Glutathione S-transferase Moiety Research Articles

Lesional Mechanism of Alpha Thalassemias : Towards a Common Mechanism Alpha Thal / Beta Thal

Context and Objectives: Erythropoiesis is a complex process based on the balance between proliferation / maturation and apoptosis, which produces more than 109 red blood cells per day. The lesional mechanism of thalassemia (thal) appears during the synthesis of hemoglobin (Hb) and the classical hypothesis proposes that the clinical severity is proportional to the imbalance of production of alpha / non-alpha-globin chains. However, the severe alpha thal (HbH) phenotypic expression does not adhere to this model since the HbH linked to the association of deletions (alpha0 / alpha +) are less severe than HbH associating deletion and point mutants (alpha0 / alphaCS alpha) while the deficiency is less important, and that there are severe alpha thal linked to homozygosity for an alpha variant without deletion. In order to understand the lesional mechanisms involved, and in light of recent work on beta thal pathophysiology, we have carried out cultures of erythroid progenitors from patients with these two types of « deletional » HbH (alpha0/ -3,7) and « non deletional » HbH (alpha0/ CS) as well as from a homozygous patient of an Agrinio variant (alpha2 : p29 Leu®Pro). We have characterized the amount of alpha globin aggregates in the progenitors of the different patients. In addition, the Agrinio mutation was produced in E. coli to study the consequences of the mutation on interactions between α-HbAgrinio and the alpha-Hemoglobin Stabilizing Protein (AHSP) chaperone.Materials and Methods: Erythroid progenitors were analyzed by multiparametric cytometry (Amnis®) and confocal microscopy to quantify and characterize cytoplasmic aggregates. “Non-thalassemic red cells” (csp) and progenitors from a beta thal major patient were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Normal α-Hb proteins (α-HbWT) and α-HbAgrinio were produced as glutathione S transferase (GST) fusion proteins associated with their chaperones (GST-AHSP / GST-α -Hb). After cleavage of the GST moiety, the characterization of the AHSP / α-HbAgrinio complex was carried out by fluorescence spectroscopy.Results: The proportion of cells with cellular aggregates analyzed by multiparametric cytometry is proportional to the clinical severity of the patient with an order csp < alpha°/ alpha+ < alpha°/alphaCS < alphaAgrinio alpha / alphaAgrinio alpha < beta thal. The expression in E.coli of α-HbAgrinio is similar to that observed for α-HbWT, but the amount of α-HbAgrinio obtained after purification is greatly decreased indicating a significant instability of α-HbAgrinio. The absorbance spectroscopy shows that the amplitude of the Soret band, characteristic of the heme molecule, is highly decreased for the AHSP / α-HbAgrinio complex compared to that observed for the AHSP / α-HbWT complex. The fluorescence emission spectrum of the AHSP / α-HbAgrinio complex is increased compared to that of the normal complex indicating that the tryptophan AHSP fluorescence signal is less attenuated since fewer heme molecules are present. These results show that α-HbAgrinio is unstable probably due to an alteration of interaction with its chaperone and to a lack of insertion of heme in the globin for this mutant.Conclusion: Recent work has shown that one of the mechanisms responsible for dyserythropoiesis in beta thal major progenitors is the sequestration of the HSP70 chaperone in the cytosol by alpha globin precipitates. HSP70 can therefore no longer protect the nuclear GATA1 factor from cleavage by the activated caspase3 at the beginning of terminal differentiation. This leads to inachieved differentiation and apoptosis. Our results indicate that in HbH and non-deletional alpha thal, a comparable mechanism would be an important element in the pathophysiology unifying the lesional mechanism of two apparently opposite pathologies. Studies in the bacterial model confirm the strong instability of α-HbAgrinio and in vitro studies show that this mutant is partially heminized. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Purification of Fusion Proteins by Affinity Chromatography on Glutathione Resin.

Fusion proteins that contain a glutathione S-transferase (GST) moiety can be purified to near homogeneity by affinity chromatography on glutathione-linked resins. Glutathione immobilized on a chromatography matrix, such as agarose or Sepharose, acts as a substrate for the GST moiety of fusion proteins. Contaminating proteins are washed away, and the bound GST fusion proteins are then readily displaced from the resin by elution with buffers containing free glutathione.

