Cloning,heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and characterization of a protein disulfide isomerase from Fasciola hepatica

A Fasciola hepatica cDNA clone of 1752 bp was isolated from an adult worm cDNA expression library by immunological screening using a rabbit serum against the excretory-secretory antigens. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA revealed the presence of an open reading frame of 489 codons which encoded a 55 kDa polypeptide, showing a high degree of homology to protein disulfide isomerases. This putative antioxidant protein cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli as a GST fusion protein. The cleaved recombinant protein was shown to be biologically active in vitro by mediating the oxidative refolding of reduced RNase. Immunoblotting studies using a specific antiserum raised against the recombinant protein showed the presence of a polypeptide of similar molecular mass in the excretory-secretory extract of the adult parasite. The extracellular location of this protein was also supported by the specific immune responses found against this protein in F. hepatica experimentally infected rabbits.     

Characterization of an Onchocerca volvulus cDNA clone encoding a genus specific antigen present in infective larvae and adult worms

The isolation and characterization of a recombinant cDNA clone (OV7) expressing an antigen present in Onchocerca volvulus infective larvae and adult stages is described. Using chimpanzee antiserum generated against irradiated infective larvae, we isolated a cDNA clone from a lambda gt11 cDNA expression library derived from adult O. volvulus mRNA. The open reading frame encodes 131 amino acids corresponding to a 15.2-kDa protein. Affinity purified antibodies which bound specifically to OV7 fusion polypeptide recognized a single antigen with an apparent molecular weight of 17,000 in extracts of L3, L4 and adult worms. Immunoelectron microscopy established that the antigen encoded by this clone is present in the hypodermis and the basal layer of the cuticle of L3 and female adult worm, and in the egg shell around developing microfilariae. Since the OV7 fusion polypeptide is onchocerca-specific and is recognized specifically by sera from onchocerciasis patients, and sera from non-patent but infected chimpanzees, and not by sera from patients with other filarial parasites, it may have potential as an antigenic component in a test for detection of non-patent and patent infections of O. volvulus. The OV7 amino acid sequence contains residues that have a probable homology with the cysteine proteinase inhibitor superfamily.     

Characterization of the antioxidant enzyme, thioredoxin peroxidase, from the carcinogenic human liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini

The human liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini, induces inflammation of the hepatobiliary system. Despite being constantly exposed to inimical oxygen radicals released from inflammatory cells, the parasite survives for many years. The mechanisms by which it avoids oxidative damage are unknown. In this study, thioredoxin peroxidase (TPx), a member of the peroxiredoxin superfamily, was cloned from an O. viverrini cDNA library. O. viverrini TPx cDNA encoded a polypeptide of 212 amino acid residues, of molecular mass 23.57kDa. The putative amino acid sequence shared 60-70% identity with TPXs from other helminths and from mammals, and phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between TPxs from O. viverrini and other trematodes. Recombinant O. viverrini TPx was expressed as soluble protein in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein dimerized, and its antioxidant activity was deduced by observing protection of nicking of supercoiled plasmid DNA by hydroxyl radicals. Antiserum raised against O. viverrini TPx recognized native proteins from egg, metacercaria and adult developmental stages of the liver fluke and excretory-secretory products released by adult O. viverrini. Immunolocalization studies revealed ubiquitous expression of TPx in O. viverrini organs and tissues. TPx was also detected in bile fluid and bile duct epithelial cells surrounding the flukes 2 weeks after infection of hamsters with O. viverrini. In addition, TPx was observed in the secondary (small) bile ducts where flukes cannot reach due to their large size. These results suggested that O. viverrini TPx plays a significant role in protecting the parasite against damage induced by reactive oxygen species from inflammation.     

Identification and characterization of an Onchocerca volvulus cDNA clone encoding a microfilarial surface-associated antigen.

