Construction of eukaryotic expression vector with EGFP and hVEGF121 fusion protein and its expression in mesenchymal stem cells of rats

AIM: To construct a recombinant plasmid carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein and human vascular endothelial growth factor 121 gene and to detect its expression in rats mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). METHODS: Human VEGF121 cDNA was amplified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from pCD/hVEGF121 and was inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-C1. The recombinant plasmid pEGFP/hVEGF121 was identified with PCR, double enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. Then this recombinant plasmid was transfected into rat's MSCs with lipofectamine. The expression of EGFP and VEGF121 protein were detected with fluorescence microscope and immunocytochemical staining, respectively. RESULTS: The recombinant plasmid was confirmed with PCR, double enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. The fluorescence microscope and immunocytochemical staining results showed that the EGFP and VEGF121 protein were expressed in MSCs 48h after transfection. CONCLUSIONS: The recombinant plasmid carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein and human vascular endothelial growth factor was successfully constructed and expressed positively in rat MSCs. It provides a good basis for further research on differentiation of MSC and VEGF gene therapy for ischemial cardiovascular disease.     

Cloning and expression of NK4 gene in Raji cells

AIM: To clone NK4 gene and to construct recombinant eukaryotic expression vector for observing its expression in transfected Raji cells. METHODS: Total RNA was extracted from human hepatic tissue. NK4 gene cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR, and then cloned into vector pVITRO2-mcs to construct the recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pVITRO2-mcs-NK4. Raji cells were transfected by recombinant vector pVITRO2-mcs-NK4 and screened by homomycin B. The stable strain of NK4 gene expression was screened by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, ELISA, immunocytohistochemistry and semisolid culture. RESULTS: The specific DNA fragment was detected by RT-PCR in Raji cells transfected with NK4 gene. The transfected Raji cells expressed NK4 mRNA and protein stably, which inhibited Raji cell proliferation, metastasis and invasion. CONCLUSION: NK4 gene is cloned and recombined to construct recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pVITRO2-mcs-NK4 successfully. NK4 gene in Raji cells expresses stably.     

Construction of recombinant plasmid pEGFP-HSP70 and its expression in rat neural stem cells

AIM：To explore the method of constructing recombinant plasmid pEGFP-HSP70 and its expression in neural stem cells. METHODS：Total RNA was acquired from the fetal liver tissue of SD rat. cDNA complete sequence of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene was amplified by RT-PCR, and cloned into an eukaryotic expression vector containing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene, pEGFP-C2. Sequencing analysis was performed to confirm the recombinant plasmid pEGFP-HSP70. The technique of nucleofector transfection was used to transfect the recombinant plasmid pEGFP-HSP70 into neural stem cells. RESULTS：HSP70 cDNA sequence was correctly cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-C2. The recombinant plasmid pEGFP-HSP70 was constructed successfully. Compared with control group, the fluorescence intensities in pEGFP-C2 group and pEGFP-HSP70 group were significantly increased. The fluorescence intensity in pEGFP-HSP70 group after 24 h of transfection was significantly decreased compared with other time points of 7 d, 14 d and 21 d. The expression level of HSP70 significantly increased 1 d, 7 d and 14 d after transfection compared with control group. CONCLUSION：The neural stem cells can be directly used as gene action target cells. The HSP70 expression level in the stem cells is closely related to the time after transfection.     

Construction of human anti-HBc ScFv eukaryotic expression vector and expression of anti-HBc ScFv in HepG2 cells

AIM: To construct an eukaryotic expression vector of human single-chain variable fragment against hepatitis B virus core protein (anti-HBc ScFv) and detect its expression in HepG2 cells. METHODS: Anti-HBc ScFv genes were amplified from the plasmids abstracted from positive clone and inserted into pEGFP-c1 vector that contained green fluorescent protein gene. The recombinant plasmids were transfected into HepG2 cells, and resistant clones were obtained by G418 selection. The expression of the gene of fusion protein was determined by fluorescent invert microscope and ELISA. RESULTS: Recombinant plasmids were successfully constructed. The plasmid transfected HepG2 cells were obtained by G418 selection. Specific fluorescence was observed in HepG2 cells 48 hours after transfection. ELISA analysis confirmed the expression of anti-HBc ScFv in the cells. CONCLUSION: The construction of human anti-HBc ScFv eukaryotic expression vector and its expression in HepG2 cells lay the foundation for advanced research of intracellular anti-HBc ScFv.     