Expression and purification of GST-FHL2 fusion protein

Escherichia coli is the most widely used host for the production of recombinant proteins. However, most eukaryotic proteins are typically obtained as insoluble, misfolded inclusion bodies that need solubilization and refolding. The interactions between human FHL2 protein and many types of proteins, including structural proteins, kinases, and several classes of transcription factor, have been found to have important roles in a variety of fundamental processes, including arrhythmia, hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, and angiogenesis. To achieve high-level expression of soluble recombinant human FHL2 protein in E. coli, we have constructed a recombinant expression plasmid, pGEX-4T-1-FHL2, in which we merged FHL2 cDNA with the glutathione S-transferase (GST) coding sequence downstream of the tac inducible promoter. Using this plasmid, we have achieved high expression of soluble FHL2 as a GST fusion protein in E. coli BL21. We have used the engineered plasmid (pGEX-4T-1-FHL2) and the modified E. coli strain to overcome the problem of removing the GST moiety while expressing soluble FHL2. Our results show that: 1) the recombinant plasmid was successfully constructed. Sequencing results showed that FHL2 and GST are in the same reading frame; 2) at 23°C, soluble GST-FHL2 fusion protein was highly expressed after induction with 0.1 mM IPTG; and 3) GST-FHL2 can be detected by Western blotting using mouse monoclonal anti-GST antibody. Our data are the first to show that high yields of soluble FHL2 tagged with GST can be achieved in E.coli.

Chimeric oncogenic interferon regulatory factor-2 (IRF-2): Degradation products are biologically active

Interferon Regulatory Factor-2 (IRF-2) belongs to IRF family, was identified as a mammalian transcription factor involved in Interferon beta (IFNβ) gene regulation. Besides that IRF-2 is involved in immunomodulation, hematopoietic differentiation, cell cycle regulation and oncogenesis. We have done molecular sub-cloning and expression of recombinant murine IRF-2 as GST (Glutathione-S-Transferase)- IRF-2 fusion protein in E. coli/XL-1blue cells. Recombinant IRF-2 with GST moiety at N-terminus expressed as GST-IRF-2 (~66 kd) in E. coli along with different low molecular mass degradation products revealed approximately 30, 42, 60 and 62 kd by SDS-PAGE and Western blot, respectively. We further confirm that degradation takes place at C-terminus of the fusion protein not at N-terminus as anti-GST antibody was detecting all bands in the immunoblot. The recombinant IRF-2 was biologically active along with their degradation products in terms of their DNA binding activity as assessed by Electrophoretically Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA). We observed three different molecular mass DNA/protein complexes (1 - 3) with Virus Response Element (VRE) derived from human Interferon IFNβ gene and five different molecular mass complexes (1 - 5) with IRF-E motif (GAAAGT)4 in EMSA gel. GST only expressed from empty vector did not bind to these DNA elements. To confirm that the binding is specific, all complexes were competed out completely when challenged with 100-X fold molar excess of IRF-E oligo under cold competition. It means degradation products along with full-length protein are able to interact with VREβ as well as IRF-E motif. This means degradation products may regulate the target gene (s) activation/repression via interacting with VRE/IRF-E.

Expression of Phosphophoryn Is Sufficient for the Induction of Matrix Mineralization by Mammalian Cells

Mineralized tissues such as dentin and bone assemble extracellular matrices uniquely rich in a variety of acidic phosphoproteins. Although these proteins are presumed to play a role in the process of biomineralization, key questions regarding the nature of their contributions remain unanswered. First, it is not known whether highly phosphorylated proteins alone can induce matrix mineralization, or whether this activity requires the involvement of other bone/dentin non-collagenous proteins. Second, it remains to be established whether the protein kinases that phosphorylate these acidic proteins are unique to cells responsible for producing mineralized tissues. To begin to address these questions, we consider the case of phosphophoryn (PP), due to its high content of phosphate, high affinity for Ca(2+), and its potential role in hydroxyapatite nucleation. We have created a model system of biomineralization in a cellular environment by expressing PP in NIH3T3 fibroblasts (which do not produce a mineralized matrix); as a positive control, PP was expressed in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells, which normally mineralize their matrices. We show that expression of PP in NIH3T3 cells is sufficient for the induction of matrix mineralization. In addition, assessment of the phosphorylation status of PP in these cells reveals that the transfected NIH3T3 cells are able to phosphorylate PP. We suggest that the phosphorylation of PP is essential for mineral formation. The principle goal of this study is to enrich the current knowledge of mineralized tissue phosphorylation events by analyzing them in the context of a complete cellular environment.

