Production Of Fusion Protein Research Articles

The tumorigenic FGFR3-TACC3 gene fusion escapes miR-99a regulation in glioblastoma

Fusion genes are chromosomal aberrations that are found in many cancers and can be used as prognostic markers and drug targets in clinical practice. Fusions can lead to production of oncogenic fusion proteins or to enhanced expression of oncogenes. Several recent studies have reported that some fusion genes can escape microRNA regulation via 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) deletion. We performed whole transcriptome sequencing to identify fusion genes in glioma and discovered FGFR3-TACC3 fusions in 4 of 48 glioblastoma samples from patients both of mixed European and of Asian descent, but not in any of 43 low-grade glioma samples tested. The fusion, caused by tandem duplication on 4p16.3, led to the loss of the 3'-UTR of FGFR3, blocking gene regulation of miR-99a and enhancing expression of the fusion gene. The fusion gene was mutually exclusive with EGFR, PDGFR, or MET amplification. Using cultured glioblastoma cells and a mouse xenograft model, we found that fusion protein expression promoted cell proliferation and tumor progression, while WT FGFR3 protein was not tumorigenic, even under forced overexpression. These results demonstrated that the FGFR3-TACC3 gene fusion is expressed in human cancer and generates an oncogenic protein that promotes tumorigenesis in glioblastoma.

Optimization of the Fusion Expression of Chicken β-Defensin Gal-3 in E Coli

The expression level of chicken β-defensin Gal-3 was influenced by lactose concentration, induction time and initial cell density, and IPTG induction was used as a control. The optimal parameters of various factors were confirmed. the optimal parameters with lactose induction was 37°C of culture temperature, 2 g/L of joining lactose final concentration when the recombinant strain growth density A600 achieved 0.8 and induction maintained 3 hours, the production of fusion protein reached the highest level. This study provides a good experimental basis for the large production of Gal-3.

M Cell-Targeting Ligand and Consensus Dengue Virus Envelope Protein Domain III Fusion Protein Production in Transgenic Rice Calli

The spread of dengue (DEN) virus is becoming a major concern due to the possibility of primary infection with one of the four dengue serotypes (DEN 1-4) and secondary infection with other heterotypes, which can further aggravate clinical manifestations. A gene encoding consensus envelope protein domain III (cEDIII) of dengue virus with neutralizing activity against four dengue virus serotypes was fused to M cell-targeting peptide ligand (Co1) to increase its mucosal immunogenicity and was introduced into rice calli under the control of the inducible rice amylase 3D promoter expression system. The integration and expression of scEDIII-Co1 fusion gene in transgenic rice calli were confirmed by genomic DNA PCR amplification, Northern and Western blot analyses, respectively. The deliveries of cEDIII-Co1 fusion proteins into mucosal immune inductive site (including M cells) were confirmed by in vitro and in vivo antigen uptake assays. These results showed that plant-produced M cell-targeting peptide ligand, Co1, fusion antigen proteins have the potential to be targeted to the mucosal immune system for improvement of immune responses.

Expression of the immunoreactive buckwheat major allergenic storage protein in Lactococcus lactis

Proteins from buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) are strong allergens that can cause serious symptoms, including anaphylaxis, in patients with hypersensitivity. In this study, we successfully developed a modified lactic acid bacterial vector (pNSH) and a recombinant strain of Lactococcus lactis NZ9000 (NZ9000) that produced a major allergenic storage protein of buckwheat, Fagag1 (61.2 kDa, GenBank accession number AF152003), with or without a green fluorescent protein (GFP) tag. GFP fluorescence allows for rapid, simple, and accurate measurement of target protein expression by microscopy or fluorimetry. We describe a convenient method for production of rGFP-Fagag1 fusion and rFagag1 proteins with a good yield in an advantageous probiotic host. We found that in vitro treatment of splenocytes isolated from buckwheat crude protein-immunized mice with rFagag1 increased the expression of allergic inflammation cytokines such as IL-4, IL-13, and IL-17 F. Because it was less antigenic, rGFP-Fagag1 protein from NZ9000 might be of limited use; however, rFagag1 from NZ9000 evoked a robust response as measured by induction of IL-4 and IL-17 F expression levels. The observed allergic activity is indicative of a Th2 cell-mediated immune response and is similar to the effects induced by exposure to buckwheat crude protein. Our results suggest that expression of rFagag1 in NZ9000 may facilitate in vivo applications of this system aimed at improving the specificity of immunological responses to buckwheat allergens.