Construction of eukaryotic expression vector and expression of outer membrane lipoprotein LipL41 gene of Leptospiria lai

AIM:To construct a eukaryotic expression vector expressing outer membrane lipoprotein LipL41 of Leptospira lai and express it in mammalian cell. METHODS:LipL41 gene was amplified by PCR from genome of Leptospira lai 017 strain, and was subcloned into vector pGEX-4T-1. After sequencing, LipL41 gene digested by restriction endonuclease and cloned into vector pcDNA3. After confirming the correctness of the eukaryotic recombinant vector by restrication enzyme digestion, it was transfected into COS7 cells by liposome. Its expression was analyzed by RT-PCR. RESULTS:A fragment of 1 011 bp was amplified, and sequence analysis showed it had a 98% homology with Leptospira kirschneri. The analysis of restriction enzyme indicated that the eukaryotic recombinant vector was correctly constructed. A specific amplified fragment was showed in the cells transfected with recombinant plasmid by RT-PCR, but the cell transfected with blank plasmid did not show this band. CONCLUSIONS:The LipL41 gene of Leptospira lai was successfully inserted into eukaryotic expression plasmid and the recombinant plasmid expressed the LipL41 mRNA.     

Effects of intracellular expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis CFP10-ESAT6 fusion protein on proliferation and apoptosis of mouse macrophages

AIM：To establish Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP10)-early secretory antigenic target 6 (ESAT6) eukaryotic expression vector and investigate the effect of intracellular expression of CFP10-ESAT6 fusion protein on the proliferation and apoptosis of mouse macrophages (RAW264.7 cells). METHODS：The recombinant plasmid pEGFP-N1/CFP10-ESAT6 was constructed by inserting CFP10-ESAT6 fusion gene into eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-N1, and then transfected into RAW264.7 cells to express CFP10-ESAT6 fusion protein. The viability of RAW264.7 cells was measured by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was applied to measure the apoptotic rate and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression in RAW264.7 cells treated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis 19 kD lipoprotein or staurosporine. RESULTS：The recombinant plasmid pEGFP-N1/CFP10-ESAT6 was successfully constructed and transfected into RAW264.7 cells. Compared with the control cells, intracellular expression of CFP10-ESAT6 fusion protein did not affect the viability of RAW264.7 cells, but could inhibit the apoptosis of RAW264.7 cells treated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis 19 kD lipoprotein. Moreover, CFP10-ESAT6-expressing macrophages had markedly lower expression of TLR2 on the surface. CONCLUSION：Intracellular expression of CFP10-ESAT6 fusion protein has no cytotoxicity on mouse macrophages, but can inhibit the apoptosis of the macrophages treated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis 19 kD lipoprotein through down-regulating the expression of TLR2.     

Molecular cloning of ING4 gene and ING4-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells

AIM: To isolate a gene encoding mouse ING4, construct pcDNA3.0-ING4 recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid and investigate its effects on HeLa cells in vitro. METHODS: The mouse ING4cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR from mouse liver. The eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.0-ING4 was constructed by DNA recombination technique. The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.0-ING4 was identified by PCR, restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequence analysis, then was transfected into HeLa cells by lipofectamine. The expression was determined by RT-PCR. Apoptosis was detected by fluorescence microscope with Hoechst33258 staining and laser scanning confocal microscope. Cell cycle distribution was measured with flow cytometry. RESULTS: RT-PCR product was about 750 bp specific fragment. Analysis by restricting enzyme digestion and PCR of pcDNA3.0-ING4 recombiant plasmid showed that results were about 750 bp, DNA sequencing revealed that ING4 cloning were successful. With Hoechst fluorescence staining, we found that the percentage of apoptotic rate in HeLa cells transfected with pcDNA3.0- ING4 (21.25%) was higher than that in HeLa cells transfected with pcDNA3.0 (8.91%,P<0.01). Apoptosis was also detected by laser scanning confocal microscope. Cell cycle analysis reavealed the cell number in S phase of HeLa cells transfected with pcDNA3.0- ING4 increased. CONCLUSION: The gene encoding mouse ING4 and construction of pcDNA3.0- ING4 eukaryotic expression vector were successfully obtained, ING4 could enhance apoptosis in HeLa cells.     