A Fused α-β “Mini-spectrin” Mimics the Intact Erythrocyte Spectrin Head-to-head Tetramer

Head-to-head assembly of two spectrin heterodimers to form an actin-cross-linking tetramer is a physiologically dynamic interaction that contributes to red cell membrane integrity. Recombinant beta-spectrin C-terminal and alpha-spectrin N-terminal peptides can form tetramer-like univalent complexes, but they cannot evaluate effects of the open-closed dimer interactions or lateral associations of the two-spectrin strands on tetramer formation. In this study we produced and characterized a fused "mini-spectrin dimer" containing the beta-spectrin C-terminal region linked to the alpha-spectrin N-terminal region. This fused mini-spectrin mimics structural and functional properties of intact, full-length dimers and tetramers, including lateral association of the alpha and beta subunits in the dimer and formation of a closed dimer. High performance liquid chromatography gel filtration analyses of this mini-spectrin provide the first direct non-imaging experimental evidence for open and closed spectrin dimers and show that dimer-tetramer-oligomer interconversion is slow at low temperatures and accelerated at 30 degrees C, analogous to full-length spectrin. This protein exhibits wild type dimer-tetramer dissociation constants of approximately 1 mum at 30 degrees C, independent of initial oligomeric state. Conformational states of the mini-spectrin dimer were probed further using chemical cross-linking, which identified distinct groups of cross-links for "open" and "closed" dimers and confirmed the N-terminal region of alpha-spectrin remains highly flexible in the complex, exhibiting closely analogous structures to those observed for the isolated alpha-spectrin N-terminal using NMR (Park, S., Caffrey, M. S., Johnson, M. E., and Fung, L. W. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 21837-21844). This fusion protein should serve as a useful template for structural and functional studies of the divalent tetramer site.

Phosphoglucose Isomerase/Autocrine Motility Factor Promotes Melanoma Cell Migration through ERK Activation Dependent on Autocrine Production of Interleukin-8

It is well known that phosphoglucose isomerase/autocrine motility factor (AMF) promotes cell migration in an autocrine manner in various tumor cells. However, it remains unclear whether certain cytokines modulate the effects of AMF on tumor cell migration. Because interleukin (IL)-8, a proinflammatory cytokine, is produced by melanoma cells and has been correlated with melanoma migration, the migratory ability of melanoma cells induced by AMF may also involve induction of IL-8 expression. In the present study, we assessed whether AMF promotes melanoma cell migration through autocrine production of IL-8. We found that AMF stimulation increased IL-8 production through up-regulation of IL-8 mRNA transcription, especially in biologically early stage melanoma cells. AMF-induced migration of these cells was inhibited by a specific neutralizing antibody against IL-8. The IL-8 production induced by AMF was mediated by the ERK1/2 pathways. These findings suggest that melanoma migration induced by AMF is mediated by autocrine production of IL-8 as a novel downstream modulator of the AMF signaling pathway.

High-Level Expression in Escherichia coli, Purification and Mosquito-Larvicidal Activity of the Binary Toxin from Bacillus sphaericus

The mosquito-larvicidal binary toxin produced by Bacillus sphaericus consists of two polypeptides: BinA and BinB. Both proteins function together, and maximum toxicity is obtained when both are present in equimolar ratio. Cloning and expression of each component separately in heterologous hosts led to low toxicity of the crystal proteins. To improve the expression level, the purification process, and the activity of the binary toxin, the binA and binB genes were separately cloned in Escherichia coli. Each gene was fused in frame to the glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene to be expressed as GST-fusion protein (GST-BinA and GST-BinB). A high expression level was observed from both constructs, and the fusion proteins exhibited high toxicity to Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. High-purity toxin could be obtained by affinity chromatography. The result suggests that GST moiety facilitates high protein production and enables better solubility of the toxin inclusions inside the larval gut, leading to higher toxicity of the fusion protein.

