF and anti-His(6) monoclonal antibodies. After being purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC), the fusion protein retained similar fluorescence spectra to those of EGFP. Biological activity assays showed the EGFP/sBAFF as well as sBAFF could co-stimulated human B lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. In addition, EGFP/sBAFF has shown specific binding to BAFF receptors positive-cells and the stained cells could be analyzed with flow cytometry. Thus, the fusion protein represents a readily obtainable source of biologically active sBAFF that may prove useful in further studies on BAFF and its receptors.     

斜带石斑鱼2种胰脂肪酶基因全长cDNA序列的克隆与分析

利用RT-PCR和RACE方法克隆得到斜带石斑鱼（Epinephelus coioides）肝胰脏中胆盐活化的胰脂肪酶(bile salt-activated lipase,BSAL)和依赖于辅酶的胰脂肪酶(colipase-dependent pancreatic lipase,PL)基因的全长cDNA序列.BSAL基因全长cDNA序列1 796 bp,编码558个氨基酸,该蛋白序列含有BSAL的全部特征结构区,与其他脊椎动物BSAL的氨基酸序列同源性为49.9%～57.3%.PL基因的全长cDNA序列1 503bp,编码465个氨基酸,该蛋白序列含有PL全部的特征结构区,与其它脊椎动物PL的氨基酸同源性为49.1%～73.9%.系统树分析表明,斜带石斑鱼BSAL和PL与其它物种BSAL、PL和胰脂肪酶相关蛋白(PL-RP)聚于进化树的两个不同分支,属于2种不同的胰脂肪酶.结果证实,在同一鱼类体内也存在BSAL和PL两种胰脂肪酶基因.     

Molecular structure, expression analysis and functional characterization of APRIL (TNFSF 13) in goat (Capra hircus)

A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) is an important member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. In the present study, a novel cDNA was isolated from the spleen of goat by RT-PCR and designated as goat APRIL (gAPRIL). The open reading frame (ORF) of this cDNA covered 753 bp, encoding a protein of 250 amino acids. Sequence comparison showed that gAPRIL contains a predicted transmembrane domain, a putative furin protease cleavage site, and two cysteine residues, which are the typical characteristics of TNF gene in mammals. The predicted three dimensional (3D) structure of soluble part of the gAPRIL (gsAPRIL) monomer analyzed by comparative protein modeling revealed that it is very similar to its counterparts. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that gAPRIL was constitutively expressed in various tissues. Recombinant gsAPRIL fused with NusA tag was efficiently produced in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and then analyzed by the SDS-PAGE as well as western blot. Laser scanning confocal microscopy analysis showed gsAPRIL could bind to its receptors. In vitro, the MTT and flow cytometric methods revealed that purified gsAPRIL protein was not only able to promote survival/proliferation of goat splenocytes, but also able to stimulate survival/proliferation of mouse B cells. These results indicated that gAPRIL plays an important role in survival/proliferation of goat splenocytes and provided a basis for investigating its potential to be used as an immunoadjuvant for enhancing vaccine efficacy and as an immunotherapeutic in goats.