Construction of eukaryotic expression vector of fusion gene CD80-IgG and its expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells

AIM: To construct the eukaryotic expression vector CD80-IgG by fusing the cDNA encoding extracellular portion of murine CD80 to the 5'-terminus of cDNA encoding Fc fragment of murine immunoglobulin G1 and to express the fusion protein in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. METHODS: The two cDNAs was amplified by PCR respectively from plasmid pcDNA/B7 containing the full-length cDNA of murine CD80 from murine spleen cells, and cloned to the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.0 by directional cloning. The resultant recombinant plasmid pcDNA/CD80-IgG was transfected into CHO cells with liposome transfection reagent. The stably expressing cells were obtained by G418 screening. Western blot, Dot ELISA, and flow cytometry were used to detect the expression of the fusion protein and its immunological activity. RESULTS: DNA sequencing verified the correction of the construction of recombinant plasmid pcDNA/CD80-IgG. The expressed fusion protein was detected in the supernatant of transfected CHO cells and the molecular weight of the protein was similar to what we expected. Its immunological activity was also established. CONCLUSION: The recombinant plasmid pcDNA/CD80-IgG was successfully constructed and it expressed the fusion protein CD80-IgG.     

Construction of recombinant plasmid pEGFP-NGB and its expression in cultured neuroglial cells

AIM: To establish recombination plasmid pEGFP-NGB and to investigate the expression of pEGFP-NGB in culture neuroglia cells. METHODS: The NGB cds was isolated by using RT-PCR method with total RNA extracted from fetal Kunming mouse brain, then the NGB cds was cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-C1 of EGFP reported green fluorescence protein. The expression vector of recombinant plasmid pEGFP-NGB was successfully constructed. GeneJamer transfection reagent was used to transfer recombinant plasmid pEGFP-NGB into culture neuroglial cells. The mRNA and protein expression of pEGFP-NGB in culture neuroglial cells were investigated. RESULTS: The positive clone sequencing was consistent with the sequence of Genbank. The NGB mRNA and protein expression of pEGFP-NGB in culture neuroglial cells were detected at high levels. The high expression of green fluorescence protein was observed by fluorescence microscope in culture neuroglial cells. CONCLUSION: The expression vector of recombinant plasmid pEGFP-NGB was successfully constructed and green fluorescence protein was expressed in cultured neuroglial cells.     

Subcellular localization of ZNF580-EGFP fusion protein

AIM: To construct a eukaryotic expression plasmid for enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and ZNF580 fusion protein, and study its subcellular localization in the transfected MGC803 cells. METHODS: The primers were designed according to the cDNA encoding sequence of ZNF580 full-length open reading frame (1-172aa), ZNF580 amino terminus (1-93aa) and ZNF580 carboxyl terminus (94-172aa). The three cDNA segments of PCR were cloned into pGEM-T vector. Then they were subcloned respectively into plasmid pEGFP-C1 (enhanced green fluorescent protein). The subcellular localization of the fusion protein in MGC803 cells transfected with the vector was monitored by autofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Restricted enzymes analysis and DNA sequencing showed that the sequences of the pEGFP-ZNF580 (1-172), pEGFP-ZNF580 (1-93) and pEGFP-ZNF580 (94-172) transgenic plasmid were correct. The fusion proteins of EGFP-ZNF580 (1-172) and pEGFP-ZNF580 (94-172) were localized in the nuclei. CONCLUSION: The recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-ZNF580 has been successfully constructed. The nuclear localization signal is within amino acid residues 94 and 172 of ZNF580 carboxyl terminus (C2H2 zinc finger domain).     