Structural Basis for Sorting Mechanism of p62 in Selective Autophagy

Impairment of autophagic degradation of the ubiquitin- and LC3-binding protein "p62" leads to the formation of cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. However, little is known about the sorting mechanism of p62 to autophagic degradation. Here we identified a motif of murine p62 consisting of 11 amino acids (Ser334-Ser344) containing conserved acidic and hydrophobic residues across species, as an LC3 recognition sequence (LRS). The crystal structure of the LC3-LRS complex at 1.56 angstroms resolution revealed interaction of Trp340 and Leu343 of p62 with different hydrophobic pockets on the ubiquitin fold of LC3. In vivo analyses demonstrated that p62 mutants lacking LC3 binding ability accumulated without entrapping into autophagosomes in the cytoplasm and subsequently formed ubiquitin-positive inclusion bodies as in autophagy-deficient cells. These results demonstrate that the intracellular level of p62 is tightly regulated by autophagy through the direct interaction of LC3 with p62 and reveal that selective turnover of p62 via autophagy controls inclusion body formation.

Expression and Purification of GST Fusion Proteins

This unit describes the use of the glutathione-S-transferase (GST) gene fusion system as a method for high-level protein expression and purification from bacterial lysates. Several pGEX vectors are available with multiple cloning sites to allow for unidirectional insertion of the coding-region DNA into the pGEX vector. The GST fusion protein is easily purified by affinity chromatography using a glutathione-Sepharose matrix under mild conditions. Removal of the GST moiety from the protein of interest is accomplished through a specific protease cleavage site located between the GST moiety and the recombinant polypeptide. For solution digestions, GST is easily removed by a second round of chromatography on the glutathione column. Removal of proteases is facilitated by the use of a benzamidine-Sepharose column or a gel-filtration step. Purified protein has been used successfully in structural determinations, immunological studies, vaccine production, and structure-function analysis of protein-protein or DNA-protein interactions.

Crystal structure of the leucine zipper domain of small‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (SKCa) channel from Rattus norvegicus

Crystal structure of the leucine zipper domain of small‐conductance Ca²⁺‐activated K⁺ (SK_Ca) channel from <i>Rattus norvegicus</i>

Effects of vaccination by a recombinant antigen ureB138 (a segment of the β-subunit of urease) against Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori has to counteract acidity during colonization in the stomach. The most important region for the enzymic activity of H. pylori urease, consisting of 138 aa (ureB138), was determined by a comparison of the homology of amino acid sequences, and a structural analysis, between urease of H. pylori and various other species. This region was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase (GST), which was cleaved by PreScission protease between the GST moiety and ureB138. The ureB138 protein was then purified by gel filtration. The polyclonal antibody (pAb) induced by immunization with the purified ureB138 could suppress urease activity by about 50 %, while the pAb against the H. pylori urease did not show any inhibitory effect at all. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the ureB138-specific pAb specifically recognized the H. pylori infecting human gastric tissues. The effects of vaccination of recombinant ureB138 against infection by this organism were also examined. Specific IgG and IgA antibodies against H. pylori urease were induced in the serum of mice immunized with ureB138. A reduction in the number of colonizing H. pylori was observed in mice treated with ureB138 compared to ones treated with BSA and infection control mice. In the protected mice, severe gastritis characterized by marked infiltration of mononuclear cells was noted compared with the gastritis observed in unprotected mice. Immunohistochemical staining for IgA in gastric mucosa showed that the number of mice positively stained with IgA was significantly higher in ureB138-vaccinated mice than in non-vaccinated mice. This indicates that local IgA antibody and severe post-immunization gastritis correlate well with the protection of mice against H. pylori infection.

A strategy for high-level expression of soluble and functional human interferon α as a GST-fusion protein in E.coli

