Alteration of Mrp2 and P-gp expression, including expression in remote organs, after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion

The present study was carried out in order to identify the changes in expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein (Mrp) 2 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the intestine and remote organs after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Mrp2 expression in the jejunum and liver was decreased at 6 h after I/R. This decrease in Mrp2 expression was associated with an increase in the serum level of IL-6. These results suggest that the decreased Mrp2 expression after intestinal I/R was regulated by IL-6. The expression level of mdr1a in the ileum, which encodes P-gp, was decreased at 6 and 24 h after I/R, and the expression level of mdr1b, also encodes P-gp, was not altered at any time. P-gp protein expression in the ileum was decreased at 6 h after I/R. In the liver, mdr1a expression was decreased at 6 h after I/R, but mdr1b expression was increased at 6 h after I/R. P-gp protein was not altered at any time. In the kidney, mdr1a expression was decreased at 24 h after I/R, but mdr1b expression was not altered at any time. P-gp protein expression in the kidney was decreased at 24 h after I/R, as was mdr1a expression. These results suggest that P-gp expression after intestinal I/R differs in each organ. This is the first report to provide evidence that expression levels of transporters in remote organs are altered intestinal after I/R.     

双委夜蛾气味结合蛋白AdisOBP6的原核表达抗体制备及表达谱分析

【目的】本研究旨在对双委夜蛾Athetis dissimilis气味结合蛋白OBP6进行原核表达、抗体制备以及表达谱分析,便于今后对AdisOBP6功能展开研究。【方法】利用生物信息学软件分析AdisOBP6蛋白结构特征;利用通过原核表达获得的重组蛋白4次免疫新西兰大白兔,制备AdisOBP6抗体;采用荧光定量PCR和Western blot技术检测AdisOBP6在双委夜蛾雌雄成虫触角、不同时期精巢以及受精卵和未受精卵中的表达情况。【结果】同源建模预测显示,AdisOBP6具有6个保守半胱氨酸残基和7个α-螺旋结构,并 折叠成一个结合口袋。原核表达结果显示,在20℃下0.5 mmol/L IPTG诱导重组蛋白表达量最多、最稳定。4次免疫重复中,抗体效价分别超过1∶512 000, 1∶512 000, 1∶512 000和1∶64 000。Westernblot检测获得的抗体与AdisOBP6蛋白能够特异性结合。荧光定量PCR结果显示,AdisOBP6在双委夜蛾精巢中的表达量远高于在触角中的,在幼虫期精巢中AdisOBP6就已经开始表达,在蛹期精巢中表达量低于在幼虫期的, 成虫羽化后精巢中的表达量逐渐进入高峰,在未受精卵和受精卵中几乎不表达或表达量极低。Western blot分析发现,AdisOBP6蛋白也主要在精巢中表达,在雌雄成虫触角、受精卵和未受精卵中表达量很低。【结论】本研究实现了AdisOBP6的原核表达,成功地制备了抗体;并证实AdisOBP6在双委夜蛾精巢中大量表达,成虫羽化后表达量达到高峰,推测AdisOBP6可能参与了授精过程。本研究结果为今后进一步研究AdisOBP6的功能奠定了基础。     

