Construction and characterization of a bi-functional EGFP/sBAFF fusion protein

Biochimie. 2006 Jun;88(6):629-35. doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2005.11.009. Epub 2005 Dec 20.

Abstract

A fusion between gene encoding fluoresce-enhanced green fluorescent protein variant (EGFP) and soluble domain of human B-cell-activating factor of the TNF family (sBAFF) was constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli. The EGFP/sBAFF had an apparent molecular weight of 45 kDa and was detected with anti-hsBAFF and anti-His(6) monoclonal antibodies. After being purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC), the fusion protein retained similar fluorescence spectra to those of EGFP. Biological activity assays showed the EGFP/sBAFF as well as sBAFF could co-stimulated human B lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. In addition, EGFP/sBAFF has shown specific binding to BAFF receptors positive-cells and the stained cells could be analyzed with flow cytometry. Thus, the fusion protein represents a readily obtainable source of biologically active sBAFF that may prove useful in further studies on BAFF and its receptors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • B-Cell Activating Factor / biosynthesis*
  • B-Cell Activating Factor / chemistry*
  • B-Cell Activating Factor / genetics
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Fluorescence
  • Gene Expression
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / chemistry*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • B-Cell Activating Factor
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • enhanced green fluorescent protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins