Optimization, gene cloning, expression, and molecular docking insights for enhanced cellulase enzyme production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain elh1.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we isolated a cellulase-producing bacterium, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain elh, from rice peel. We employed two optimization methods to enhance the yield of cellulase. Firstly, we utilized a one-variable-at-a-time (OVAT) approach to evaluate the impact of individual physical and chemical parameters. Subsequently, we employed response surface methodology (RSM) to investigate the interactions among these factors. We heterologously expressed the cellulase encoding gene using a cloning vectorin E. coli DH5α. Moreover, we conducted in silico molecular docking analysis to analyze the interaction between cellulase and carboxymethyl cellulose as a substrate. RESULTS: The bacterial isolate eh1 exhibited an initial cellulase activity of 0.141 ± 0.077 U/ml when cultured in a specific medium, namely Basic Liquid Media (BLM), with rice peel as a substrate. This strain was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain elh1 through 16S rRNA sequencing, assigned the accession number OR920278 in GenBank. The optimal incubation time was found to be 72 h of fermentation. Urea was identified as the most suitable nitrogen source, and dextrose as the optimal sugar, resulting in a production increase to 5.04 ± 0.120 U/ml. The peak activity of cellulase reached 14.04 ± 0.42 U/ml utilizing statistical optimization using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). This process comprised an initial screening utilizing the Plackett-Burman design and further refinement employing the BOX -Behnken Design. The gene responsible for cellulase production, egl, was effectively cloned and expressed in E. coli DH5α. The transformed cells exhibited a cellulase activity of 22.3 ± 0.24 U/ml. The egl gene sequence was deposited in GenBank with the accession number PP194445. In silico molecular docking revealed that the two hydroxyl groups of carboxymethyl cellulose bind to the residues of Glu169 inside the binding pocket of the CMCase. This interaction forms two hydrogen bonds, with an affinity score of -5.71. CONCLUSIONS: Optimization of cultural conditions significantly enhances the yield of cellulase enzyme when compared to unoptimized culturing conditions. Additionally, heterologous expression of egl gene showed that the recombinant form of the cellulase is active and that a valid expression system can contribute to a better yield of the enzyme.

Gene cloning, expression, and enzyme kinetics analysis of Eimeria tenella 2- methylcitrate synthase.

In prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes, 2-methylcitrate cycle (2-MCC) is the main pathway for propionate decomposition and transformation, but little is known about the 2-MCC pathway of Eimeria tenella. The analysis of genomic data found that the coding gene of 2- methylcitrate synthase (EC 2.3.3.5, PrpC) exists in E. tenella, which is a key enzyme of 2-MCC pathway. Through the search analysis of the database (ToxoDB), it was found that ETH_ 00026655 contains the complete putative sequence of EtprpC. In this study, we amplified the ORF sequence of EtprpC based on putative sequence. Then, prokaryotic expression, enzyme activity and kinetic analysis was performed. The results showed that the EtprpC ORF sequence was 1272 bp, encoding a 46.3 kDa protein comprising 424 amino acids. Enzyme activity assays demonstrate linearity between the initial reaction rate (OD/min) and EtPrpC concentration (ranging from 1.5 to 9 µg/reaction), with optimal enzyme activity observed at 41°C and pH 8.0. The results of enzymatic kinetic analysis showed that the Km of EtPrpC for propionyl-CoA, oxaloacetic acid, and acetyl-CoA was 5.239 ± 0.17 mM, 1.102 ± 0.08 µM, and 5.999 ± 1.24 µM, respectively. The Vmax was 191.11 ± 19.1 nmol/min/mg, 225.48 ± 14.4 nmol/min/mg, and 370.02 ± 25.8 nmol/min/mg when EtPrpC concentration at 4, 6, and 8 µg, respectively. Although the ability of EtPrpC to catalyze acetyl-CoA is only 0.11% of its ability to catalyze propionyl-CoA, it indicates that the 2-MCC pathway in E. tenella is similar to that in bacteria and may have a bypass function in the TCA cycle. This study can provide the theoretical foundation for the new drug targets and the development of new anticoccidial drugs.