棉铃虫激活增强子结合蛋白AP-4基因的原核表达、多克隆抗体制备、表达谱分析及功能鉴定

【目的】激活增强子结合蛋白4(activating enhancer binding protein 4, AP-4)是近年来备受关注的一类功能广泛的转录因子,参与Wnt/β-catenin信号通路的调控。本研究旨在研究棉铃虫Helicoverpa armigera HaAP-4基因的原核表达并制备多克隆抗体,明确HaAP-4基因的时空表达谱,初步探究HaAP-4对棉铃虫胆固醇载体蛋白2(sterol carrier protein-2, SCP-2)基因(HaSCP-2)表达的调控作用。【方法】通过PCR扩增棉铃虫HaAP-4基因片段,将其克隆至pET-28a原核表达载体,转化至大肠杆菌Escherichia coli BL21,经IPTG诱导表达,采用镍柱纯化重组蛋白,免疫新西兰兔制备多克隆抗体。运用RT-qPCR检测HaAP-4基因在棉铃虫不同发育阶段(卵、幼虫、预蛹、蛹和成虫)以及5龄幼虫和预蛹不同组织(中肠、脂肪体、头和表皮)中的表达水平。设计并合成HaAP-4 siRNA,转染棉铃虫Ha细胞,通过RT-qPCR检测和分析使用HaAP-4 siRNA进行RNA干扰后Ha细胞中HaAP-4和HaSCP-2基因 mRNA的表达情况。【结果】成功构建pET-28a-HaAP-4重组表达质粒,在大肠杆菌细胞中获得高效表达的可溶性蛋白,目的蛋白大小约为55 kD,经纯化获得了纯度较高的重组蛋白,免疫新西兰兔成功制备了多克隆抗体,通过Western blotting检测显示抗体具有较好的特异性,ELISA分析表明抗体效价较高。发育阶段特异性表达结果显示,HaAP-4基因在棉铃虫不同发育阶段均有表达,其中在卵期、5龄幼虫期和预蛹期的表达量较高。组织表达结果表明,HaAP-4基因在5龄幼虫和预蛹不同组织中均有表达,且在中肠和头部具有高表达,而在表皮和脂肪体中表达量较低。RNA干扰实验发现,HaAP-4基因的敲降对HaSCP-2基因转录有显著影响,HaSCP-2基因mRNA表达水平下降了约55%。【结论】利用pET-28a原核表达系统能有效地在体外表达可溶性的HaAP-4,并制备了较好的多克隆抗体。RNAi实验结果提示,在中肠内高表达的HaAP-4基因能促进HaSCP-2基因的转录表达,在棉铃虫脂质生理代谢过程中发挥作用。本研究为进一步深入阐明棉铃虫HaAP-4的潜在功能打下了基础。     

Cell-specific expression of SERCA, the exogenous Ca2+ transport ATPase, in cardiac myocytes

We evaluated various constructs to obtain cell-specific expression of the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA) gene in cardiac myocytes after cDNA transfer by means of transfections or infections with adenovirus vectors. Expression of exogenous enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and SERCA genes was studied in cultured chicken embryo and neonatal rat cardiac myocytes, skeletal and smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and hepatocytes. Whereas the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter yielded high levels of protein expression in all cells studied, cardiac troponin T (cTnT) promoter segments demonstrated high specificity for cardiac myocytes. Their efficiency for protein expression was lower than that of the CMV promoter, but higher than that of cardiac myosin light chain or -myosin heavy chain promoter segments. A double virus system for Cre-dependent expression under control of the CMV promoter and Cre expression under control of a cardiac-specific promoter yielded high protein levels in cardiac myocytes, but only partial cell specificity due to significant Cre expression in hepatocytes. Specific intracellular targeting of gene products was demonstrated in situ by specific immunostaining of exogenous SERCA1 and endogenous SERCA2 and comparative fluorescence microscopy. The -374 cTnT promoter segment was the most advantageous of the promoters studied, producing cell-specific SERCA expression and a definite increase over endogenous Ca²⁺-ATPase activity as well as faster removal of cytosolic calcium after membrane excitation. We conclude that analysis of promoter efficiency and cell specificity is of definite advantage when cell-specific expression of exogenous SERCA is wanted in cardiac myocytes after cDNA delivery to mixed cell populations. cardiac myocytes; cell-specific expression; adenovirus vectors; calcium transport     

中心体蛋白Cenexin在大鼠精子发生过程中的表达特征

中心体蛋白Cenexin是成熟中心粒的唯一标志分子。为阐明中心粒在大鼠精子发生中的成熟以及功能,我们首先通过RT－PCR技术从大鼠睾丸组织中扩增出了Cenexin cDNA片段,原核表达重组蛋白后,用其免疫小鼠制备了高滴度的抗Cenexin的多克隆抗体,然后利用免疫荧光染色、Western Blot和半定量RT－PCR方法,研究了大鼠精子发生过程中Cenexin蛋白和基因的表达特征。结果显示Cenexin mRNA水平在精原细胞和精母细胞中较高,随后表达水平下降,而蛋白质分子在精原细胞到精子细胞中都定位于细胞的一个中心粒上,表示有成熟中心粒的存在,在长形精子细胞中该蛋白位于鞭毛的基体部。附睾的绝大多数成熟精子中Cenexin免疫染色消失。中心体蛋白Cenexin在精子变态期的表达变化可能与精子鞭毛形成的起始有关。     