The identification and characterization of a recombinant cDNA clone (OV103) expressing a microfilarial surface-associated antigen of Onchocerca volvulus is described. OV103 was identified and isolated from a lambda gt11 cDNA expression library derived from adult O. volvulus mRNA using a chimpanzee antiserum, taken 2 years after infection with third-stage larvae of O. volvulus. The cDNA clone encodes a 12.5-kDa protein that corresponds to a 15-kDa parasite protein present in microfilariae and adult female worms. The antigen encoded by this clone is located in the basal layer of the cuticle and the hypodermis of the female adult worm, and on the surface of microfilariae. OV103 fusion polypeptide is recognized only by some sera from onchocerciasis infected subjects (57%), but more significantly (89%) by sera from individuals that have low levels of patent infection. In addition, the antibody response to this protein developed before appearance of microfilariae in the skin of chimpanzees that had developed non-patent or low level patent infections, while the antibody response in chimpanzees with high levels of microfilariae appeared later at the time of appearance of microfilariae. Preliminary experiments indicated that affinity purified antibodies directed against OV103 fusion polypeptide mediated killing of nodular microfilariae in vitro in the presence of normal peripheral blood granulocytes.     

Molecular cloning and characterization of a mu-class glutathione S-transferase from Clonorchis sinensis

In biliary passages, Clonorchis sinensis causes epithelial hyperplasia and is assumed to promote carcinogenesis. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is an antioxidant enzyme involved in phase II defense in trematodes. A clone (pcsGSTM1) encoding a GST was identified by screening a C. sinensis cDNA library with a PCR-synthesized cDNA probe. The predicted amino acid sequence encoded by pcsGSTM1 cDNA had a high degree of sequence identity and folding topology similar to the mu-class GSTs. The estimated molecular mass of the protein, 26 kDa, was consistent with an expression by pcsGSTM1 cDNA. The bacterially expressed recombinant csGSTM1 protein possessed an enzymatic GST activity and conjugated GSH to reactive carbonyls of lipid peroxidation. The recombinant csGSTM1 protein did not share antigenic epitope(s) with GSTs of Fasciola hepatica, Paragonimus westermani and Schistosoma japonicum. The csGSTM1 was identified to a mu-class GST in C. sinensis.     

十二指肠钩虫谷胱甘肽转移酶AduGST-1基因的克隆和重组表达

目的克隆十二指肠钩虫谷胱甘肽转移酶（GST）AduGST-1基因,并在大肠埃希菌中表达获得重组AduGST-1。方法设计特异引物,以十二肠钩虫成虫cDNA为模板,通过PCR扩增AduGST-1基因。将获得的AduGST-1编码序列克隆至原核表达载体pETHF,构建重组表达质粒pETHF/AduGST-1。重组质粒转化至大肠埃希菌BL21（DE3）,用IPTG诱导表达、Ni亲和层析分离纯化重组AduGST-1,SDS-PAGE分析重组蛋白表达及纯化情况。结果成功扩增到AduGST-1全长编码序列,并登记到GenBank（accession no.JQ812812）。AduGST-1编码序列长度为624bp,编码307个氨基酸残基。成功构建了重组表达质粒pETHF/AduGST-1,在BL21（DE3）中表达并纯化了重组AduGST-1。结论首次报道从十二指肠钩虫中分离到GST基因,该基因可在大肠埃希菌中高效表达,并分离纯化了重组GST蛋白,为进一步研究AduGST-1功能与应用奠定了基础。     

Molecular cloning and tissue distribution of a 26-kilodalton Schistosoma mansoni glutathione S-transferase

A Schistosoma mansoni cDNA library was constructed from the mRNA of adult worms in the expression vector lambda gt11 and screened with a rabbit antiserum raised against the 26-kDa S. mansoni glutathione S-transferase isoforms (Sm GST 26). Two clones were selected and the nucleotide sequences deduced. The predicted amino acid sequence, specified by these cDNAs, shows strong homology with a Schistosoma japonicum 26 kDa glutathione S-transferase and a lower level of homology with mammalian glutathione S-transferase class mu isoenzymes (EC 2.5.1.18). No significant homology score was found with a 28-kDa S. mansoni glutathione S-transferase (Sm GST 28). A study of the tissue distribution of the cloned Sm GST 26 by immunoelectron microscopy shows similarities to Sm GST 28 in that they are present in the tegument and in subtegumentary parenchymal cells. However, a major difference exists in the protonephridial region in which Sm GST 26 is present in the cytoplasmic digitations localized in the apical chamber delineated by the flame cell body, suggesting that Sm GST 26 may be actively excreted by adult worms.     