Characterization and comparison of commercially available TNF receptor 2-Fc fusion protein products

Because of rapidly increasing market demand and rising cost pressure, the innovator of etanercept (Enbrel®) will inevitably face competition from biosimilar versions of the product. In this study, to elucidate the differences between the reference etanercept and its biosimilars, we characterized and compared the quality attributes of two commercially available, biosimilar TNF receptor 2-Fc fusion protein products. Biosimilar 1 showed high similarity to Enbrel® in critical quality attributes including peptide mapping, intact mass, charge variant, purity, glycosylation and bioactivity. In contrast, the intact mass and MS/MS analysis of biosimilar 2 revealed a mass difference indicative of a two amino acid residue variance in the heavy chain (Fc) sequences. Comprehensive glycosylation profiling confirmed that biosimilar 2 has significantly low sialylated N-oligosaccharides. Biosimilar 2 also displayed significant differences in charge attributes compared with the reference product. Interestingly, biosimilar 2 exhibited similar affinity and bioactivity levels compared with the reference product despite the obvious difference in primary structure and partial physiochemical properties. For a biosimilar development program, comparative analytical data can influence decisions about the type and amount of animal and clinical data needed to demonstrate biosimilarity. Because of the limited clinical experience with biosimilars at the time of their approval, a thorough knowledge surrounding biosimilars and a case-by-case approach are needed to ensure the appropriate use of these products.

Long-term effects of a neonatal low-protein diet in rats on the number of macrophages in culture and the expression/production of fusion proteins

To investigate the effects of a neonatal low-protein diet on the number of macrophages in culture and the expression/production of proteins that regulate macrophage fusion in young and adult rats. Male Wistar rats (n=18) were suckled by mothers fed diets containing 17% protein (controls, C) or 8% protein (undernourished, UN). All rats were fed a normal protein diet after weaning. Bronchoalveolar lavage was collected from 42-, 60- and 90-day-old rats. Alveolar macrophages were cultured for 4days to assess the number of cells and the expression of cadherins, key proteins involved in macrophage fusion, by western blotting. IL-4 and IFN-γ levels in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. Offspring from mothers fed a low-protein diet showed a lower body weight gain. The number of cells in cultured macrophages from UN was reduced at 42 and 60 days and increased at 90 days. IL-4 production was increased in the supernatants from UN group at 60 days but did not affect the expression of cadherins. IFN-γ production was increased in the supernatants from UN group at 42 and 60 days and reduced at 90 days. This study thus demonstrated that dietary restriction during lactation altered the number of alveolar macrophages in culture and the production of fusion proteins of offspring aged 42, 60 or 90 days but did not modify the expression of adhesion molecules important for the fusion of these cells.

Optimization of TNF-α overexpression in Escherichia coli using response surface methodology: Purification of the protein and oligomerization studies

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is responsible for many autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Chron’s disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. Thus, inhibition of TNF-α is a major challenge in drug discovery. However, a sufficient amount of purified protein is needed for the in vitro screening of potential TNF-α inhibitors. In this work, induction conditions for the production of human TNF-α fusion protein in a soluble form by recombinant Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) pLysS were optimized using response surface methodology based on the central composite design. The induction conditions included cell density prior induction (OD600nm), post-induction temperature, IPTG concentration and post-induction time. Statistical analysis of the results revealed that all variables and their interactions had significant impact on production of soluble TNF-α. An 11% increase of TNF-α production was achieved after determination of the optimum induction conditions: OD600nm prior induction 0.55, a post induction temperature of 25°C, an IPTG concentration of 1mM and a post-induction time of 4h. We have also studied TNF-α oligomerization, the major property of this protein, and a Kd value of 0.26nM for protein dimerization was determined. The concentration of where protein trimerization occurred was also detected. However, we failed to determine a reliable Kd value for protein trimerization probably due to the complexibility of our model.

