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.     

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.     

Effect of human scavenger receptor SR-A I overexpression on uptaking ox-LDL and adhesion in 293T cells

AIM: To construct the recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid pEGFP-C1-SR-A I for the high expression in 293T cells in order to identify functions of savenger receptor-A I (SR-A). METHODS: The primer was designed according to MSR1 cDNA and pEGFP-C1-SR-A I was constructed by standard molecular cloning technique and enzyme digestion. After sequencing, the plasmid was transfected into 293T cells by lipidosome method. The expression of scavenger receptor-A I was identified by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The foam cells were evaluated by the formation of lipid granules in the cells with oil red staining. Cell adhesion was analyzed by cell adhesion assay. RESULTS: 24 h after transfection, SR-A I mRNA was highly expressed and the high level of the protein was detected. The ratio of foam cell formation was doubled, the efficacy of cell adhesion was enhanced two times compared to the control group and the empty vector group. CONCLUSION: The recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid has been constructed successfully with enhancing the function of uptake ox-LDL and adhesion in 293T cells by overexpression of SR-A I.     

Construction of mouse pdx-1 gene eukaryotic expression vector and its expression in embryonic stem cells

AIM: To clone mouse pdx-1 gene and construct its eukaryotic expression vector for expression of pdx-1 in mouse embryonic stem cells.METHODS: Mouse pdx-1 cDNA fragment was amplified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from mouse pancreatic cDNA. The purified fragment was recombinated with a eukaryotic expression vector carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein, pEGFP-N1. The pdx-1 cDNA fragment was inserted into the multi-clone sites of the vector to construct a new plasmid, pEGFP/pdx-1. E.colli strain DH5α was transfected with the new recombinant plasmid to expand it. Plasmid DNA extracted from the expanded DH5α was identifed by cutting with Hind Ⅲ, BamHⅠ nuclease and by DNA sequencing. Identified plasmid DNA was transfected into mouse embryonic stem cell line MESPU13 by carrying with liposome. RESULTS: A 876 bp cDNA fragment was amplified from mouse pancreatic cDNA by PCR and it was inserted into the vector pEGFP-N1 correctly. The fragment was defined to be pdx-1 gene by nuclease digestion and DNA sequencing. Mouse embryonic stem cell line MESPU13 was transfected with the new recombinant plasmid DNA. The green fluorescent protein report gene and pdx-1 gene expressed in transfected mouse embryonic stem cells within 24 h. CONCLUSION: Mouse pdx-1 gene is cloned and its recombinant eukaryotic expression vector carrying green fluorescent protein is constructed successfully. It provides a useful tool for further research on the function of pdx-1.     

Effect of adipose differentiation-related protein on proliferation and apoptosis in H9c2 cells

AIM: To construct an adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) eukaryotic expression vector and to explore the effect of ADRP on apoptosis of H9c2 cells induced by palmitic acid (PA). METHODS: The ADRP gene obtained by the method of RT-PCR was cloned into pEGFP-C1 plasmid. The recombinant plasmid was transformed into E.coli DH5α for amplification. The recombinant plasmid was extracted from E.coli DH5α and transfected into H9c2 cells by Lipofectamine^TM2000. The stable transformants were selected by G418 screening. Expression of green fluorescent protein was observed under fluorescence microscope and the ADRP expression was identified by RT-qPCR and Western blotting analysis. The effect of PA on the proliferation of H9c2 cells was detected by MTT assay. The apoptotic percentage of H9c2 cells caused by PA was determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-C1-ADRP was successfully constructed. Green fluorescent was observed in the cells transfected with pEGFP-C1 or pEGFP-C1-ADRP under fluorescence microscope. RT-qPCR and Western blotting analysis showed that recombinant cells exhibited high mRNA and protein levels of ADRP. After treated with PA at different concentrations, the apoptosis rates and the proliferation inhibition of recombinant cells were both lower than those of the other two cells. CONCLUSION: The transfected H9c2 cells with stable ADRP expression were successfully established. The over-expression of ADRP prevents the cells from apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation caused by PA, indicating that ADRP plays a protective role in H9c2 cells.     