Molecular cloning and characterization of a new Japanese cedar pollen allergen homologous to plant isoflavone reductase family

BACKGROUND: Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen is a major cause of seasonal pollinosis, and more than 10% of Japanese people suffer from this allergic disorder. However, only two major pollen allergens, Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, have been identified and exclusively characterized. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore and identify important Japanese cedar pollen allergens other than Cry j 1 or Cry j 2. METHODS: C. japonica cDNA library was immunoscreened by rabbit antiserum raised against a partially purified cedar pollen allergen fraction. An isolated cDNA clone was inserted into a glutathione S-transferase (GST)-tagged Escherichia coli expression vector to obtain recombinant GST fusion protein. Non-fusion recombinant protein was purified by glutathione Sepharose affinity chromatography in conjunction with factor Xa cleavage of the GST moiety. IgE-binding ability of the recombinant protein was then evaluated by western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The cDNA encodes 306 amino acids with significant sequence similarity to those of plant isoflavone reductase-like proteins, which include a recently identified birch pollen allergen Bet v 5. Western blot analysis demonstrated that recombinant protein was recognized by cedar pollinosis patient IgE. In contrast to Bet v 5 being reported as a minor allergen, the recombinant protein exhibited 76% IgE binding frequency (19/25) against pollinosis patients. CONCLUSION: Here we identified the third member of Japanese cedar pollen allergen homologous to isoflavone reductase. Its high IgE-binding frequency implicates that the isoflavone reductase homologue might be an additional major pollen allergen in C. japonica.     

Cloning and expression of mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clonorchis sinensis</Emphasis>

The NAD-dependent mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (mMDH, EC1.1.1.37) plays pivotal roles in tricarboxylic acid and is crucial for the survival and pathogenecity of parasites. A cDNA, which was identified by high throughput sequencing from the cDNA library constructed from adult Clonorchis sinensis, encoded a putative peptide of 341 amino acids with more than 50% identity with mMDHs from other organisms. The mMDH was expressed in Escherichia coli as the recombinant protein with a GST tag and purified by glutathione–Sepharose 4B column. The recombinant mMDH showed MDH activity of 63.6 U/mg, without lactate dehydrogenase activity and NADPH selectivity. The kinetic constants of recombinant mMDH were determined. Nucleotide sequence data reported in this paper are available in the GenBank under the accession number AY605670.     

Multiple recombinant antigens of Clonorchis sinensis for serodiagnosis of human clonorchiasis

Antigenic proteins from Clonorchis sinensis have been previously purified and evaluated for their antigenicity to enable the serodiagnosis of clonorchiasis. Though they were of high specificity, molecularly defined proteins were reported to be less sensitive as single antigens than crude antigen. To resolve this issue, 11 clones were selected by immunoscreening an adult C. sinensis cDNA library using infected human sera. Mixed antigens were prepared using recombinant proteins of positive clones and investigated for antigenicity by immunoblotting against C. sinensis- and helminth-infected patient sera. A mixed antigen of recombinant 28 and 26 kDa glutathion S-transferases (Cs28GST and Cs26GST) produced 76% sensitivity and 95% specificity. Furthermore, a triple mix of recombinant Cs26GST and Cs28GST with vitelline precursor protein pushed up the sensitivity to 87% and maintained specificity at 95%. It is proposed that multiple antigen mixes should be further studied to develop rapid serodiagnostic test kits for the serodiagnosis of human clonorchiasis.     