A novel pectate lyase with high specific activity from Bacillus sp. B58-2: Gene cloning, heterologous expression and use in ramie degumming.

Pectinase plays a crucial role in ramie degumming. A gene encoding a putative pectate lyase from Bacillus sp. strain B58-2 was cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. The amplified gene BvelPL1 encoded a mature protein of 400 amino acids. BvelPL1 shared the highest amino acid sequence identity (78.75%) with the enzymatically characterized pectate lyase Pel from Bacillus subtilis strain RCK (GenBank: AFH66771.1). The purified recombinant enzyme rBvelPL1-Ec exhibited a maximum specific activity of 2433.26 U/mg at pH 8.5 and 50 °C towards polygalacturonic acid. This specific activity was higher than that of most reported pectate lyases. Remarkably, the enzymatic activity of rBvelPL1-Ec increased by 23.28 times in the presence of 0.4 mM calcium ion. The effect of calcium ion on promoting the enzymatic activity of rBvelPL1-Ec was greater than that for all reported pectate lyases. After degumming with rBvelPL1-Ec, a weight loss of 21.27 ± 1.17% of circled ramie fibers was obtained, and the surfaces of the ramie fibers became smoother. Moreover, a weight loss of 30.47 ± 0.46% was obtained through enzymatic treated and subsequent NaOH treated circled ramie fibers. The excellent performance in degumming suggests that rBvelPL1-Ec may serve as a promising biocatalyst in the textile industry.

Molecular cloning, functional characterization and expression of the ß-amyrin synthase gene involved in saikosaponin biosynthesis in Bupleurum chinense DC.

Bupleurum chinense DC. is a commonly used plant in traditional Chinese medicine, and saikosaponins(SSs) are the main active oleanane-typetriterpene saponins in B. chinense. ß-Amyrin synthase (ß-AS) is an important enzyme in oleanane-type triterpenoid saponin synthesis, but its role in saikosaponin synthesis has rarely been studied. Here, the putative ß-AS gene BcBAS1(Accession No.ON890382) selected according to metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses was cloned and functionally characterized by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris, and its subcellular localization and expression patterns were examined. The molecular weight of the BcBAS1 recombinant protein was approximately 87 kDa, and this protein could catalyse the production of ß-amyrin, the precursor of SSs. Furthermore, BcBAS1 was located in the cytosol, and relative expression in four tissues of the four genotypes was positively correlated with SSa and SSd contents. Our results indicate that BcBAS1 is a ß-AS gene and may play an important role in saikosaponin biosynthesis and regulation. This study sheds light on the role of ß-AS genes in the synthesis of SSs and provides insights for the metabolic engineering of SSs.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel xylanase from Microbacterium imperiale YD-01.

Xylaneses are very common xylanolytic enzymes, which are widely used in food, papermaking, and other industries. In this study, a xylanase-encoding gene xyn1923, which encodes a protein of 1352 amino acids, was identified through the whole genome analysis of Microbacterium imperiale YD-01. Bioinformatics analysis showed that Xyn1923 only had maximum similarity of 37% with the reported xylanase from Alkalihalobacillus halodurans C-125, indicating that Xyn1923 was a novel xylanase. The enzymatic properties of Xyn1923 were systematically analyzed after purification. The results showed that the specific activity of the enzyme was 10.582 ± 0.413 U/mg, while the optimum pH and temperature of the enzyme were 7.0 and 70°C, respectively. The enzyme is stable in the pH range of 6.0-9.0, and the enzyme activity could maintain more than 85% of the original activity after 16 hr incubation at pH 9.0. The enzyme activity is relatively stable in the range of 30-60°C, and its enzyme activity could maintain more than 89% of the original activity after treatment at 60°C for 30 min. Low concentrations (≤1 mM) of Co2+ , Ba2+ , Fe2+ , and Fe3+ metal ions exerted a stimulatory effect on the activity of Xyn1923. And in contrast, high concentrations (≥2 mM) of the above metal ions inhibit the activity of Xyn1923. Mg2+ , Ag+ , Cu2+ , Ca2+ , Mn2+ , and Pb2+ ions showed a negative effect on the activity of Xyn1923. Enzyme kinetic studies showed that Km and Vmax values for xylan were 7.842 ± 0.538 mg/ml and 15.208 ± 0.822 U/mg, respectively. Xyn1923 was found to be a weakly alkaline thermophilic xylanase through an enzymatic property analysis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Xylanases are widely used in food and feed, biofuels, papermaking, and other industries. However, their use is limited by poor performance under the conditions of pH and temperature. Therefore, the discovery of xylanases with the capability of working efficiently at alkaline pH and high temperature is the priority for its industrial applications. In this study, a novel xylanase-encoding gene xyn1923 from Microbacterium imperiale YD-01 was cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. Enzymatic properties of this novel xylanase were investigated, indicating that the robust thermal stability and alkali resistance of Xyn1923 make it a potential candidate for the food and paper industries.