Erratum to: The effect of gene copy number and co-expression of chaperone on production of albumin fusion proteins in Pichia pastoris

Erratum to: The effect of gene copy number and co-expression of chaperone on production of albumin fusion proteins in Pichia pastoris

The effect of gene copy number and co-expression of chaperone on production of albumin fusion proteins in Pichia pastoris

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1ra) is known to treat a number of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 2 diabetes. However, the biological half-life of IL1ra is very short due to its rapid renal clearance. Our present study aimed to increase the biological half-life of IL1ra through fusion with human serum albumin (HSA), and then augmented expression of the IL1ra and HSA fusion protein (IH) in Pichia pastoris strain by increasing IH gene copy number or was co-expressed with chaperone. By comparing clones containing varying copy numbers of IH fusion gene, it was observed that higher levels of secretory IH fusion protein was produced in strain with higher IH gene copy number. In addition, IH protein yield was further improved after being co-expressed with protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). Conversely, it was significantly decreased (i.e., secretory IH in the culture medium) by co-expression of immunoglobulin binding protein. We have also discussed whether the multi-copy strain and co-expressed of PDI could enhance the levels of other secretory albumin fusion protein (e.g., HSA and human growth hormone fusion protein). Interestingly, the level of this fusion protein was apparently also increased by these approaches. In conclusion, our results have demonstrated that increasing copy number and co-expression of PDI may raise yield of albumin fusion protein in P. pastoris, which might probably contribute to the industry for the development of proteinous drugs.

Development and Validation of a High Throughput System for Discovery of Antigens for Autoantibody Detection

An assay employing a panel of tumor-associated antigens has been validated and is available commercially (EarlyCDT®-Lung) to aid the early detection of lung cancer by measurement of serum autoantibodies. The high throughput (HTP) strategy described herein was pursued to identify new antigens to add to the EarlyCDT-Lung panel and to assist in the development of new panels for other cancers. Two ligation-independent cloning vectors were designed and synthesized, producing fusion proteins suitable for the autoantibody ELISA. We developed an abridged HTP version of the validated autoantibody ELISA, determining that results reflected the performance of the EarlyCDT assay, by comparing results on both formats. Once validated this HTP ELISA was utilized to screen multiple fusion proteins prepared on small-scale, by a HTP expression screen. We determined whether the assay performance for these HTP protein batches was an accurate reflection of the performance of R&D or commercial batches. A HTP discovery platform for the identification and optimal production of tumor- associated antigens which detects autoantibodies has been developed and validated. The most favorable conditions for the exposure of immunogenic epitopes were assessed to produce discriminatory proteins for use in a commercial ELISA. This process is rapid and cost-effective compared to standard cloning and screening technologies and enables rapid advancement in the field of autoantibody assay discovery. This approach will significantly reduce timescale and costs for developing similar panels of autoantibody assays for the detection of other cancer types with the ultimate aim of improved overall survival due to early diagnosis and treatment.

Recombinant Production, Isotope Labeling and Purification of ENOD40B: A Plant Peptide Hormone

The plant peptide hormone ENOD40B was produced in a protein production strain of Escherichia coli harboring an induction controller plasmid (Rosetta(DE3)pLysS) as a His6-tagged ubiquitin fusion protein. The fusion protein product was denatured and refolded as part of the isolation procedure and purified by immobilized metal ion chromatography. The peptide hormone was released from its fusion partner by adding yeast ubiquitin hydrolase (YUH) and subsequently purified by reversed phase chromatography. The purity of the resulting peptide fragment was assayed by MALDITOF mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The final yields of the target peptide were 7.0 mg per liter of LB medium and 3.4 mg per liter of minimal medium.