High level expression of recombinated hepatocyte growth factor in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

AIM: To construct a lentiviral vector encoding human hepatocyte growth factor (hHGF) for transfection,and to observe the expression of hHGF in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.METHODS: pUC-SRα/hHGF was subcloned into the expression vector pWPI to construct recombinant pWPI-hHGF.hHGF was identified by gene sequence.Recombinant lentivirus was produced by pWPI-hHGF,pAX2 and pMD2G altogether transient transfection into 293T cells using calcium phosphate method.The pWPI-hHGF and the contructed pWPI-GFP were transfected into human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells by the Lipofectamin 2000.Through counting by the fluorescent microscope,the efficiency of the transfection was identified.The expressions of hHGF and GFP in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were also detected.The concentration of hHGF in cell culture medium was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).RESULTS: DNA sequence showed that hHGF cDNA was correctly inserted into pWPI vector.The positive rate of hHGF transfecting 293T cells was 100 %.Bright green fluorescence in the transfected cells was observed under the fluorescent microscope after 24 h transfection with lentiviral plasmid pWPI-hHGF-GFP,and the transfection rate reached 80%.The difference was distinct between the pWPI-hHGF group and control group in the secretive level of hHGF by Western blotting and the ELISA (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The recombinant pWPI-hHGF plasmid was successfully constructed and efficient,stable and ectopic expression of hHGF was accomplished in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.     

Construction of recombinant adenovirus expressing BDNF and its expression in expanded rat mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

AIM:To construct recombinant adenovirus vector containing brain derived neurotrophic factor, (BDNF) gene using bacterial homogenous recombination, and investigate the expression in expanded rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSC) in vitro.METHODS:BDNF gene and proBDNF gene were subcloned into adenovirus shuttle plasmid pAdTrack-CMV containing enhanced green fluorescent protein gene (EGFP) expression cassette, forming shuttle vector of pAdTrack-BDNF, and pAdTrack-proBDNF, and co-transformed into BJ5183 bacterial cells with adenovirus backbone vector pAdEasy-1 using chemical transformation. After the recombinant adenovirus vector was obtained, the identified recombinant adenovirus plasmid DNA was digested with Pac I and transfected to 293 cells to package recombinant adenovirus particles. rMSC were infected by recombinant adenovirus and EGFP expression was detected using fluorescent microscope. Infection efficiency was assessed by flow cytometrics. Western blotting identified expression of Ad -proBDNF and Ad-BDNF in rMSC. rMSC infected with Ad -proBDNF and Ad-BDNF were induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells. rMSC infected with Ad -proBDNF and Ad-BDNF were injected into nude mice and assessd in vivo.RESULTS:We successfully constructed the recombinant adenovirus Ad -proBDNF and Ad-BDNF that expressed in expanded rMSC in vitro.CONCLUSION:Recombinant adenovirus high-effectively mediates Ad -proBDNF and Ad-BDNF expression in expanded rMSC in vitro and in vivo.     

Construction and identification of eukaryotic expression vector of bcl-2 siRNA

AIM: To construct eukaryotic expression vector of small interfering RNA(siRNA) specific to bcl-2 and investigate the effect of recombinant plasmid on suppressing bladder cancer cell growth.METHODS: siRNA of bcl-2 gene was designed according to the principle of RNAi-based medicine, and was converted into cDNA coding expression of small hairpin RNAs(shRNA) of siRNA. The cDNA was synthesized and inserted into plasmid pGenesil-1. The recombinant eukaryotic expression vectors of pGenesil-1545 and pGenesil-1555 were controlled by the U6 promoter of RNA polymerase Ⅲ, identified by the restriction map and the sequence analysis, and transfected into T24 cells. After T24 cells were transfected for 72 h, expression of bcl-2 mRNA was assayed by RT-PCR; and MTT was used to observe the proliferation of T24 cells.RESULTS: The recombinant plasmids of pGenesil-1545 and pGenesil-1555 were identified by the restriction map and the sequence analysis. The sequences completely coincided with the designs. The expression of the bcl-2 mRNA in T24 cells transfected with recombinant plasmid decreased nearly 80%, and the growth of T24 cells was suppressed significantly.CONCLUSION: The siRNA eukaryotic expression vector against bcl-2 gene is successfully constructed. It effectively downregulates the expression of bcl-2 in T24 cells and suppresses the cell growth.     