Cloning and Characterization of Three Sugar Metabolism Genes (LBGAE, LBGALA, and LBMS) Regulated in Response to Elevated CO2 in Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum L.).

The composition and content of sugar play a pivotal role in goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) fruits, determining fruit quality. Long-term exposure of goji berry to elevated CO2 (eCO2) was frequently demonstrated to reduce sugar content and secondary metabolites. In order to understand the regulatory mechanisms and improve the quality of fruit in the changing climate, it is essential to characterize sugar metabolism genes that respond to eCO2. The objectives of this study were to clone full-length cDNA of three sugar metabolism genes-LBGAE (Lycium barbarum UDP-glucuronate 4-epimerase), LBGALA (Lycium barbarum alpha-galactosidase), and LBMS (Lycium barbarum malate synthase)-that were previously identified responding to eCO2, and to analyze sequence characteristics and expression regulation patterns. Sugar metabolism enzymes regulated by these genes were also estimated along with various carbohydrates from goji berry fruits grown under ambient (400 µmol mol-1) and elevated (700 µmol mol-1) CO2 for 90 and 120 days. Homology-based sequence analysis revealed that the protein-contained functional domains are similar to sugar transport regulation and had a high sequence homology with other Solanaceae species. The sucrose metabolism-related enzyme's activity varied significantly from ambient to eCO2 in 90-day and 120-day samples along with sugars. This study provides fundamental information on sugar metabolism genes to eCO2 in goji berry to enhance fruit quality to climate change.

Gene cloning, expression, purification and characterization of a sn-1,3 extracellular lipase from Aspergillus niger GZUF36.

Sn-1,3 extracellular Aspergillus niger GZUF36 lipase (EXANL1) has wide application potential in the food industry. However, the A. niger strain has defects such as easy degradation and instability in the expression of sn-1,3 lipase. To obtain a stable expression of this lipase and its subsequent enzymatic properties, the gene encoding EXANL1 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells using pET-28a as the expression vector. The temperature-induced conditions were optimized, and we successfully achieved its active expression in E. coli. These conditions significantly influenced the active expression of EXANL1 (P < 0.05), and the highest enzyme activity of the supernatant of lysis cells expressed at 20 °C was at 7.02 ± 0.05 U/mL. The expressed recombinant EXANL1 was purified using Ni-NTA, showing an estimated relative molecular mass of 35 kDa. The recombinant EXANL1 exhibited maximum activity at 35 °C and pH 4.0, with a wide acid pH range. Thin-layer chromatography analysis showed that the enzyme displayed sn-1,3 positional selectivity toward triolein. The recombinant EXANL1 could maintain its relative activities (> 80%) after 24 h of incubation at pH 3-10, suggesting its suitability for a wide range of industrial applications. After comparing these properties with those of the other A. niger lipases, we found that some key amino acids may play a decisive role in enzymology. This work laid a foundation for the stable expression of the EXANL1 gene and its potential industrial application.

Gene Cloning, Heterologous Expression and Biochemical Characterization of A Novel Extracellular Lipase from Rhizopus Oryzae KU45.