Characterization of glutathione S-transferase from dust mite, Der p 8 and its immunoglobulin E cross-reactivity with cockroach glutathione S-transferase

BACKGROUND: Sensitization to mite and cockroach allergens is common, and diagnosis and therapy of allergy can be further complicated by the presence of allergen isoforms and panallergens. Purified recombinant and native allergens are useful for studies to resolve such problems. OBJECTIVE: To assess the allergenicity of native and recombinant mite glutathione S-transferase (GST) (Der p 8) and study the IgE cross-reactivity between Der p 8 and cockroach GST. METHODS: Der p 8 cDNA encoding a new isoform was isolated and expressed in yeast. Native Der p 8 was affinity purified from mite extract. IgE reactivity to native and recombinant Der p 8 was assessed by ELISA using sera from allergic subjects from Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia. IgE cross-reactivity between Der p 8 and cockroach GST was examined by IgE inhibition assays. RESULTS: Our Der p 8 cDNA encoded a basic isoform (pI=8.5) containing six polymorphic residues located at positions 46, 106, 149, 160, 167 and 184. At least 8 isoforms of native Der p 8 were detected by two-dimensionalgel and immunoblot analyses. Sera from Taiwanese asthmatics showed 96% and 84% IgE reactivity to native Der p 8 and recombinant Der p 8, respectively. Native Der p 8 showed 75% and 65% IgE reactivity with sera from Malaysia and Singapore, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A high frequency of sensitization to mite GST among allergic subjects was observed but the titres of IgE reactivity were low. The IgE cross-reactivity between mite and cockroach GST suggests that GST is a panallergen.     

Molecular cloning, expression of testicular transcript abundant in germ cells and immunobiological effects of the recombinant protein

PROBLEM: It has been well documented that antisperm antibodies can be causative factors for infertility. In this report we have identified a protein on human sperm referred as human sperm-associated protein (HSAP) using serum of an immunoinfertile woman; it is thus a sperm-specific protein--a candidate molecule for control of fertility. METHOD OF STUDY: An immunoinfertile woman serum showing head-head sperm agglutination and acrosomal localization, reacted with human sperm protein of apparent molecular weight of 48 kDa on Western blot. Anti-48 kDa antiserum was raised in rabbit by eluting 48 kDa protein and was used to screen the human testis cDNA expression library. A putative positive hsap cDNA clone was obtained, sequenced and subjected to tissue specificities studies by Northern blotting. The cell type-specific expression was done using in situ RNA hybridization studies. To obtain recombinant HSAP (r-HSAP), hsap cDNA was cloned in pET 22b(+) expression vector. r-HSAP was expressed as polyhistidine fusion protein in Escherichia coli and purified. Rabbits were immunized with the purified r-HSAP, which led to generation of antibodies. In order to evaluate in vitro immunocontraceptive potential, the anti-r-HSAP antibodies were characterized by agglutination assay, zona-free hamster egg penetration assay, indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay, and by flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS: We have cloned a human testis gene encoding a protein (HSAP) of 328 amino acids. Antibodies against the purified recombinant protein specifically recognized approximately 40 kDa r-HSAP, and a cognate 48 kDa protein band in human sperm extract in Western blot procedure. The anti-r-HSAP antibodies localized acrosomal compartment, inhibited sperm binding/attachment in zona-free hamster penetration assay and revealed surface binding with human live sperm by flow cytometry. The cDNA sequence has been submitted to EMBL and has been given the accession number Y16676. CONCLUSION: This study has put in evidence that novel sperm-specific r-HSAP has role in sperm function and may have application in the development of a contraceptive vaccine. The availability of the recombinant protein will facilitate studies on the assessment of its potential as a contraceptive immunogen.     