Reversal of multidrug resistance by transfection of tumor necrosis factor α and MDR1 antisense RNA into multidrug resistant breast cancer cell line

AIM: To study the reversal effects of multidrug resistance by transfecting tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) cDNA and multidrug resistant 1 (MDR1) gene antisense RNA into multidrug resistant breast cancer cell line MCF-7/ADR. METHODS: The recombinant vector of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) with MDR1 antisense RNA and recombinant vector of red fluorescent protein (DsRed2) with TNF-α cDNA were constructed by RT-PCR and DNA recombinant techniques. The recombinant vectors were transfected into multidrug resistant breast cancer cell line MCF-7/ADR. The cell growth curves, cell apoptosis rates, MDR1 gene expression at mRNA and P-gp levels, and the sensitivity to ADR were determined before and after the transfection. RESULTS: After the transfection, cells showed lower growth rate, higher apoptosis rate, lower MDR1 expression at mRNA and P-gp levels, and the sensitivity to ADR increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Transfection of TNF-α cDNA and MDR1 antisense RNA into multidrug resistant breast cancer cells may have good effects on reversal of multidrug resistance.     

Construction of pNTAP-PRAK eukaryotic expression plasmid and its expression in HEK293 cells

AIM: To construct pNTAP-PRAK eukaryotic expression plasmid and to establish a stable HEK293 cell line expressing tandam affinity purification (TAP)-tagged PRAK. METHODS: Human PRAK coding region was subcloned into pNTAP vector to construct a recombinant plasmid called pNTAP-PRAK, then DH5α E.coli was transformed with the recombinant plasmid. After identified by PCR, digestion with restriction endonuclease and sequencing, the correct recombinant expression plasmid was transfected with PolyFect liposome transfection reagent to HEK293 cells. The cell line with stable expression of exogenous TAP tagged-PRAK gene was established by screening of antibiotic G418. The expression and localization of the fusion protein TAP tagged-PRAK were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: All the results of identification by PCR, digestion with restriction endonuclease and sequencing indicated that the recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid pNTAP-PRAK was constructed correctly. The result of Western blotting showed that the recombinant plasmid was expressed stably in HEK293 cells after transfection followed by G418 screening. The result of immunofluorescence assay showed that the expression product TAP tagged-PRAK distributed mainly in the nucleus. CONCLUSION: The eukaryotic expression vector pNTAP-PRAK was successfully constructed and the cell line stably expressing TAP tagged-PRAK was established. TAP tag didnt influence the localization of exogenous PRAK.     

Construction of lentiviral vector carrying the Ang-1 gene and its expression in the rMSCs

AIM: To construct lentiviral vector carrying the angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) gene,and make it express Ang-1 in the rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs).METHODS: The cDNA encoding the CDS of Ang-1 gene was obtained from the placenta of the adult Fisher 344 rats with RT-PCR.After digestion with restrication endonuclease,the Ang-1 gene was recombined to construct the transfer plasmid PNL-Ang1-IRES2-EGFP.The three-plasmid system of lentiviral vector was consisted of PNL-Ang1-IRES2-EGFP,the packaging plasmid HELPER,and the envelope plasmid VSVG,which were co-transfected to 293T cells mediated by lipofectamin2000 to produce lentiviral particles.The rMSCs were infected by obtained lentiviral particles.The insertion of Ang-1 gene was detected by PCR,the mRNA expression of Ang-1 in rMSCs was detected with RT-PCR,the protein expression of Ang-1 was observed with immunocytochemistry and Western blotting methods.RESULTS: The result of sequencing showed that the cloned Ang-1 gene was consistent with the sequence reported in GenBank.After digestion with restrication endonuclease,the 1 512 bp fragment of Ang-1 gene and the 10.5 kb vector fragment of PNL-IRES2-EGFP were observed with gel electrophoresis.The insertion of Ang-1 gene in viral genome was confirmed.The EGFP expression was observed with the fluorescent microscope.In infected rMSCs,the mRNA and protein expressions of Ang-1 were confirmed.CONCLUSION: Lentiviral vector carrying Ang-1 gene has been successfully constructed.The infected rMSCs are able to express the Ang-1 mRNA and Ang-1 abundantly.This will facilitate the following exploratory development of Ang-1 gene-modified rMSCs.