BACKGROUND: Lipases secreted from various Rhizopus oryzae strains were previously expressed in Escherichia coli, Pichia pastoris, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and was shown to have distinct activities in response to different temperatures, metal ions, organic solvents, and specific substrates. However, until now, no other research biochemically characterized the functions of extracellular pro-lipase in a novel Rhizopus oryzae KU45. OBJECTIVES: Characterization of a novel extracellular lipase from fungus R. oryzae KU45 after heterologous expression in E. coli BL21 (DE3) strain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An extracellular lipase producing fungus was isolated from a soil sample and identified as a strain of R. oryzae by partial 18S rRNA gene sequencing. It was named as R. oryzae KU45. The lipase gene of KU45 was cloned into pET-28a expression vector and expressed in E. coli as inclusion bodies. The recombinant lipase was purified, refolded and characterized. RESULTS: The lipase exhibited maximum activity at 45ºC, at slightly alkaline pH. It showed a broad substrate specificity acting on p-nitrophenyl esters with C8-C16 acyl groups as substrates and, many of the organic solvents and metal ions tested did not have any adverse effects on the enzyme activity. CONCLUSIONS: High stability, broad substrate specificity and activity at mesophilic temperatures in the presence of organic solvents, and metal ions make the extracellular lipase of KU45 a candidate for various biotechnological applications.

One-Pot Enzymatic Synthesis of D-Arylalanines Using Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase and L-Amino Acid Deaminase.

The phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (AvPAL) from Anabaena variabilis catalyzes the amination of substituent trans-cinnamic acid (t-CA) to produce racemic D,L-enantiomer arylalanine mixture owing to its low stereoselectivity. To produce high optically pure D-arylalanine, a modified AvPAL with high D-selectivity is expected. Based on the analyses of catalytic mechanism and structure, the Asn347 residue in the active site was proposed to control stereoselectivity. Therefore, Asn347 was mutated to construct mutant AvPAL-N347A, the stereoselectivity of AvPAL-N347A for D-enantiomer arylalanine was 2.3-fold higher than that of wild-type AvPAL (WtPAL). Furthermore, the residual L-enantiomer product in reaction solution could be converted into the D-enantiomer product through stereoselective oxidation by PmLAAD and nonselective reduction by reducing agent NH3BH3. At optimal conditions, the conversion rate of t-CA and optical purity (enantiomeric excess (eeD)) of D-phenylalanine reached 82% and exceeded 99%, respectively. The two enzymes displayed activity toward a broad range of substrate and could be used to efficiently synthesize D-arylalanine with different groups on the phenyl ring. Among these D-arylalanines, the yield of m-nitro-D-phenylalanine was highest and reached 96%, and the eeD exceeded 99%. This one-pot synthesis using AvPAL and PmLAAD has prospects for industrial application.

A series of new E. coli-Thermococcus shuttle vectors compatible with previously existing vectors.

Hyperthermophilic microorganisms are an important asset in the toolkits of biotechnologists, biochemists and evolutionary biologists. The anaerobic archaeon, Thermococcus kodakarensis, has become one of the most useful hyperthermophilic model species, not least due to its natural competence and genetic tractability. Despite this, the range of genetic tools available for T. kodakarensis remains limited. Using sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, we determined that the rolling-circle replication origin of the cryptic mini-plasmid pTP2 from T. prieurii is suitable for plasmid replication in T. kodakarensis. Based on this replication origin, we present a novel series of replicative E. coli-T. kodakarensis shuttle vectors. These shuttle vectors have been constructed with three different selectable markers, allowing selection in a range of T. kodakarensis backgrounds. Moreover, these pTP2-derived plasmids are compatible with the single-existing E. coli-T. kodakarensis shuttle vector, pLC70. We show that both pTP2-derived and pLC70-derived plasmids replicate faithfully while cohabitating in T. kodakarensis cells. These plasmids open the door for new areas of research in plasmid segregation, DNA replication and gene expression.

Characterization of laccase from apple fruit during postharvest storage and its response to diphenylamine and 1-methylcyclopropene treatments.

To gain better understanding on laccase in apples and reveal its role in browning color formation during storage, laccases in apples were investigated. The full-length complementary DNAs encoding laccase genes were obtained from different tissues of apple including flowers, calyx, leaves and fruit peel of 'Red Delicious' and 'Cortland'. The apple laccases were compared to those in other plant species and found to have up to 99% homology to Arabidopsis and litchi. qRT-PCR analysis revealed changes in transcript abundance of LAC genes (2, 7, 9, 12, 14, 15 and 16) during storage and in response to DPA and 1-MCP treatments. Enzyme activity of laccase protein in apple peel increased with storage in control fruit, while decreased significantly with DPA or 1-MCP. Changes in phenolic compounds in pericarp tissues decreased generally during storage, but no significant effect of DPA and 1-MCP treatments on the phenolic compounds was found.

