Triple layered rotavirus VLP production: kinetics of vector replication, mRNA stability and recombinant protein production

Rotavirus infection causes diarrhoeal disease in infants, killing more than half million children each year. Virus-like particles (VLP) seem to be excellent vaccine candidates, since they are cheaper to produce than attenuated viral vaccines and safer, as they do not contain genetic material. The present work focus on a triple layered particle composed by three rotavirus structural proteins: VP2, VP6 and VP7, produced in an insect cell/baculovirus expressing system. Two strategies were evaluated for 2/6/7 VLP production: co-infection with three monocistronic baculovirus vectors or single-infection with a tricistronic multi-gene baculovirus vector; these strategies were followed at different levels: baculovirus DNA replication kinetics, mRNA stability, protein production and VLP formation. This study highlights some of the reasons why the tricistronic baculovirus strategy is more efficient for production of triple layered rotavirus 2/6/7 VLP than monocistronic co-infection, in particular: (i) the tricistronic vector presents higher DNA replication rates than the monocistronic vectors, (ii) the mRNA stability is invariant for all mRNAs corresponding to VP2, VP6 and VP7 and (iii) the tricistronic baculovirus strategy produces an excess of VP7 over VP6 when compared to the VP7/VP6 stoichiometric ratio in the native rotavirus. Although the co-infection strategy leads to protein production akin to the rotavirus VP7/VP6 stoichiometric ratio, the tricistronic vector strategy yields higher amounts of rotavirus-like particles.     

Modeling and optimization of the baculovirus expression vector system in batch suspension culture

A mathematical model has been developed that predicts the cell population dynamics and production of recombinant protein and infective extracellular virus progeny by insect cells after infection with baculovirus in batch suspension culture. Infection in the model is based on the rate of virus attachment to suspended insect cells under culture conditions. The model links the events following infection with the sequence of gene expression in the baculovirus replicative cycle. Substrate depletion is used to account for the decrease in product yield observed when infecting at high cell densities. Model parameters were determined in shaker flasks for two media: serum-supplemented IPL-41 medium and serum free Sf900II medium. There was good agreement between model predictions and the results from an independent series of experiments performed to validate the mode. The model predicted: (1) the optimal time of infection at high multiplicity of infection: (2) the timing and magnitude of recombinant protein production in a 2-L bioreactor; and (3) the timing and magnitude of recombinant protein production at multiplicities of infection from 0.01 to 100 plaque-forming units per cell. Through its ability to predict optimal infection strategies in batch suspension culture, the model has use in the design and optimization of large-scale systems for the production of recombinant products using the baculovirus expression vector system. (c) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A baculovirus expression vector system for simultaneous protein expression in insect and mammalian cells

Since the number of potential drug targets identified has significantly increased in the past decade, rapid expression of recombinant proteins in sufficient amounts for structure determination and modern drug discovery is one of the major challenges in pharmaceutical research. As a result of its capacity for insertion of large DNA fragments, its high yield of recombinant protein and its high probability of success compared to protein expression in Escherichia coli, the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is used routinely to produce recombinant proteins in the milligram scale. For some targets, however, expression of the recombinant protein with the BEVS in insect cells fails and mammalian expression systems have to be used to achieve proper post-translational processing of the nascent polypeptide. We now introduce a modified BEVS as a very useful tool for simultaneously testing the expression of target proteins in both insect and mammalian cells by using baculovirus infection of both host systems. The expression yields in insect cells are comparable to those obtained with state-of-the-art baculovirus vectors, such as the Bac-to-Bac system. Using the same virus, we can transduce mammalian cells to quickly assess target gene expression feasibility and optimize expression conditions, eliminating additional cloning steps into mammalian expression vectors. This reduces time and effort for finding appropriate expression conditions in various hosts.     

A new Trichoplusia ni cell line for membrane protein expression using a baculovirus expression vector system

A new cell line, MSU-TnT4 (TnT4), was established from Trichoplusia ni embryos for use with baculovirus expression vectors and evaluated for its potential for membrane protein production. To evaluate membrane protein synthesis, recombinant baculoviruses were constructed to express the human neurotensin receptor 1 as an enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion. TnT4 cells had a doubling time of 21 h and expressed the membrane-GFP fusion protein at approximately twice the level as Sf21 cells from the p10 promoter, as evaluated by GFP intensity. Expression of secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) was similar to that of Sf21 cells. Expression of membrane-GFP fusion proteins in recombinant baculoviruses provides a rapid method for evaluating the potential of new cell lines for the production of membrane proteins using a baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS).     