Role of B7-H6 over-expression in NK cell-mediated apoptosis of hepatocytes

AIM: To investigate the role of B7 homologue 6 (B7-H6) over-expression in natural killer (NK) cell-mediated hepatocyte apoptosis. METHODS: The full-length fragment of B7-H6 gene was amplified by PCR and subcloned into linearized eukaryotic expression vector pIRES2-EGFP to construct recombinant B7-H6 over-expression vector pIRES2-EGFP-B7-H6. The recombinant plasmid was identified by double digestion, PCR and sequencing, and was then transfected into L02 cells. The expression of EGFP was observed by fluorescence microscopy and the transfection efficiency was evaluated by flow cytometry. B7-H6 expression was confirmed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The L02 cells transfected with pIRES2-EGFP-B7-H6 recombinant plasmid were co-cultured with NK-92 cells at different effector/target ratios, and the cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells was evaluated by CCK-8 assay.RESULTS: The strong green fluorescence in the L02 cells was observed under fluorescence microscope 48 h after transfection. The transfection efficiency reached 92.6%. The expression of B7-H6 at mRNA and protein levels was remarkably increased 48 h after transfection. The cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells against L02 cells transfected with pIRES2-EGFP-B7-H6 plasmid was significantly higher than that of the null vector transfection group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pIRES2-EGFP-B7-H6 was constructed successfully. The cytotoxic effect of NK-92 cells against L02 cells can be enhanced by transfecting L02 cells with pIRES2-EGFP-B7-H6 plasmid.     

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 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.     

Conditionally replicating adenovirus activated by CXCR4 promoter in lung cancer

AIM: To construct a conditionally replicating adenovirus vector activated by CXCR4 promoter and to evaluate its ability of lysing the lung cancer cells specifically. METHODS: Human CXCR4-E1A gene amplified by PCR was cloned into the shuttle plasmid pDC316-GFP to construct the recombinant shuttle plasmid pDC316-CXCR4-GFP. The recombinat shuttle plasmid and adenovirus genomic plasmid pBHG-lox-E1, 3Cre were transfected into 293 cells to construct the recombinant adenovirus CRAd-CXCR4-GFP. PCR was used to detect the target gene fragments, and the viral titer was determined. A549 cells with the highest mRNA expression of CXCR4 were screened out from 5 kinds of lung cancer cell lines by real-time PCR. CXCR4 promoter activity and adenovirus replication numbers were detected in A549 cells after transfection of CRAd-CXCR4-GFP and Ad-NULL. CRAd-CXCR4-GFP and Ad-NULL were transfected into A549 cells and 16HBE cells, the apoptotic rates were detected by flow cytometry and the viability was analyzed by CCK-8 assay. RESULTS: The recombinant plasmid pDC316-CXCR4-GFP was constructed successfully. Green fluorescence was observed in 293 cells under fluorescent microscope after co-transfection of pDC316-CXCR4-GFP and pBHG-lox-E1, 3Cre at 11 d. Green fluorescence was observed in 293 cells after infection of amplified 3rd generational adenovirus. PCR showed that the purpose gene was successfully integrated in recombinant adenovirus genome. The virus in the supernatant reached a titer of 1×10¹³ PFU/L. The mRNA expression of E1A and E4 in the A549 cells after transfection of CRAd-CXCR4-GFP was markedly increased compared with Ad-NULL group. Compared with Ad-NULL group and empty control group, the apoptotic rate and the viability of A549 cells in CRAd-CXCR4-GFP group had no significant difference in the first 4 d, the apoptotic rate increased significantly at 5 d, and the cell viability declined significantly at 5 d, but the apoptotic rate and the viability of 16HBE cells in each group had no significant difference within 5 days. CONCLUSION: The conditionally replicating adenovirus vector CRAd-CXCR4-GFP has been successfully constructed, which has the ability of lysing lung cancer cells specifically.     

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 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.     

The antisense block of CROC-1 gene expression makes cells grow slower

AIM:To establish FL-CROC- 1 ^- cell line in which CROC- 1 gene expression was blocked and study the role of CROC- 1 gene in cell growth. METHODS:The appropriate length cDNA fragment of the recently identified human gene CROC- 1 which encodes ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme like protein(Ubc-like protein) was cloned into the reconstructed eukaryotic expression vector pMAMneo-amp^- by antisense strategy. The recombinant plasmid which can express CROC- 1 antisense RNA was selected by restriction enzyme map analysis. The antisense expression recombinant plasmid pMAM-antiCROC- 1 was then transfected into human amnion FL cells by a modified calcium phosphate-mediated transfection procedure and selected with MEM medium containing 400 μg/mL geneticin. Finally ,the growth rate of the G418 resistant FL-CROC- 1 ^- cell line was determined.RESULTS:When the antisense inhibition of CROC-1 gene expression was induced by dexamethasone,the growth rate of the FL-CROC-1^- cel line was obviously slower as compared with that of the control FL cell and FL-MAMneo cell which was established by transfection of plasmid pMAMneo-amp^-(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS:FL-CROC- 1 ^- cell line was successfully established in this study and the result of FL-CROC- 1 ^- cell growth suppression suggests that CROC- 1 gene encoded Ubc-like protein plays a positive regulation role in cell growth.     