Screening, purification, and characterization of a novel organic solvent-tolerant esterase, Lip2, from Monascus purpureus strain M7.

Organic solvent-tolerant esterases are proven to be excellent biocatalysts in chemical and pharmaceutical industries. A novel organic solvent-tolerant esterase gene, lip2, was isolated from filamentous fungi Monascus purpureus M7. The sequence analysis suggested that lip2 has a conserved "GDSL" motif near the active center. The multiple-sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that Lip2 displayed two unique amino-acid sequence motifs that clearly separate it from any other previously described lipase family. After incubation in 20% methanol and ethanol for 3 h, the Lip2 displayed 190 and 180% residual activities, respectively. It retained 99-110% relative activity in 20% (v/v) hydrophilic organic solvents after incubation for 1 day. This esterase showed optimal activity at 40 °C and retained about 70% maximal activity at 60 °C. The enzyme also displayed more than 50% residual activity over a range of pH 5-11. In the presence of most of metal ions or additives, Lip2 retained most of the activity. These unique properties of Lip2 make it a promising as biocatalyst for industrial processes.

Efficient hydrolysis of raw starch and ethanol fermentation: a novel raw starch-digesting glucoamylase from Penicillium oxalicum.

BACKGROUND: Starch is a very abundant and renewable carbohydrate and is an important feedstock for industrial applications. The conventional starch liquefaction and saccharification processes are energy-intensive, complicated, and not environmentally friendly. Raw starch-digesting glucoamylases are capable of directly hydrolyzing raw starch to glucose at low temperatures, which significantly simplifies processing and reduces the cost of producing starch-based products. RESULTS: A novel raw starch-digesting glucoamylase PoGA15A with high enzymatic activity was purified from Penicillium oxalicum GXU20 and biochemically characterized. The PoGA15A enzyme had a molecular weight of 75.4 kDa, and was most active at pH 4.5 and 65 °C. The enzyme showed remarkably broad pH stability (pH 2.0-10.5) and substrate specificity, and was able to degrade various types of raw starches at 40 °C. Its adsorption ability for different raw starches was consistent with its degrading capacities for the corresponding substrate. The cDNA encoding the enzyme was cloned and heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris. The recombinant enzyme could quickly and efficiently hydrolyze different concentrations of raw corn and cassava flours (50, 100, and 150 g/L) with the addition of α-amylase at 40 °C. Furthermore, when used in the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of 150 g/L raw flours to ethanol with the addition of α-amylase, the ethanol yield reached 61.0 g/L with a high fermentation efficiency of 95.1 % after 48 h when raw corn flour was used as the substrate. An ethanol yield of 57.0 g/L and 93.5 % of fermentation efficiency were achieved with raw cassava flour after 36 h. In addition, the starch-binding domain deletion analysis revealed that SBD plays a very important role in raw starch hydrolysis by the enzyme PoGA15A. CONCLUSIONS: A novel raw starch-digesting glucoamylase from P. oxalicum, with high enzymatic activity, was biochemically, molecularly, and genetically identified. Its efficient hydrolysis of raw starches and its high efficiency during the direct conversion of raw corn and cassava flours via simultaneous saccharification and fermentation to ethanol suggests that the enzyme has a number of potential applications in industrial starch processing and starch-based ethanol production.

Overexpression of a Modified Plant Thionin Enhances Disease Resistance to Citrus Canker and Huanglongbing (HLB).