Interleukin-2 mRNA expression, lymphokine production and DNA synthesis in glutathione-depleted T cells

The stimulation of DNA synthesis in lymphocyte populations was previously shown to depend strongly on the intracellular glutathione (GSH) level. Since T cell growth is known to depend on interleukin 2 (IL-2), the experiments in this report were designed to determine whether intracellular GSH depletion may inhibit IL-2 production or the IL-2 dependent DNA synthesis. Our experiments revealed that IL-2 production and DNA synthesis of mitogenically stimulated splenic T cells have indeed different requirements for GSH. The addition of relatively high concentrations of GSH (5 mM) to cultures of concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated splenic T cells was found to augment strongly the DNA synthesis but inhibited the production of IL-2. Moderate intracellular GSH levels, however, are apparently not inhibitory for IL-2 production, since intracellular GSH depletion by cysteine starvation or by graded concentrations of DL-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) had virtually no effect on IL-2-specific mRNA expression and the production of T cell growth factor (TCGF). The DNA synthesis activity, in contrast, was strongly suppressed after GSH depletion with either method. As in cultures of splenic T cells, GSH depletion had no substantial effect on the induction of IL-2 mRNA and TCGF production in several mitogenically stimulated T cell clones. Taken together, our experiments suggest that complex immune response may operate best at intermediate GSH levels that are not too high to inhibit IL-2 production but sufficient to support DNA synthesis.     

Yeast ferrochelatase: expression in a baculovirus system and purification of the expression protein.

The terminal step of the heme biosynthetic pathway is catalyzed by the enzyme ferrochelatase (EC 4.99.1.1). In eukaryotes this enzyme is bound to the inner mitochondrial membrane with its active site facing the matrix side of the membrane. Previously this laboratory has characterized this enzyme via kinetic and protein chemical modification techniques, and with the recent cloning of the enzyme from yeast, mouse, and human sources it now becomes possible to approach structure-function questions by using site-directed mutagenesis. Of primary significance to this is the development of an efficient expression vector. This is of particular significance for ferrochelatase, as it is a low-abundance protein whose DNA coding sequence has a very low codon bias. In the current work we describe the production of yeast ferrochelatase in a baculovirus system. This system is shown to be an excellent one in which to produce large quantities of active ferrochelatase. The expressed enzyme is membrane associated and is not released into the growth medium either during or after virus development and cell lysis. The expressed protein can be purified in a procedure that requires only 1 day and makes use of a Pharmacia Hi Trap blue affinity column. The measured Km's for the substrates mesoporphyrin and iron are the same as those reported previously for the yeast enzyme. To our knowledge this is the first example of a mitochondrial membrane protein that has been expressed in a baculovirus system.     

Effects of a guanine-derived formamidopyrimidine lesion on DNA replication: translesion DNA synthesis, nucleotide insertion, and extension kinetics

2,6-Diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine derived from guanine (FapyG) is a major DNA lesion formed by reactive oxygen species. In this study, a defined oligonucleotide template containing a 5-N-methylated analog of FapyG (mFapyG) was prepared, and its effect on DNA replication was quantitatively assessed in vitro. The results were further compared with those obtained for 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine and an apurinic/apyrimidinic site embedded in the same sequence context. mFapyG constituted a fairly strong but not absolute block to DNA synthesis catalyzed by Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I Klenow fragment with and without an associated 3'-5' exonuclease activity, thereby permitting translesion synthesis with a limited efficiency. The efficiency of translesion synthesis was G > 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine > mFapyG > apurinic/apyrimidinic site. Analysis of the nucleotide insertion (f(ins) = V(max)/K(m) for insertion) and extension (f(ext) = V(max)/K(m) for extension) efficiencies for mFapyG revealed that the extension step constituted a major kinetic barrier to DNA synthesis. When mFapyG was bypassed, dCMP, a cognate nucleotide, was preferentially inserted opposite the lesion (dCMP (relative f(ins) = 1) dTMP (2.4 x 10(-4)) approximately dAMP (8.1 x 10(-5)) > dGMP (4.5 x 10(-7))), and the primer terminus containing a mFapyG:C pair was most efficiently extended (mFapyG:C (relative f(ext) = 1) > mFapyG:T (4.6 x 10(-3)) mFapyG:A and mFapyG:G (extension not observed)). Thus, mFapyG is a potentially lethal but not premutagenic lesion.     

mRNA splicing regulates human papillomavirus type 11 E1 protein production and DNA replication