Over-expression of Hsp75 in neural stem cells reduced Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity

AIM: To investigate the effect of heat shock protein 75 (Hsp75) over-expression on Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in the neural stem cells and to explore its mechanism. METHODS: An adenovirus-mediated Hsp75 over-expression vector was used in vitro. The mouse neural stem cell C17.2 was cultured in vitro and divided into control group, Aβ group, negative adenovirus vector transfection group and Hsp75 over-expression adenovirus vector transfection group. The transfection and cellular immune identification were detected by fluorescence microscopy. The cell morphology was observed under inverted phase-contrast microscope. The cell viability and apoptosis were detected by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Hsp75 over-expression and cleaved caspase-3 protein level were measured by Western blot. RESULTS: Observation by fluorescence microscopy indicated that C17.2 cells were successfully transfected and Hsp75 gene was effectively expressed in the neural stem cells after transfection. In addition, the morphology and viability of the cells did not change and these cells did not differentiate after transfection. As compared with control group, the cell viability in Aβ group and negative adenovirus vector transfection group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the cell apoptotic rate and cleaved caspase-3 level (P < 0.05) were increased. As compared with Aβ group and negative adenovirus vector transfection group, Hsp75 over-expression significantly increased the cell viability, and decreased the cell apoptosis and cleaved caspase-3 level (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hsp75 over-expression protects the neural stem cells against Aβ-induced injury. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting caspase-3 pathway-dependent apoptosis.     

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.     

Adenoviral-mediated high efficiency expression of enhanced green fluorescence protein gene in ex vivo expanded rat mesenchymal stem cells

AIM:To investigate the feasibility and infection efficiency of MSCs with replication-deficient adenovirus containing delivered gene, and whether enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) gene track the change during rMSCs differentiating neuron-like cells. METHODS: Rat marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) were expanded in low density in vitro. Under the control of CMV promoter, pAd-EGFP-Vector was constructed by homologous recombination in E.coil BJ 5183, and the recombinant virus was produced in HEK 293 packaging cell line. rMSCs infected with Ad-EGFP were observed and analyzed with fluorescence microscope. Infection efficiency was assessed by microscopical scoring and flow cytometrics. After withdrawing serum and exposure to β-mercaptoethanol medium, rMSCs infected with Ad-EGFP was induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells. As a control, the plasmid of pTrack-EGFP also was transfected into rMSCs to evaluate transfection efficiency. RESULTS:The results showed that Adenovirus vector (AdVec) delivered EGFP gene with high efficiency to marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Gene expression analysis showed that 36%±2 % of rMSCs infected with recombinant adenovirus expressed the transgene of EGFP at high levels. However, the transfection of plasmid pTrack-EGFP using routine method of lipofectamin mixed with plasmid DNA (pTrack-EGFP) was not easily successful and the transfection efficiency was much lower. rMSCs infected with Ad-EGFP in different passage could differentiate into typical morphology alike neural cells after withdrawing serum and exposure to β-mercaptoethanol medium. Immuno-staining with neuron-specific enolase (NSE), a neuronal marker, was strong positive, which suggested that rMSCs infected with Ad-EGFP had the potential to differentiate into neurons or neuron-like cells. CONCLUSION:The AdVec system can deliver target gene into MSCs and EGFP gene carried by AdVec can track the change during rMSCs differentiating into neuron-like cells.     

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 signal peptide-canstatin expression vector and its secretable expression in Eca-109 cells

AIM: To construct signal peptide-canstatin expression vector pEGFP-C1-SP-Can and express secretable mouse canstatin fusion protein in Eca-109 cells.METHODS: Site-directed mutagenesis was used in amplifying the signal peptide of murine plasminogen to construct the plasmid pEGFP-C1-SP.The cDNA of mouse canstatin, obtained from a cloning vector pMD18T-Can by PCR, was inserted into pEGFP-C1-SP to construct a secretable expression vector pEGFP-C1-SP-Can.Constructed plasmid pEGFP-C1-SP-Can was transiently transfected into Eca-109 cells via lipofectamine, and subsequently its secretable expression in the medium of cultured Eca-109 was observed by Western blotting.RESULTS: DNA sequencing and restriction enzyme analysis attested the validity of the constructed plasmids pEGFP-C1-SP and pEGFP-C1-SP-Can.EGFP-canstatin fusion protein was proved to be secretably expressed in Eca-109 by Wes tern blotting.CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the constructed vector pEGFP-C1-SP-Can is valid and capable of expression in Eca-109, these findings provide a basis for testing the function of mouse canstatin and its application in gene therapy.