Huanglongbing (HLB or citrus greening disease) caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las) is a great threat to the US citrus industry. There are no proven strategies to eliminate HLB disease and no cultivar has been identified with strong HLB resistance. Citrus canker is also an economically important disease associated with a bacterial pathogen (Xanthomonas citri). In this study, we characterized endogenous citrus thionins and investigated their expression in different citrus tissues. Since no HLB-resistant citrus cultivars have been identified, we attempted to develop citrus resistant to both HLB and citrus canker through overexpression of a modified plant thionin. To improve effectiveness for disease resistance, we modified and synthesized the sequence encoding a plant thionin and cloned into the binary vector pBinPlus/ARS. The construct was then introduced into Agrobacterium strain EHA105 for citrus transformation. Transgenic Carrizo plants expressing the modified plant thionin were generated by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Successful transformation and transgene gene expression was confirmed by molecular analysis. Transgenic Carrizo plants expressing the modified thionin gene were challenged with X. citri 3213 at a range of concentrations, and a significant reduction in canker symptoms and a decrease in bacterial growth were demonstrated compared to nontransgenic plants. Furthermore, the transgenic citrus plants were challenged with HLB via graft inoculation. Our results showed significant Las titer reduction in roots of transgenic Carrizo compared with control plants and reduced scion Las titer 12 months after graft inoculation. These data provide promise for engineering citrus disease resistance against HLB and canker.

Cloning, expression and characterization of a novel cold-active and organic solvent-tolerant esterase from Monascus ruber M7.

Cold active esterases are a class of important biocatalysts that exhibit high activity at low temperatures. In this study, a search for putative cold-active esterase encoding genes from Monascus ruber M7 was performed. A cold-active esterase, named Lip10, was isolated, cloned, purified, and characterized. Amino acid sequence analysis reveals that Lip10 contained a conserved sequence motif Gly(173)-Xaa-Ser(175)-Xaa-Gly(177) that is also present in the majority of esterases and lipases. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Lip10 was a novel microbial esterase. The lip10 gene was cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), resulting in the expression of an active and soluble protein that constituted 40 % of the total cell protein content. Lip10 maintained almost 50 % of its maximal activity at 4-10 °C, with optimal activity at 40 °C. Furthermore, Lip10 retained 184-216 % of its original activity, after incubation in 50 % (v/v) hydrophobic organic solvents for 24 h. The enzyme also exhibited high activity under alkaline conditions and good tolerance to metal ions in the reaction mixture. These results indicate that Lip10 may have potential uses in chemical synthesis and food processing industrial applications as an esterase.

Detection of Asp371, Phe375, and Tyr376 Influence on GD-95-10 Lipase Using Alanine Scanning Mutagenesis.

GD-95-10 and GD-95-20 lipases are modified GD-95 lipase variants, which lack 10 and 20 C-terminal amino acids, respectively. Previous analysis showed that GD-95-10 lipase has higher activity than GD-95 lipase, while GD-95-20 lipase almost completely loses its activity. Analysis in silico suggested three conservative amino acids at region between 369 and 378 amino acids which can be relevant to the activity of GD-95-10 lipase. These amino acids have direct contacts with residues involved in substrate binding, stabilization of the serine loop or form oxyanion hole. In this work, the role of Asp371, Phe375, and Tyr376 on activity, functionality, and structure of GD-95-10 lipase was analyzed by Ala scanning mutagenesis. We showed that even a single mutation can impact the main structure and activity of Geobacillus lipases. Our experiments provide new knowledge about lipases from thermophilic Geobacillus bacteria and are important for protein engineering and synthetic biology. These enzymes and their engineering can be basis for future biocatalysts applied in production of biofuel or other industrial esters.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of RrNHX1 and RrVHA-c genes related to salt tolerance in wild Rosa rugosa.

Salt stress is one important factor influencing the growth and development of plants, and salt tolerance of plants is a result of combined action of multiple genes and mechanisms. Rosa rugosa is not only an important ornamental plant, but also the natural aromatic plant of high value. Wild R. rugosa which is naturally distributed on the coast and islands of China has a good salt tolerance due to the special living environment. Here, the vacuolar Na(+)/H(+) reverse transporter gene (NHX1) and the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase subunit C gene (VHA-c) closely related to plant salt tolerance were isolated from wild R. rugosa, and the expression patterns in R. rugosa leaves of the two genes under NaCl stress were determined by real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR. The results showed that the RrNHX1 protein is a constitutive Na(+)/H(+) reverse transporter, the expression of the RrNHX1 gene first increased and then decreased with the increasing salt concentration, and had a time-controlled effect. The RrVHA-c gene is suggestive of the housekeeping feature, its expression pattern showed a similar variation trend with the RrNHX1 gene under the stress of different concentrations of NaCl, and its temporal expression level under 200 mM NaCl stress presented bimodal change. These findings indicated that RrNHX1 and RrVHA-c genes are closely associated with the salt tolerance trait of wild R. rugosa.