人神经系统特异表达RNA结合蛋白HuC cDNA的克隆、表达及纯化

目的克隆人神经系统表达RNA结合蛋白HuC的cDNA并原核表达纯化。方法提取人神经母细胞瘤SHSY5Y细胞株总RNA,经RT-PCR扩增得到人HuC全长cDNA的克隆。将HuC cDNA克隆到原核表达载体pGEX4T-3载体中,并转化到大肠杆菌中,在获得高效表达后,利用GST纯化系统,对HuC重组蛋白进行纯化。结果经过表达及纯化条件的摸索,最终获得重组HuC蛋白。结论HuC蛋白是一种神经系统表达RNA结合蛋白,重组HuC蛋白的获得为HuC抗体的制备及进一步研究该蛋白的功能奠定了基础。     

Molecular cloning and characterization of Ac-TMP-2, a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase secreted by adult Ancylostoma caninum

Ac-TMP-2, an immunodominant hookworm antigen encoding a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) was cloned by immunoscreening an Ancylostoma caninum larval cDNA library with sera pooled from dogs immunized with irradiated A. caninum third stage larvae (ir-L3). The open reading frame of Ac-tmp-2 cDNA encoded a 244 amino acids (predicted molecular weight of 27.7 kDa), which shared a common N-terminus with other vertebrate and invertebrate TIMPs, including Ac-TMP-1, the most abundant adult hookworm secreted protein. However Ac-TMP-2 also contains an unusual multicopy (ten) repeat of the amino acid sequence, KTVEENDE. By immunoblotting, Ac-TMP-2 was detected only in adult hookworms and their excretory secretory products although the corresponding mRNA was also detected in L3. Immunolocalization with specific antiserum showed that native Ac-TMP-2 was located in adult worm's esophagus and cephalic glands. Recombinant Ac-TMP-2 expressed in bacteria was highly immunogenic and recognized by ir-L3 immunized dog immune sera. The recombinant Ac-TMP-2 protein inhibited the human matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-13. As an immunodominant protein having a possible role in the parasite-host relationship of canine hookworm infection, recombinant Ac-TMP-2 represents a plausible target for vaccine development.     

Cloning of cDNAs encoding a 28 kilodalton antigen of Toxoplasma gondii

By screening cDNA libraries in lambda gt11 with antibodies raised against the previously described protective F3G3 antigen of Toxoplasma gondii, and subsequently screening with nucleic acid probes, we have isolated cDNA clones that encode a 28 kDa antigen of T. gondii that is likely one of the two antigenic components of the F3G3 antigen. The gene apparently exists as a single copy in the tachyzoite haploid genome of the three strains of T. gondii examined. Northern blot analyses revealed that the cDNAs hybridize with a major T. gondii RNA species of 1.1 kb. Together the cDNAs encompass 1051 bp of cDNA sequence containing an open reading frame with the capacity to encode a 28 kDa protein. Antibodies that were affinity purified using recombinant fusion proteins produced by two of the clones reacted on protein blots of whole T. gondii lysate with a single antigen having an apparent molecular mass of 28 kDa. Both recombinant fusion proteins reacted with IgG antibodies in sera of mice and humans infected with T. gondii and therefore might be useful for the development of diagnostic assays for T. gondii infection.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Clonorchis sinensis</Emphasis>: molecular cloning and functional expression of a novel cytosolic glutathione transferase

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) represent a large family of enzymes. In the high throughput sequencing of the cDNA library constructed from the adult stage of Clonorchis sinensis (Cs), we isolate another cDNA clone encoding a novel cytosolic GST enzyme. To discriminate with our former reported CsGST, we designated this GST as CsGST1. This new cDNA contains 744 bp with a putative open reading frame of 213 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence exhibits 88% identity to Opisthorchis viverrini 28GST (Ov28GST), 60 and 52% identity to C. sinensis cytosolic 28-kDa GST (Cs28GST) and CsGST, respectively. The CsGST1 was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) as a His-tag fusion protein and was purified by Ni-NTA agarose. The recombinant CsGST1 showed moderate GST activity of 0.79 U mg⁻¹. The average K _m of the CsGST1 for 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene is 150 μM. Cibacron blue F3GA and albendazole inhibited the CsGST1 activity with average IC₅₀ values of 9.1 and 265.4 μM, respectively. The nucleotide sequence reported in this paper was submitted to the GenBank Database with accession number DQ342327.     