The papillomavirus replicative helicase E1 and the origin recognition protein E2 are required for efficient viral DNA replication. We fused the green fluorescent protein (GFP) to the human papillomavirus type 11 E1 protein either in a plasmid with the E1 coding region alone (nucleotides [nt] 832 to 2781) (pGFP-11E1) or in a plasmid containing both the E1 and E2 regions (nt 2723 to 3826) and the viral origin of replication (ori) (p11Rc). The former supported transient replication of an ori plasmid, whereas the latter was a self-contained replicon. Unexpectedly, these plasmids produced predominantly a cytoplasmic variant GFP or a GFP-E1 E4 protein, respectively. The majority of the mRNAs had an intragenic or intergenic splice from nt 847 to nt 2622 or from nt 847 to nt 3325, corresponding to the E2 or E1 E4 messages. pGFP-11E1dm and p11Rc-E1dm, mutated at the splice donor site, abolished these splices and increased GFP-E1 protein expression. Three novel, alternatively spliced, putative E2 mRNAs were generated in higher abundance from the mutated replicon than from the wild type. Relative to pGFP-11E1, low levels of pGFP-11E1dm supported more efficient replication, but high levels had a negative effect. In contrast, elevated E2 levels always increased replication. Despite abundant GFP-E1 protein, p11Rc-E1dm replicated less efficiently than the wild type. Collectively, these observations show that the E1/E2 ratio is as important as the E1 and E2 concentrations in determining the replication efficiency. These findings suggest that alternative mRNA splicing could provide a mechanism to regulate E1 and E2 protein expression and DNA replication during different stages of the virus life cycle.     

Requirement of protein synthesis for the coupling of histone mRNA levels and DNA replication

H1 and core histone mRNA levels have been examined in the presence of protein synthesis inhibitors with different mechanisms of action. Total HeLa cell RNAs were analyzed by Northern Blot hybridization using cloned human histone genes as probes. Inhibition of DNA replication resulted in a rapid decline in histone mRNA levels. However, in the presence of cycloheximide or puromycin, H1 and core mRNAs did not decrease in parallel with DNA synthesis, but were stabilized and accumulated. Inhibition of DNA synthesis with hydroxyurea after the inhibition of protein synthesis did not lead to a decline in histone mRNA levels. These results suggest that synthesis of a protein(s)--perhaps a histone protein(s)--is required for the coordination of DNA synthesis and histone mRNA levels.     

Optimal silkworm larva host for high-level production of Mus musculus IL-4 using a baculovirus expression vector system

Interleukine-4 (IL-4) is a cytokine that plays an important role in the immune system and recognized as a biological medicine. Therefore, there is a demand for the production of IL-4 with high performance. The expression of a recombinant IL-4 protein in the prokaryotic system usually results in the formation of an inclusion body. To date, the solution to obtain those active products without the refolding process remains to be established. In this study, we tried to acquire a biologically active recombinant Mus musculus IL-4 (rMmIL-4) using a silkworm-baculovirus expression vector system (silkworm-BEVS). We constructed two recombinant baculoviruses coding rMmIL-4 with the distinct location of affinity purification tags and succeeded in the expression and purification of rMmIL-4 proteins directly without the refolding process. Both purified proteins displayed comparable biological activity to the commercial proteins produced by the E. coli expression system. Besides, we performed screening of silkworm strains to seek optimal hosts for the mass-production of rMmIL-4. Intriguingly, we found that some silkworm strains showed significantly higher secretion levels of rMmIL-4 in silkworm sera. Our study provides meaningful insights into the industrial-scale production of rMmIL-4 with high productivity for pharmaceutical applications in the future.     

UV-induced hyperphosphorylation of replication protein a depends on DNA replication and expression of ATM protein

Exposure to DNA-damaging agents triggers signal transduction pathways that are thought to play a role in maintenance of genomic stability. A key protein in the cellular processes of nucleotide excision repair, DNA recombination, and DNA double-strand break repair is the single-stranded DNA binding protein, RPA. We showed previously that the p34 subunit of RPA becomes hyperphosphorylated as a delayed response (4-8 h) to UV radiation (10-30 J/m(2)). Here we show that UV-induced RPA-p34 hyperphosphorylation depends on expression of ATM, the product of the gene mutated in the human genetic disorder ataxia telangiectasia (A-T). UV-induced RPA-p34 hyperphosphorylation was not observed in A-T cells, but this response was restored by ATM expression. Furthermore, purified ATM kinase phosphorylates the p34 subunit of RPA complex in vitro at many of the same sites that are phosphorylated in vivo after UV radiation. Induction of this DNA damage response was also dependent on DNA replication; inhibition of DNA replication by aphidicolin prevented induction of RPA-p34 hyperphosphorylation by UV radiation. We postulate that this pathway is triggered by the accumulation of aberrant DNA replication intermediates, resulting from DNA replication fork blockage by UV photoproducts. Further, we suggest that RPA-p34 is hyperphosphorylated as a participant in the recombinational postreplication repair of these replication products. Successful resolution of these replication intermediates reduces the accumulation of chromosomal aberrations that would otherwise occur as a consequence of UV radiation.     