Chimeric Transcript Generated by cis-Splicing of Adjacent Genes Regulates Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation

Gene fusion is a common event in cancer. The fusion RNA and protein products often play causal roles in tumorigenesis and therefore represent ideal diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Formerly, fusion chimeric products in cancer were thought to be produced solely by chromosomal translocation. Here, we show that a chimeric SLC45A3-ELK4 RNA is generated in the absence of chromosomal rearrangement. We showed that it is not a product of RNA trans-splicing, but formed by cis-splicing of adjacent genes/read-through. The binding of CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) to the insulator sequences inversely correlates with the expression of the chimera transcript. The SLC45A3-ELK4 fusion, but not wild-type, ELK4 plays important roles in regulating cell growth in both androgen-dependent and -independent prostate cancer cells. The level of the chimeric transcript correlates with disease progression, with the highest levels in prostate cancer metastases. Our results suggest that gene fusions can arise from cis-splicing of adjacent genes without corresponding DNA changes. With the absence of corresponding DNA rearrangement, chimeric fusion SLC45A3-ELK4 transcript in prostate cancer cells is generated by cis-splicing of adjacent genes/gene read-through instead of trans-splicing. SLC45A3-ELK4 controls prostate cancer cell proliferation, and the chimera level correlates with prostate cancer disease progression.

Abstract 4034: The role of CYP33 in MLL target gene repression

Abstract This study further elucidates the role of CYP33 in gene transcription by studying the effects of CYP33 overexpression and siRNA-mediated down-regulation on the expression of MLL target genes such as c-MYC, p21, p27, and HOXA9. CYP33 is a cis-trans prolyl isomerase (PPIase) which mediates repression of HOX gene expression after binding to the 3rd PHD finger of MLL through its own RRM domain. Upon binding to MLL, CYP33 increases recruitment of HDAC to the MLL repression domain which in turn leads to deacetylation of histone H3. This ultimately causes repression of MLL target genes (Xia et al. 2003). Chromosomal translocations involving the MLL gene (Mixed Lineage Leukemia) can lead to the production of fusion proteins with any of more than 60 different partner proteins and is implicated in the initiation of leukemia. Expression of MLL fusion proteins leads to increased expression of MLL target genes such as HOXA7, HOXA9 and MEIS1 (Hess et al., 2010). MLL-fusion proteins lack the 3rd PHD finger and therefore, lose their ability to bind CYP33; in the presence of these fusion proteins CYP33 can no longer repress MLL target genes. A mutation in CYP33's PPIase domain, leads to an enzymatically inactive CYP33 which can still bind to MLL. Upon overexpression of MLL and CYP33, HDAC is recruited to the MLL complex, as demonstrated by co-immunopreciptiation. However, when the CYP33 PPIase mutant is overexpressed, the lack of PPIase activity prevents the recruitment of HDAC to MLL. As a consequence the chromatin retains the acetylation mark on histone H3 and, although the CYP33 PPIase mutant binds MLL, no repression of MLL target genes is observed. Conversely, upon knockdown of wild-type CYP33, MLL target gene expression and H3K27Ac are increased. This study aids in the understanding of how MLL and CYP33 modulate gene function and helps to identify some of the mechanisms involved in hematopoietic development and leukemia. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4034. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4034

TAT improves in vitro transportation of fortilin through midgut and into hemocytes of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Fortilin is a multifunctional protein implicated in many important cellular processes. Since injection of Pm-fortilin reduces shrimp mortality caused by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), there is potential application of fortilin in shrimp culture. In the present study, in order to improve trans-membrane transportation efficiency, the protein transduction domain of the transactivator of transcription (TAT) peptide was fused to fortilin. The Pichia pastoris yeast expression system, which is widely accepted in animal feeds, was used for production of recombinant fusion protein. Green fluorescence protein (GFP) was selected as a reporter because of its intrinsic visible fluorescence. The fortilin, TAT and GFP fusion protein were constructed. Their trans-membrane transportation efficiency and effects on immune response of shrimp were analyzed in vitro. Results showed that TAT peptide improved in vitro uptake of fortilin into the hemocytes and midgut of Litopenaeus vannamei. The phenoloxidase (PO) activity of hemocytes incubated with GFP-Fortilin or GFP-Fortilin-TAT was significantly increased compared with that in the control without expressed fortilin. The PO activity of hemocytes incubated with 200 μg mL−1 GFP-Fortilin-TAT was significantly higher than that in the group with the same concentration of GFP-Fortilin. Hemocytes incubated with GFP-Fortilin-TAT at all concentrations showed significantly higher nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity than those in the control or in the GFP-Fortilin treatment. The present in vitro study indicated that TAT fusion protein improved the immune effect of fortilin.

