A full-length cDNA sequence encoding for the precursor of a venom peptide (named BmKCT) with homology to chlorotoxin has been isolated from a cDNA library made from the venom glands of the Chinese Scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch. The sequence of BmKCT is similar (68 % identities) to that of chlorotoxin isolated from Leiurus quinquestriatus quinquestriatus. To understand the biological function of BmKCT, this peptide was expressed using pGEX expression system and purified using GST affinity column and gel filtration.Whole cell patch-clamping recording showed that BmKCT could significantly inhibit chloride currents of gliomas cells, and the inhibitory effect was reversible. These results suggested that BmKCT might belong to the class of short chain toxins blocking the chloride ion channels.

Recombinant expression vector pcDNA3-DAFMCP-DP containing human membrane complement regulatory proteins (hCRPs) decay accelerating factor (DAF) and membrane cofactor protein (MCP) cDNA was constructed by using two independent promoters. After transfected into NIH3T3 cells by calcium phosphate-DNA precipitate method, NIH3T3 pcDNA3-DAFMCP-DP transfectants were obtained by G418 selection. Extraneous genes integration was identified by PCR. The co-expression of human DAF and MCP at both mRNA and protein levels was confirmed by using RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Human DAF and MCP cDNA were integrated into NIH3T3 pcDNA3-DAFMCP-DP genomic DNA after continuous 30 times passages, indicating that NIH3T3 pcDNA3-DAFMCP-DP were stable cell lines. Human C-mediated cytolysis assays showed that NIH3T3 cells transfected stably with pcDNA3-DAF, pcDNA3-MCP, and pcDNA3-DAFMCP-DP were protected from C-mediated damage and co-expressed human DAF and MCP provided more excellent protection against C-mediated attack, which was compared with either DAF or MCP alone. These results suggest that the dicistronic vector could improve the efficiency of multi-gene delivery and benefit the synergic effect of human membrane complement regulatory proteins DAF and MCP.
3T3 Cells ; Animals ; CD55 Antigens ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Drug Synergism ; Graft Rejection ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Membrane Cofactor Protein ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Transfection