Human cathepsin F: expression in baculovirus system, characterization and inhibition by protein inhibitors

Recombinant full-length human procathepsin F, produced in the baculovirus expression system, was partially processed during the purification procedure to a form lacking the N-terminal cystatin-like domain and activated with pepsin. Active cathepsin F efficiently hydrolyzed Z-FR-MCA (kcat/Km=106 mM(-1) s(-1)) and Bz-FVR-MCA (kcat/Km=8 mM(-1) s(-1)), whereas hydrolysis of Z-RR-MCA was very slow (kcat/Km<0.2 mM(-1) s(-1)). Cathepsin F was rapidly and tightly inhibited by cystatin C, chicken cystatin and equistatin with Ki values in the subnanomolar range (0.03-0.47 nM), whereas L-kininogen was a less strong inhibitor of the enzyme (Ki=4.7 nM). Stefin A inhibited cathepsin F slowly (kass=1.6 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1)) and with a lower affinity (Ki=25 nM). These data suggest that cathepsin F differs from other related endopeptidases by considerably weaker inhibition by stefins.     

A bicistronic baculovirus vector for transient and stable protein expression in mammalian cells

Baculoviruses are widely used for protein production in insect cells, and their potential for gene transfer to mammalian cells is increasingly being recognized. Here we describe a baculovirus vector with a bicistronic mammalian expression cassette and demonstrate its suitability for efficient transient and stable protein expression in human glioblastoma cells. Bicistronic baculovirus vectors are safe, cost efficient, and easy to produce; thus, they represent an excellent gene transfer system for mammalian cells.     

Synthesis of viruslike particles by expression of the putative capsid protein of Leishmania RNA virus in a recombinant baculovirus expression system.

The putative capsid open reading frame (ORF2) of the Leishmania RNA virus LRV1-4 was expressed in a baculovirus expression system. The expressed protein was identified by Western immunoblot analysis with polyclonal antiserum raised to purified LRV1-4 virus. Electron microscopy and sedimentation analysis indicated that the expressed protein self-assembles into empty viruslike particles of similar size and shape to authentic virus particles, thus confirming that ORF2 encodes the viral capsid. The expressed particles are present exclusively in the cytoplasm of infected SF9 cells and are able to assemble in the absence of LRV1-4 RNA, viral polymerase, or any Leishmania host factors.     

Production of human c-myc protein in insect cells infected with a baculovirus expression vector.

A cDNA fragment coding for human c-myc was inserted into the genome of the baculovirus Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus adjacent to the strong polyhedrin promoter. Insect cells infected with the recombinant virus produced significant amounts of c-myc protein, which constituted the major phosphoprotein component in these cells. By immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analysis, two proteins of 61 and 64 kilodaltons were detected with c-myc-specific antisera. The insect-derived proteins were compared with recombinant human c-myc-encoded proteins synthesized in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. The c-myc gene product was found predominantly in the nucleus by subcellular fractionation of infected insect cells.     

Expression of C1 esterase inhibitor by the baculovirus expression vector system: preparation, purification, and characterization

C1 esterase inhibitor (C1INH) is an important regulator of the classical complement pathway. Hereditary deficiency of C1INH causes angioedema of the skin, gut, and respiratory tissues that may be fatal. C1INH replacement therapy may be lifesaving for patients with this disorder. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of the baculovirus expression vector system for mass producing biologically active human recombinant (rC1INH). A recombinant baculovirus was constructed coding the human native (nC1INH) sequence under control of the polyhedrin promoter. Spodoptera frugiperda Sf-9 insect cells were infected with this recombinant baculovirus in a medium-scale (10-L) bioreactor to produce rC1INH with a specific activity of 45 U/mg. Purification of rC1INH from the culture harvested at 60 h postinfection yielded 5.9 microg rC1INH/mL supernatant of a 75-kDa product with a specific activity of 31,000 U/mg purified rC1INH compared to 71,000 U/mg purified nC1INH from human serum using the same procedure. This rC1INH was about 25 kDa smaller than nC1INH, suggesting that Sf-9 cells express underglycosylated rC1INH. Glycan analysis showed that both N-glycan and O-glycan chains were present in rC1INH. The N-glycan chains, released using PNGaseF and fluorescently labeled, were analyzed using exoglycosidase treatment and capillary electrophoresis. Their high-mannose structure was consistent with the known failure of the insect cell glycosylation pathway to afford the fully elaborated biantennary structures found on human native nC1INH.