The Molecular Pathology of Ewings Family of Tumors: Its Relevance to the Diagnosis and Prognosis in the Pediatric Age Group

Background: Ewing’s sarcoma family of tumours share the common genetic chromosomal translocation. Though the family of tumours vary according to their location one common fusion protein product of the translocation has been detected since last decade which is constantly associated with the Ewing’s family of tumors. This aberrant expression of the genetic product alters the cell proliferation and differentiation which results in Ewing’s sarcoma. In today’s scenario the detection of this novel genetic specific translocation between chromosome 11 and chromosome 22 is useful in primary diagnosis and prognostic assessment of the patient. Therefore we conducted the present study to assess the patient’s outcome after the diagnosis and survival. Material & methods: Cases of solid tumors in the pediatric age group were included in the study. After relevant clinical details and radiological investigations, fine needle aspiration cytology smears and histopathology sections were evaluated. Special stains and immunohistochemistry were done in the required fields. Molecular analysis was done in selected cases of Ewing’s sarcoma. Results: A total number of 161 cases were studied .Out of 21 cases of Ewing’s sarcoma, RT-PCR study was done in 10 cases to find out the molecular biological details. 90% cases showed presence of fusion gene. The patients were followed-up for a period of 2 years to assess their survival. Conclusion:The diagnostic problem of distinguishing Ewing’s sarcoma from other small blue round ell tumours is resolved due to RT-PCR. Also presence of EWS and FLI1 can relate to prognoss and therapeutic response.

Production, Secretion, and Cell Surface Display of Recombinant Sporosarcina ureae S-Layer Fusion Proteins in Bacillus megaterium

Monomolecular crystalline bacterial cell surface layers (S-layers) have broad application potential in nanobiotechnology due to their ability to generate functional supramolecular structures. Here, we report that Bacillus megaterium is an excellent host organism for the heterologous expression and efficient secretion of hemagglutinin (HA) epitope-tagged versions of the S-layer protein SslA from Sporosarcina ureae ATCC 13881. Three chimeric proteins were constructed, comprising the precursor, C-terminally truncated, and N- and C-terminally truncated forms of the S-layer SslA protein tagged with the human influenza hemagglutinin epitope. For secretion of fusion proteins, the open reading frames were cloned into the Escherichia coli-Bacillus megaterium shuttle vector pHIS1525. After transformation of the respective plasmids into Bacillus megaterium protoplasts, the recombinant genes were successfully expressed and the proteins were secreted into the growth medium. The isolated S-layer proteins are able to assemble in vitro into highly ordered, crystalline, sheetlike structures with the fused HA tag accessible to antibody. We further show by fluorescent labeling that the secreted S-layer fusion proteins are also clustered on the cell envelope of Bacillus megaterium, indicating that the cell surface can serve in vivo as a nucleation point for crystallization. Thus, this system can be used as a display system that allows the dense and periodic presentation of S-layer proteins or the fused tags.

Development of fluorescent probes for the detection of fucosylated N-glycans using an Aspergillus oryzae lectin

The α(1,6)-fucose attached to the core N-glycan (core fucose) of glycoproteins has been known to play essential roles in various pathophysiological events, including oncogenesis and metastasis. Aspergillus oryzae lectin (AOL) encoded by the fleA gene has been reported to bind to N-glycans containing core fucose. The fleA gene encoding AOL was cloned into an Escherichia coli expression vector and then fused with genes of fluorescent proteins for production of fusion proteins. The resulting FleA-fluorescent fusion proteins were expressed well in E. coli and shown to detect glycoproteins containing N-glycans with core fucose by lectin blot assay. It was also shown to bind to the surface of cancer cells highly expressing the fucosyltransferase VIII for attachment of core fucose. Surprisingly, we found that FleA-fluorescent fusion proteins could be internalized into the intracellular compartment, early endosome, when applied to live cells. This internalization was shown to occur through a clathrin-mediated pathway by endocytosis inhibitor assay. Taken together, these results suggest that FleA-fluorescent fusion proteins can be employed as a valuable fluorescent probe for the detection of fucosylated glycans and/or a useful vehicle for delivery of substances to the inside of cells.