Molecular characterization and expression analysis of the small GTPase ROP members expressed in laticifers of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis).

ROP (Rho of plants) proteins are plant-specific Rho-type small GTPases which play important roles in cellular processes and stress responses. This study explores the characteristics and possible functions of ROPs that are expressed primarily in laticifers of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). The work serves as a preliminary step to determining their involvement in latex flow and regeneration, laticifers formation and tapping panel dryness (TPD, a physiological disorder in rubber trees that result in the stoppage of latex flow). In this connection, we (i) identified five HbROPs (HbROP1-HbROP5) by searching latex transcripts database and the genome databases, (ii) characterized molecular and phylogenic aspects of the HbROPs and examined the cis-regulatory elements in their promoter regions; (iii) analyzed by Real-time Quantitative PCR (QPCR) the tissue specificity of the HbROPs and their expression patterns in response to tapping, bark wounding and growth regulator treatments. All five HbROP genes were strongly expressed in the latex, with HbROP1, 3, 4 and 5 showing the highest expression among the six Hevea tissues examined, viz. latex, bud, mature leaf, bark, male flower and seed. When tapping was initiated on previously untapped trees, HbROP3 transcription was substantially down-regulated whereas HbROP5 expression was markedly up-regulated. Transcripts of HbROP3 rose gradually with the development of TPD. Except for the cytokinin 6-benzyl aminopurine that induced a rise in HbROP5 transcripts by more than 2-fold, the other growth regulators tested had little effect on HbROPs expression. The roles of HbROPs in rubber tree are discussed in relation to the diverse functions of ROP homologs reported in other plant species.

Molecular cloning, genomic structure, polymorphism and expression analysis of major histocompatibility complex class IIA gene of swamp eel Monopterus albus.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules play an important role in the immune response of vertebrates. In this paper, full-length MHC IIA cDNA was isolated from swamp eel (Monopterus albus) by rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR. The genomic structure, molecular polymorphism, tissue distribution, and immune response of the MHC IIA gene to bacterial challenge were investigated. The full-length cDNA (GenBank accession No.: KC616308) is 1,509 bp in length including an 83 bp-long 5' untranslated region (UTR) and a 709 bp-long 3' UTR, which encoded a 238 amino acids protein. In the 2,339 bp-long MHC IIA genomic DNA, four exons and three introns were identified. Sequence comparison exhibited that the deduced amino acid sequence shared 27.1-66.3% identity with those of other species. Seven alleles were identified from five healthy individuals. Number of alleles per individual diversified from two to five. Five different 5' UTR sequences and two different 3' UTR sequences from one individual may infer the existence of five loci at least. Real-time quantitative PCR demonstrated that swamp eel MHC IIA transcripts were ubiquitously expressed in ten tissues, but the expression level was distinctly different. Significant changes were observed in liver, spleen, kidney and intestine after challenged with pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophilia.

Expression of kringle 1-3 domain fragment of human plasmihogen in E.coli and the anti-tumor activity of its product / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To study the expression of kringle 1-3 domain fragment of human plasmihogen in E.coli and the anti-tumor activity of its product.Methods:The K1-3 domain fragment was cloned in expression vector pBV220,the resulted recombinant plasmid pBV-K13 was transformed into E.coli DH5? and its product was purified and assayed its bioactivity.Results:K1-3 domain fragment was expressed in(E.coli) DH5?.The results showed the expressed product covered 20% of the total bacterial protein on SDS-PAGE and the Western blot analysis showed that the product had immunological specificity with the antiserum of human plasminogen and inhibits the growth of chorioallantoic membrane(CAM) angiogenesis and mouse B16 melanoma.Conclusion:Human plasminogen K1-3 domain fragment was expressed in E.coli;the expressed product has anti-angiogenesis and anti-tumor activity.