Cloning, expression, and identification of a novel class IIa bacteriocin in the Escherichia coli cell-free protein expression system

The NB-C1 gene, acquired from the result of data mining of the lactic acid bacteria genome, is a novel potential class IIa bacteriocin gene with the characteristic YGNGVxC cluster. To produce soluble NB-C1 efficiently and overcome issues of protein toxicity, we adopted a GFP fusion strategy using an Escherichia coli cell-free protein expression system. We constructed the expression vector pIVEX2.4d-GFP-NB-C1, which was expressed in both the batch mode and the continuous exchange cell-free (CECF) systems. The amount of soluble fusion protein achieved from the CECF system (2.2 mg/ml) was approximately three times higher than that in the batch mode (0.73 mg/ml). The soluble fusion protein was purified via one-step Ni–NTA affinity chromatography, with a concentration of 0.26 mg/ml and a purity of 95%. The purified NB-C1 showed strong antimicrobial activity against the indicator bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.     

Papaya fruit softening, endoxylanase gene expression, protein and activity

Papaya ( Carica papaya L.) cell wall matrix polysaccharides are modified as the fruit starts to soften during ripening and an endoxylanase is expressed that may play a role in the softening process. Endoxylanase gene expression, protein amount and activity were determined in papaya cultivars that differ in softening pattern and in one cultivar where softening was modified by the ethylene receptor inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). Antibodies to the endoxylanase catalytic domain were used to determine protein accumulation. The three papaya varieties used in the study, 'Line 8', 'Sunset', and 'Line 4-16', differed in softening pattern, respiration rate, ethylene production and showed similar parallel relationships during ripening and softening in endoxylanase expression, protein level and activity. When fruit of the three papaya varieties showed the respiratory climacteric and started to soften, the level of endoxylanase gene expression increased and this increase was related to the amount of endoxylanase protein at 32 kDa and its activity. Fruit when treated at less than 10% skin yellow stage with 1-MCP showed a significant delay in the respiratory climacteric and softening, and reduced ethylene production, and when ripe was firmer and had a 'rubbery' texture. The 1-MCP-treated fruit that had the 'rubbery' texture showed suppressed endoxylanase gene expression, protein and enzymatic activity. Little or no delay occurred between endoxylanase gene expression and the appearance of activity during posttranslational processing from 65 to 32 kDa. The close relationship between endoxylanase gene expression, protein accumulation and activity in different varieties and the failure of the 1-MCP-treated fruit to fully soften, supported de novo synthesis of endoxylanase, rapid posttranslation processing and a role in papaya fruit softening.     

Subcloning, localization, and expression of the rat intestinal sodium-hydrogen exchanger isoform 8

Apically expressed intestinal and renal sodium-hydrogen exchangers (NHEs) play a major role in Na(+) absorption. Our previous studies on NHE ontogeny have shown that NHE-2 and NHE-3 are expressed at very low levels in young animals. Furthermore, single and/or double NHE-2 and NHE-3 knockout mice display no obvious abnormalities before weaning. These observations suggest that other transporter(s) may be involved in intestinal Na+ absorption during early life. The present studies were designed to clone the novel rat intestinal NHE-8 cDNA and to decipher the NHE-8 protein localization and gene expression pattern during different developmental stages. The rat NHE-8 cDNA has 2,160 bp and encodes a 575-amino acid protein. An antibody against NHE-8 protein was developed. Immunohistochemistry staining indicated apical localization of NHE-8 protein in rat intestinal epithelial cells. The apical localization of NHE-8 was also confirmed by its presence in brush-border membrane and its absence in basolateral membrane preparations. Northern blotting utilizing a NHE-8-specific probe demonstrated higher NHE-8 mRNA expression in young animals compared with adult animals. Western blot analysis revealed a similar pattern. Tissue distribution with multiple human tissue RNA blot showed that NHE-8 was expressed in multiple tissues including the gastrointestinal tract. In conclusion, we have cloned the full-length NHE-8 cDNA from rat intestine and further showed its apical localization in intestinal epithelial cells. We have also shown that NHE-8 gene expression and protein expression were regulated during ontogeny. Our data suggests that NHE-8 may play an important role in intestinal Na+ absorption during early life.     