Expression of core antigen of HCV genotype 3a and its evaluation as screening agent for HCV infection in Pakistan

BackgroundPakistan is facing a threat from hepatitis C infection which is increasing at an alarming rate throughout the country. More specific and sensitive screening assays are needed to timely and correctly diagnose this infection.MethodsAfter RNA extraction from specimen (HCV-3a), cDNA was synthesized that was used to amplify full length core gene of HCV 3a. After verification through PCR, DNA sequencing and BLAST, a properly oriented positive recombinant plasmid for core gene was digested with proper restriction enzymes to release the target gene which was then inserted downstream of GST encoding DNA in the same open reading frame at proper restriction sites in multiple cloning site of pGEX4t2 expression vector. Recombinant expression vector for each gene was transformed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) and induced with IPTG for recombinant fusion protein production that was then purified through affinity chromatography. Western blot and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) were used to detect immuno-reactivity of the recombinant protein.ResultsThe HCV core antigen produced in prokaryotic expression system was reactive and used to develop a screening assay. After validating the positivity (100%) and negativity (100%) of in-house anti-HCV screening assay through a standardized panel of 200 HCV positive and 200 HCV negative sera, a group of 120 serum specimens of suspected HCV infection were subjected to comparative analysis of our method with commercially available assay. The comparison confirmed that our method is more specific than the commercially available assays for HCV strains circulating in this specific geographical region of the world and could thus be used for HCV screening in Pakistan.ConclusionIn this study, we devised a screening assay after successful PCR amplification, isolation, sequencing, expression and purification of core antigen of HCV genotype 3a. Our developed screening assay is more sensitive, specific and reproducible than the commercially available screening assays in Pakistan.

Fusion of Clostridium perfringens type D and B epsilon and beta toxin genes and it’s cloning in E. coli

Designing and producing a proper fusion construction is the most important problem of producing large quantities of a properly folded functional protein. This construction should have all necessary components of a real gene. A good designed fusion gene construction could be cloned into a good and suitable host. Clostridium perfringens is an important pathogen of humans and livestock and produces numerous toxins including epsilon and beta which are responsible for severe diseases. In the present study a new construction containing Clostridium perfringens type D epsilon toxin gene and type B beta toxin gene was designed. At the first step two pairs of primers were used for these genes amplification. At the next step epsilon forward and beta reveres primers were used to produce a chimeric gene containing amplified partial cds of etxD and partial cds of cpbB which are linked together by the AEAAAKEAAAKA fragment as a small linker. The method was based on fusion PCR and using of Pfu DNA polymerase, which has a proofreading activity. The fusion gene inserted into pJET1.2blunt and cloned into E.coli strain TOP10. Based on the latest information, this is the first design and cloning of epsilon-beta fusion gene and also this is the first time that PCR fusion strategy is used for Clostriadial gene fusion, which could be used for development of a recombinant epsilon-beta fusion protein vaccine. This construction also could serve as a model for development and production of novel fusion protein for other potential proteins and toxins.

Fusion of Clostridium perfringens type D and B epsilon and beta toxin genes and it’s cloning in E. coli

Designing and producing a proper fusion construction is the most important problem of producing large quantities of a properly folded functional protein. This construction should have all necessary components of a real gene. A good designed fusion gene construction could be cloned into a good and suitable host. Clostridium perfringens is an important pathogen of humans and livestock and produces numerous toxins including epsilon and beta which are responsible for severe diseases. In the present study a new construction containing Clostridium perfringens type D epsilon toxin gene and type B beta toxin gene was designed. At the first step two pairs of primers were used for these genes amplification. At the next step epsilon forward and beta reveres primers were used to produce a chimeric gene containing amplified partial cds of etxD and partial cds of cpbB which are linked together by the AEAAAKEAAAKA fragment as a small linker. The method was based on fusion PCR and using of Pfu DNA polymerase, which has a proofreading activity. The fusion gene inserted into pJET1.2blunt and cloned into E.coli strain TOP10. Based on the latest information, this is the first design and cloning of epsilon-beta fusion gene and also this is the first time that PCR fusion strategy is used for Clostriadial gene fusion, which could be used for development of a recombinant epsilon-beta fusion protein vaccine. This construction also could serve as a model for development and production of novel fusion protein for other potential proteins and toxins.