Escherichia coli is the most extensively used host for the production of recombinant proteins. However, most of the eukaryotic proteins are typically obtained as insoluble, misfolded inclusion bodies that need solubilization and refolding. To achieve high-level expression of soluble recombinant human interferon alpha (rhIFNalpha) in E. coli, we have first constructed a recombinant expression plasmid (pGEX-hIFNalpha2b), in which we merged the hIFNalpha2b cDNA with the glutathione S-transferase (GST) coding sequence downstream of the tac-inducible promoter. Using this plasmid, we have achieved 70% expression of soluble rhIFNalpha2b as a GST fusion protein using E. coli BL21 strain, under optimized environmental factors such as culture growth temperature and inducer (IPTG) concentration. However, release of the IFN moiety from the fusion protein by thrombin digestion was not optimal. Therefore, we have engineered the expression cassette to optimize the amino acid sequence at the GST-IFN junction and to introduce E. coli preferred codon within the thrombin cleavage site. We have used the engineered plasmid (pGEX-Delta-hIFNalpha2b) and the modified E. coli trxB(-)/gor(-) (Origami) strain to overcome the problem of removing the GST moiety while expressing soluble rhIFNalpha2b. Our results show the production of soluble and functional rhIFNalpha2b at a yield of 100 mg/l, without optimization of any step of the process. The specific biological activity of the purified soluble rhIFNalpha2b was equal to 2.0 x 10(8) IU/mg when compared with the WHO IFNalpha standard. Our data are the first to show that high yield production of soluble and functional rhIFNalpha2b tagged with GST can be achieved in E. coli.

Molecular cloning, expression and phylogenetic analyses of parvalbumin in tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus

The gene expression of parvalbumin (Pvalb), a high-affinity calcium-binding protein and the major fish allergen, was significantly increased in the tilapia fry treated with methyltestosterone (MT) as examined using a subtractive hybridization assay. Using the real-time quantitative PCR, we further confirmed the increased Pvalb expression in the MT-treated tilapia fry. The 568 base pairs (bp) tilapia Pvalb (tPvalb) cDNA clone was fully sequenced and found to contain a coding region of 330 bp, which encodes a 108 amino acids protein with a molecular weight of 11,370.5 and an calculated isoelectric point of 4.56. The predicted secondary structure of tPvalb is comprised of seven alpha helices. It contains two characteristic EF-hand calcium-binding motifs, one PKC and five casein kinase II consensus phosphorylation sites. The tPvalb is highly homologous to the selected fish Pvalbs at a similarity ranging from 53% to 80%. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the tPvalb is closest to the Scomber japonicus Pvalb. The tPvalb was found to express in the heart, muscle, gill, kidney, brain and ovary of adult fish by RT-PCR analysis. In situ hybridization also revealed that the tPvalb was highly expressed in the hypothalamus and sarcoplasmic reticulum. A tPvalb glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein was generated and digested by thrombin to remove the GST moiety. Further Western analysis showed that the tPvalb protein was cross-reacted to an anti-rat Pvalb antibody. Those results suggest that Pvalb is evolutionally conserved in tilapia.

Evidence for the Formation of a Heptameric Ion Channel Complex by the Hepatitis C Virus P7 Protein in Vitro

The p7 protein of hepatitis C virus functions as an ion channel both in vitro and in cell-based assays and is inhibited by amantadine, long alkyl chain imino-sugar derivatives, and amiloride compounds. Future drug design will be greatly aided by information on the stoichiometry and high resolution structure of p7 ion channel complexes. Here, we have refined a bacterial expression system for p7 based on a glutathione S-transferase fusion methodology that circumvents the inherent problems of hydrophobic protein purification and the limitations of chemical synthesis. Rotational averaging and harmonic analysis of transmission electron micrographs of glutathione S-transferase-FLAG-p7 fusion proteins in liposomes revealed a heptameric stoichiometry. The oligomerization of p7 protein was then confirmed by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry analysis of pure, concentrated FLAG-p7. The same protein was also confirmed to function as an ion channel in suspended lipid bilayers and was inhibited by amantadine. These data validate this system as a means of generating high resolution structural information on the p7 ion channel complex.

The Expanded Octarepeat Domain Selectively Binds Prions and Disrupts Homomeric Prion Protein Interactions