猪免疫抑制因子MNSFβ的克隆、表达与组织分布

MNSFβ (Monoclonal nonspecific suppressor factor β)是一种天然免疫抑制因子, 参与机体免疫反应、应激反应、细胞分裂、细胞凋亡和核转运等生物过程, 但其功能在猪中鲜有报道。文章通过电子克隆得到猪MNSFβ的全长序列, 利用RT-PCR首次从猪脾脏中克隆了包含完整开放阅读框的MNSFβ cDNA(GenBank登录号：KF77642500)片段, 测序正确后分析猪MNSFβ的核酸序列和蛋白质序列。将猪MNSFβ基因编码区序列插入表达载体pEGFP-C1, 构建真核表达载体pEGFP-MNSFβ; 用脂质体将重组质粒转染到猪脐静脉内皮细胞(SUVEC)中, 利用荧光检测、Western blot和激光共聚焦分析SUVEC中猪MNSFβ的表达; 并用实时荧光定量PCR对猪MNSFβ在不同组织的表达丰度进行分析。结果表明：猪MNSFβ基因全长402 bp, 编码133个氨基酸, 含一个外显子。生物信息学分析表明, 猪MNSFβ为无信号肽的稳定蛋白, 由泛素样结构域与核糖体蛋白S30组成。对猪MNSFβ与已发现的18个物种的MNSFβ氨基酸序列进行相似性分析和进化树分析, 显示其蛋白相似度均在91%以上, 且进化距离都小于0.05, 说明MNSFβ在各物种间高度保守。荧光检测和Western blot结果显示, 猪MNSFβ在SUVEC中成功表达, 激光共聚焦显示其在细胞质与细胞核内均有分布。组织表达谱分析表明, 猪MNSFβ在各免疫相关组织广泛表达, 但在肺脏中未检测到表达, 说明其在机体免疫反应中发挥重要作用。     

Characterization of early,chitin-induced gene expression in Arabidopsis

Three genes (i.e., a zinc finger protein, a lectin-like protein, and AtMPK3), previously shown to respond to chitin elicitation in microarray experiments, were used to examine the response of Arabidopsis spp. to chitin addition. Maximum induction for all three genes was found upon addition of crab-shell chitin at 100 mg per liter. Threefold induction was found with a chitin concentration as low as 10(-4) mg per liter. The specificity of this response was examined using purified chitin oligomers (degree of polymerization = 2 to 8). The larger chitin oligomers (hexamer to octamer), were most effective in inducing expression of the three genes assayed. Gene induction was observed after the addition of 1 nM chitin octamer. The protein kinase inhibitors staurosporine and K252a effectively suppressed chitin-induced gene expression, while the protein phosphatase inhibitors calyculin A and okadaic acid induced the accumulation of mRNA in the absence of chitin. The phosphorylation event necessary for transmission of the chitin signal was completed within the first 20 min of chitin addition. The level of chitin-induced gene expression of the lectin-like protein and AtMPK3 was not significantly changed in mutants blocked in the jasmonic acid (JA, jar1)-, ethylene (ein2)-, or salicylic acid (SA, pad4, npr1, and eds5)-dependent pathway. In contrast, expression of mRNA for the zinc finger protein was reduced in the mutants affected in the JA- or SA-dependent pathway.     

Constitutive mdmx expression during cell growth, differentiation, and DNA damage.

