OBJECTIVETo evaluate PrP expression characteristic of PRNP nucleic acid vaccine vector with ubiquitin or the lysosome-targeting signal.

METHODSThe gene of ubiquitin and lysosome-targeting signal were ligated to PRNP and pcDNA3.1 vector that is, pcDNA3.1-UPrP and pcDNA3.1-PrPL were constructed. The expression characteristics of PrP with two signals were evaluated by Western Blot and the localization was observed by indirect immune fluorescence.

RESULTSThe protein expressed by pcDNA3.1-UPrP and pcDNA3.1-PrPL with ubiquitin and lysosome-targeting signal can be recognized by prion-specific antibody. The protein has three glycosylation molecules form as native PrP.PrP with ubiquitin was degraded gradually with time extension,whereas quantity of PrP with lysosome signal reduced in 48 h after transfection. The protein with two location signals can direct fusion proteins to cytoplasm.

CONCLUSIONThe PRNP vectors with ubiquitin or the lysosome-targeting signal were constructed and expressed in eukaryocyte successfully. There will be one of good foundation on PRNP nucleic acid vaccine.