Insertion of additional octarepeats into the prion protein gene has been genetically linked to familial Creutzfeldt Jakob disease and hence to de novo generation of infectious prions. The pivotal event during prion formation is the conversion of the normal prion protein (PrPC) into the pathogenic conformer PrPSc, which subsequently induces further conversion in an autocatalytic manner. Apparently, an expanded octarepeat domain directs folding of PrP toward the PrPSc conformation and initiates a self-replicating conversion process. Here, based on three main observations, we have provided a model on how altered molecular interactions between wild-type and mutant PrP set the stage for familial Creutzfeldt Jakob disease with octarepeat insertions. First, we showed that wild-type octarepeat domains interact in a copper-dependent and reversible manner, a "copper switch." This interaction becomes irreversible upon domain expansion, possibly reflecting a loss of function. Second, expanded octarepeat domains of increasing length gradually form homogenous globular multimers of 11-21 nm in the absence of copper ions when expressed as soluble glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins. Third, octarepeat domain expansion causes a gain of function with at least 10 repeats selectively binding PrPSc in a denaturant-resistant complex in the absence of copper ions. Thus, the combination of both a loss and gain of function profoundly influences homomeric interaction behavior of PrP with an expanded octarepeat domain. A multimeric cluster of prion proteins carrying expanded octarepeat domains may therefore capture and incorporate spontaneously arising short-lived PrPSc-like conformers, thereby providing a matrix for their conversion.

The Membrane-associated Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein, BRUCE/Apollon, Antagonizes Both the Precursor and Mature Forms of Smac and Caspase-9

Smac/DIABLO, HtrA2/Omi, and caspase-9 play key roles in the initiation of apoptosis. The inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) are believed to bind to the N-terminal IAP binding motifs of the mature (proteolytically processed) forms of Smac, HtrA2, and caspase-9. However, we show here that BRUCE/Apollon, a 528-kDa IAP whose degradation promotes apoptosis, associates with their precursors as well as the mature forms by binding to regions in addition to the IAP binding motif. Through these associations, BRUCE promotes the degradation of Smac and inhibits the activity of caspase-9 but not the effector caspase, caspase-3. In response to apoptotic stimuli, BRUCE is degraded by proteasomes and/or cleaved by caspases and HtrA2 depending on the specific stimulus and the cell type. These results suggest that the ability of BRUCE to antagonize both the precursor and mature forms of Smac and caspase-9 is an important mechanism for the prevention of apoptosis under normal conditions.

Insights into the Oligomeric States, Conformational Changes, and Helicase Activities of SV40 Large Tumor Antigen

The large T (LT) antigen encoded by SV40 virus is a multi-domain, multi-functional protein that can not only transform cells but can also function as an efficient molecular machine to unwind duplex DNA for DNA replication. Here we report our findings on the oligomeric forms, domain interactions, and ATPase and helicase activities of various LT constructs. For the LT constructs that hexamerize, only two oligomeric forms, hexameric and monomeric, were detected in the absence of ATP/ADP. However, the presence of ATP/ADP stabilizes LT in the hexameric form. The LT constructs lacking the N- and C-terminal domains, but still retaining hexamerization ability, have ATPase as well as helicase activities at a level comparable to the full-length LT, suggesting the importance of hexamerization for these activities. The domain structures and the possible interactions between different LT fragments were probed with limited protease (trypsin) digestion. Such protease digestion generated a distinct pattern in the presence and absence of ATP/ADP and Mg(2+). The most C-terminal fragment (residues 628-708, containing the host-range domain), which was thought to be completely unstructured, was somewhat trypsin-resistant despite the presence of multiple Arg and Lys, possibly due to a rather structured C terminus. Furthermore, the N- and C-terminal fragments cleaved by trypsin were associated with other parts of the molecule, suggesting the interdomain interactions for the fragments at both ends.

Glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay.

AbstractThe glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assay is a relatively easy, straightforward method to identify potential protein kinase C (PKC)-binding partners. The method is also extensively used to confirm known interactions and to map interaction sites. The pull-down method relies on the immobilization of a GST fusion protein on glutathione sepharose beads that serve as a solid phase. The first step requires the expression of the PKC domain of interest as a fusion protein with the GST moiety. After binding of the GST fusion protein to the glutathione sepharose matrix, the mixture is incubated with whole-cell homogenate or a purified protein. Nonbound material is washed off the column, and subsequently the binding complex is eluted. Upon elution, the mixture is resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and analyzed by Coomassie staining, silver staining, or Western blot. This chapter focuses on the GST tag; however, other tags, such as hexa-Histidine (6xHis) and maltose-binding protein (MBP), are also commonly used and will be mentioned throughout the chapter (see Note 1).KeywordsGlutathione Sepharose BeadWash BeadPotential Protein KinaseDiagnostic CorporationStore PowderThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

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

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. The aim of this study was to explore and identify important Japanese cedar pollen allergens other than Cry j 1 or Cry j 2. 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). 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. 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.