The mdmx gene was shown to possess high homology to the mdm-2 gene and to encode a protein that can bind p53 and block p53 transactivation. Because Mdm-2 protein blocks the growth-suppressive activity of the p53 tumor-suppressor protein through similar activities, we examined the expression patterns of mdmx to determine how MdmX expression correlates with p53 protein levels. In this study, the expression pattern and protein levels of mdmx were examined in a number of cell culture systems. Like mdm-2, mdmx gene expression was constitutive during serum deprivation/restimulation of murine fibroblasts and differentiation of either murine teratocarcinoma or preadipocyte cells. In contrast, whereas mdm-2 gene expression was induced after cisplatin damage to ovarian carcinoma cells, mdmx expression remained constitutive. Because p53 transactivation is critical following a genotoxic stress, we examined p53:MdmX complexes after in vitro DNA-PK phosphorylation, a posttranslational modification that blocks p53 association with Mdm-2. The DNA-PK phosphorylation of p53 was capable of inhibiting p53:MdmX association. Thus, whereas DNA damage does not regulate mdmx mRNA levels, posttranslational modifications induced during DNA damage may block p53:MdmX association in vivo. These results demonstrate that, in the cell lines examined, mdmx gene expression remains constitutive during cell proliferation and differentiation or following DNA damage. Taken together, the data suggest that cells retain a constant level of MdmX. Thus, in undamaged cells, there exists the potential for an MdmX:p53 reservoir.     

Cloning, heterologous expression, and sequencing of the Proteus vulgaris glnAntrBC operon and implications of nitrogen control on heterologous urease expression

Abstract The glnAntrBC operon of Proteus vulgaris was cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli . The nucleotide sequence was determined. An open reading frame of 1407 bp was identified as the glnA gene and the deduced amino acid sequence showed 82% identity with the E. coli glutamine synthetase protein. Heterologous expression of the glnA gene in E. coli restored glutamine synthetase (GS) activity in a GS-negative mutant and a 52 kDa protein was detected and addressed as the GS subunit of P. vulgaris . Adjacent to the glnA gene the regulatory genes ntrB and ntrC were identified. Their coding regions comprised 1053 and 1452 bp, respectively, and the deduced gene products NR_II (NtrB) and NR_I (NtrC) shared 72% identity with the corresponding E. coli proteins. Heterologous expression in E. coli revealed only a 54 kDa protein which was shown to be NR_I. NR_II was not detectable using the methods employed.     

Arf6, RalA,and BIRC5 protein expression in nonsmall cell lung cancer

Evaluation of tumor marker expression pattern that determines individual progression parameters is one of the major topics in molecular oncopathology research. This work represents research on expression analysis of several Ras-Ral associated signal transduction pathway proteins (Arf6, RalA, and BIRC5) in accordance with clinical criteria in nonsmall cell lung cancer patients. Using Western-blot analysis and RT-PCR Arf6, RalA, and BIRC5, expression has been analyzed in 53 nonsmall cell lung cancer samples of different origin. Arf6 protein expression was increased in 55% nonsmall cell lung cancer tumor samples in comparison with normal tissue. In the group of squamous cell lung cancer, increase of Arf6 expression was observed more often. RalA protein expression was decreased in comparison to normal tissue samples in 64% of nonsmall cell lung cancer regardless of morphological structure. Correlation between the decrease of RalA protein expression and the absence of regional metastases was revealed for squamous cell lung cancer. BIRC5 protein expression in tumor samples versus corresponding normal tissue was 1.3 times more often elevated in the squamous cell lung cancer group (in 76% tumor samples). At the same time, increase of BIRC5 expression was detected only in 63% of adenocarcinoma tumor samples. A statistically significant decrease (p = 0.015) of RalA protein expression and the increase (p = 0.049) of Arf6 protein expression in comparison with normal tissue was found in T_1–2N₀M₀ and T_1–2N_1–2M₀ groups of squamous cell lung cancer, respectively.     

A balanced expression of two chains of heterodimer protein, the human interleukin-12, improves high-level expression of the protein in CHO cells

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) comprises of p40 and p35 subunits that are encoded by genes on separate chromosomes and form p70 heterodimer, a bioactive protein, and free p40, an antagonist of IL-12. Balance expression of two subunits within cells would be the key for high-level of production of bioactive IL-12. Thinking about different expression efficiencies of two genes (p40 gene with higher efficiency), we selected two expression vectors with different efficiencies and inserted genes of p40 and p35 into them separately and co-transfected them into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The high-level expression of IL-12 was obtained when p40 cDNA was inserted into pcDNA3 (lower expression vector) and p35 cDNA was inserted into pEE14 (higher expression vector), but using pEE14 for p40 cDNA and pcDNA3 for p35 cDNA, which was opposite to the optimal design, or pEE14 or pcDNA3 for both p35 cDNA and p40 cDNA did not obtain high-level of production of p70 heterodimer, the bioactive IL-12. We also observed that using two chemical reagents in combination, as a pressure selection method or amplification for the two vectors, markedly enhanced the IL-12 production, when compared with any one selection chemical. Our results indicated that the balance expressions of two chains of hetrodimer protein, such as p40 and p35 of IL-12, would be a better choice to obtain high-level of production of the proteins.     

Cloning, expression, and localization of a molt-related beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase in the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana

A beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase cDNA (CfGlcNAcase) was cloned from the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana. Western blotting analysis of developmental CfGlcNAcase expression revealed high levels of expression of the gene on the last day of the 5th instar larvae and the first day in the 6th instar larvae, followed by a decrease to background levels during the intermolt of the 6th instar. CfGlcNAcase was detected again from the last day of the 6th instar to day 2 of pupal stage. CfGlcNAcase expression was induced by tebufenozide at 24 h post treatment and remained at high levels until 72 h. Immunohistochemical localization analysis of CfGlcNAcase indicated that CfGlcNAcase was present in the molting fluid, epidermis, trachea, and hemolymph in prepupae during the transformation from larva to pupa. CfGlcNAcase cDNA was expressed into a recombinant protein in bacterial and baculovirus systems and the protein expressed in the baculovirus system had a higher chitinolytic activity than in the bacterial system and appeared to be secreted.     

维甲酸核受体RARα真核表达载体的构建、突变纠正及表达

目的构建维甲酸核受体RARα真核表达载体,并检测其在人肺腺癌细胞A549中表达。方法从小鼠巨噬细胞RAW264.7中提取总RNA,以RT-PCR法扩增RARαcDNA,克隆至真核表达载体pDsRed1-C1中,测序结果显示RARα第1040位A→G,导致其编码蛋白的氨基酸发生改变。通过二次PCR将其纠正,重组载体RedC1-RARα转化大肠埃希菌Top10,筛选阳性克隆做酶切及测序鉴定。脂质体瞬时转染A549细胞,在荧光显微镜下观察RARα的表达。RT-PCR法检测RARα的mRNA水平表达。结果通过RT-PCR及二次PCR得到RARαcDNA,构建其真核表达载体,脂质体瞬时转染A549细胞得到了成功表达,RARα基因产物定位于细胞核内。结论成功构建维甲酸核受体RARα真核表达载体,且证实RARα编码蛋白定位于细胞核内,本研究结果为进一步探讨结核分枝杆菌固有免疫机制奠定了基础。     

黄牛Ghrelin基因的克隆、表达及生物学活性检测

本研究通过RT-PCR方法从秦川牛皱胃胃底腺mRNA扩增获得Ghrelin基因的cDNA序列, 克隆至pGM-T载体获得重组质粒pGh-T1, 并进行序列测定。将测序正确的cDNA序列定向克隆到pET32a(+), 构建表达载体pGh-32, 并转化BL21(DE3)大肠杆菌。IPTG诱导后SDS-PAGE分析表明秦川牛Ghrelin基因在大肠杆菌中获得高效表达, 可溶性分析表明Ghrelin融合蛋白以可溶性和包涵体2种形式表达。Western blotting初步证实了所获的融合蛋白是特异的。镍柱亲和层析法分离纯化融合蛋白并皮下注射家兔后获得了融合蛋白的抗体血清, ELISA检测血清的稀释效价在1:12 800。将获得的血清与黄牛下丘脑弓状核进行免疫组化试验, 进一步印证了重组蛋白表达产物是有活性的, 为进一步研究黄牛Ghrelin的功能及其对黄牛生长发育和脂肪沉积奠定了基础。     