Cloning and expression of a chitinase gene from the hyperparasitic fungus Aphanocladium album

Summary Recombinant clones from a cDNA library of an Aphanocladium album chitinase-overproducing mutant strain were isolated by screening with antiserum against a 39 kDa chitinase purified from this hyperparasitic fungus. Analysis of the isolated positive clones indicated that most of them carried the same cDNA. A cDNA from this group was used as a hybridization probe to isolate an 8 kb DNA fragment from a genomic library of the wild-type strain. The chitinase 1 gene was mapped to this fragment by two independent approaches. Its partial DNA sequence was in perfect agreement with an amino-terminal peptide sequence obtained by sequencing 23 amino acids of the 39 kDa chitinase. Its transfer in Fusarium oxysporum resulted in a transformant producting both a protein of about 39 kDa that cross-reacted with the chitinase antiserum and a chitinase activity that was inhibited by the same antiserum. Northern blot analysis indicates that the cloned chitinase gene was subject to catabolite repression and appeared inducible by chitin.     

人SUMO-2基因原核表达、纯化及多克隆抗体制备

目的:构建人SUMO-2基因的原核表达载体,纯化融合蛋白GST-SUMO2-SUMO2并以其为抗原免疫家兔,制备人SUMO-2多克隆抗体.方法:用PCR的方法得到人SUMO-2基因并克隆至pET41a( )原核表达载体中,转化大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)plysS诱导融合蛋白GST-SUMO2-SUMO2表达;所获得的可溶性蛋白经亲和层析纯化、SDS-PAGE电泳鉴定后,免疫家兔制备抗血清,分别采用ELISA、Western blot检测抗体效价和特异性.结果:测序证实重组质粒pET41a( )-SU-MO2-SUMO2构建成功;SDS-PAGE结果证实获得Mr为52 000的GST-SUMO2-SUMO2融合蛋白且为可溶性蛋白;经过GST亲和层析有效纯化;以该融合蛋白免疫家兔制备得到的抗血清经Western blot检测证实能与目的蛋白发生特异性结合,ELISA检测为阳性.结论:获得了人SUMO-2蛋白及特异性多克隆抗体,对进一步研究人SUMO-2及SUMO第二类家族的功能提供了有用工具.     

肺表面活性物质相关蛋白C原核表达载体的构建、表达及纯化

背景：研究表明肺表面活性物质蛋白基因缺陷导致肺表面活性物质蛋白的结构发生变化。早期检测肺表面活性物质的含量对于预测肺部疾病的发生意义重大。 目的：克隆人肺表面活性物质相关蛋白C(surfactant associated protein C, SP-C)基因,构建原核表达载体PET-28a/SP-C,并纯化SP-C蛋白。 方法：提取正常人肺组织总RNA,RT-PCR技术获得SP-C cDNA序列,纯化后的SP-C基因插入至中间载体PMD-18T,得到重组质粒PMD-18T-SP-C,重组质粒经过Bam HⅠ和Hind Ⅲ双酶切后纯化回收得到具有黏性末端的SP-C cDNA,将质粒PET-28a同样经过双酶切后纯化回收得到与SP-C cDNA具有相同黏性末端的质粒片段,将具有黏性末端的SP-C cDNA与PET-28a定向连接后得到重组质粒PET-28a/SP-C。然后将鉴定正确的PET-28a/SP-C重组质粒转入BL21中诱导表达。 结果与结论：酶切鉴定及核苷酸序列测序证实扩增的SP-C cDNA及其重组质粒经过Bam HⅠ和Hind Ⅲ双酶切鉴定后,在5 000~7 500 bp和250~1 000 bp处可检测到2条条带。核苷酸序列测序结果证实,质粒中插入基因长597 bp,为一开放阅读框架,与GeneBank中公布的人SP-C cDNA序列相符。Western-blot检测结果显示,纯化后的SP-C蛋白在相对分子质量约27 000处出现1条新生条带,与预期的大小一致。结果证实,实验成功克隆人SP-C基因并插入至质粒PET-28a中,构建了PET-28a/SP-C重组质粒,将其体外转化至BL21后可以表达SP-C蛋白。