A novel system for stable, high-level expression from the T7 promoter

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The most widespread, efficient prokaryotic protein-producing system is one where the T7 phage polymerase recognizes the T7 phage promoter (T7 p/p system). Unfortunately, in this system, target protein expression gradually declines and is often undetectable following 3 to 5 subcultures. Although a number of studies have attempted to stabilize the expression levels of the T7 p/p system, none has resolved the problem adequately and thus precludes the use of this system for the production of recombinant proteins on a large scale. RESULTS: We created an expression cassette enabling stable, high-level expression in the T7p/p system. The cassette was tested with two different vector backbones and two target proteins. In all experiments, the expression system using the new cassette exhibited high and stable protein expression levels when compared to the traditional system. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, we describe a universal expression cassette that enables high-level, stable target protein expression in T7 RNA polymerase-based expression systems. We also present the successful use of this cassette as a novel expression platform and demonstrate its ability to overcome the main deficiency of the T7 p/p system. Thus, we provide a method for using the T7 p/p system on an industrial scale.     

On the phylogeny, expression and targeting of plant nucleoside diphosphate kinases

The plant nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK, EC 2.7.4.6) gene family consists of three groups whose gene products are found in different subcellular locations. In this study we discuss the evolutionary history, localization and expression of the NDPK genes, addressing the question of functional specialization of the different NDPKs. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that the three NDPK isoforms were present already in the last common ancestor of vascular plants and mosses. Our data also imply that the NDPK3 genes possess a higher degree of conservation than the NDPK1 and NDPK2 genes. The expression levels of the different NDPKs in Arabidopsis thaliana inflorescences, leaves and roots were evaluated using quantitative PCR as well as in silico methods. This analysis showed that NDPK1 is the most highly expressed NDPK gene in all the studied tissues. NDPK3a has the second highest NDPK expression, while NDPK3b is expressed to a very low extent. However, expression of NDPK3b is elevated in inflorescence tissue. In situ hybridization experiments performed on inflorescences showed NDPK3a expression in actively dividing cells. NDPK3b expression was observed during later stages of flower development, specifically in the tapetum, ovules and petals. Additionally, we show that an NDPK3 protein is able to direct the green fluorescent protein to both mitochondria and chloroplasts using transient expression in leaf protoplasts. The dual localisation of NDPK3 was confirmed by Western blot, which also demonstrated that the majority of the NDPK3 protein is found in the mitochondria.     

Soluble expression, purification, and stabilization of a pro-apoptotic human protein, CARP

CARP is a novel pro-apoptotic protein that has been cloned and characterized in our previous report. Previous studies showed that suppression of CARP expression results in cell proliferation in several mammalian cell lines and over-expression of CARP leads to apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation in seven tumor cell lines [Liu et al., CARP is a novel caspase recruitment domain containing pro-apoptotic protein, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 293 (2002) 1396]. To obtain soluble and active form of CARP protein for further functional and structural studies, we have expressed CARP in Escherichia coli by using Gateway cloning system. Optimal induction and expression conditions were also studied. Recombinant histidine-tagged CARP was expressed in E. coli when the carp gene was subcloned into a Gateway expression vector pET21-DEST. The partially soluble recombinant CARP protein was purified to near homogeneity by a two-step FPLC procedure, first by Ni2+ affinity chromatography followed by a gel-filtration chromatography, which yielded about 10 mg protein/L culture with at least 95% purity. Two peaks were detected in the analytical gel-filtration chromatograph while only one peak corresponding to monomer of the CARP protein was left after adding 2 mM dithiothreitol (DTT). The polymers observed are likely due to the formation of intermolecular disulfide bridges. These results suggest that adding DTT is a good solution to prevent the formation of disulfide bonds and to stabilize the protein. Successfully growing crystals of the purified CARP protein also proved that we can produce well folded CARP protein in E. coli.