Histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies were performed on cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with pale bodies (PB). HCC containing PBs was observed in 3 (5.5%) of 55 consecutively resected HCC cases. Histologically, a large number of hepatocytes displayed pale or eosinophilic staining of the cytoplasm, resulting in ground-glass appearance. They were aggregated in nodular pattern, or diffusely intermixed with other malignant hepatocytes. PBs were negative for periodic-acid Schiff and Masson's trichrome staining. The inclusions showed a strong positive reaction for fibrinogen and some of them were weakly positive for albumin but negative for hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core antigen, alpha-fetoprotein and alpha-1-antitrypsin. Ultrastructurally, PBs were membrane-bound and contained granular materials of moderate electron density, and were closely related to dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum. These findings support that PBs are secretory fibrinogen accumulated in cystic ER and that such intracellular accumulation possibly reflects a defective transport of fibrinogen.
Albumins/analysis ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology* ; Cytoplasm/ultrastructure ; Cytoplasm/pathology ; Cytoplasm/chemistry ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough/ultrastructure ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough/pathology ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough/chemistry ; Fibrinogen/analysis ; Human ; Inclusion Bodies/ultrastructure ; Inclusion Bodies/pathology* ; Inclusion Bodies/chemistry ; Liver Neoplasms/pathology* ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron ; Middle Age ; Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction

The purpose of the study is to explore the in vitro refolding protocol for humanized anti-CTLA4-scFv expressed in E. coli. The inclusion bodies are denatured and then diluted or dialyzed into a refolding buffer. We analyzed several factors affecting the refolding yield, including refolding time, temperature, and redox environment. The refolded target proteins are analyzed by non-reducing SDS-PAGE, and the concentration of refolded proteins are examined by Bio-Rad Dc Protein Assay kit. The result shows that a high yield of the protein with natural conformation can be acquired in the condition of 0.15 mol x L(-1) sodium chloride, 50 mmol x L(-1) Tirs-HCl, pH 8.0 buffer containing 1 micromol x L(-1) reduced glutathione and 3 micromol x L(-1) oxidized glutathione. The refolding time is 48 to 54 h at 4 degrees C. 28 mg refolded proteins are produced from 3.9g E. coli.
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; chemistry ; CTLA-4 Antigen ; chemistry ; Escherichia coli ; metabolism ; Humans ; Inclusion Bodies ; chemistry ; Protein Folding ; Single-Chain Antibodies ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo establish a prediction method for the refolding of inclusion bodies and classify refolding types of different inclusion bodies directly from their primary structure to improve the efficiency of high throughput refolding process.

METHODSForty-three recombinant proteins performing important biological functions were expressed in E. coli. The probability of forming inclusion bodies of these proteins was predicted using Harrison's two parameter prediction model based on the proteins' amino acid composition. Subsequently, the proteins from the inclusion bodies were refolded using a double denaturation method that involved washing and denaturation in GdnHCl solution followed by denaturation in Urea solution and refolding through dilution.

RESULTSAll the proteins were detected in the form of inclusion bodies using SDS-PAGE method. The proteins were divided into two types according to the results of both solubility prediction and refolding experiments. Fourteen proteins were predicted to have the dependency of soluble expression. The refolding yields of these inclusion bodies were up to 70%. Twenty-nine proteins were predicted to have the high dependency of insoluble expression, and their refolding yields could be higher than 70% and lower than 60%. Comparison of the characteristics between the proteins with high and low refolding yields showed that the theoretical pI was significantly different (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSHarrison's two parameter prediction model has the value for potential application in classification of the inclusion bodies and prediction of solubility of proteins refolded from different inclusion bodies. This a novel method enhances the efficiency of high throughput refolding of inclusion bodies, and suggests that the theoretical pI of the proteins is an important parameter in the prediction of refolding yields.

Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Escherichia coli Proteins ; chemistry ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Inclusion Bodies ; chemistry ; Models, Biological ; Protein Refolding ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics

Overexpression of recombinant Human Cu, Zn-Superoxide Dismutase (rhCu, Zn-SOD) in E. coli results in the form of insoluble inclusion body. Purity of rhSOD inclusion body was over 80% by isolation and purification. After preliminary renaturation by conventional dilution or dialysis, enzyme preparations was respectively purified by using Copper Metals-Chelating Affinity Chromatography (Copper-MCAC). RhSOD specific activity purified by MCAC (from the sample renatured partly by dialysis) was 2.2 times as much as that by dialysis and protein recovery was 64%. RhSOD specific activity purified by MCAC (from the sample renatured partly by dilution) was 5.3 times as much as that by dilution and protein recovery was 25%. The two rhSOD preparations purified by MCAC had specific activities about 5000 u/mg and activity recoveries were all over 130% of the enzyme activities in the samples renatured partly by dilution or dialysis. The above-mentioned results indicated that Copper-MCAC resulted in a purification and further renaturation of target protein. SDS-PAGE showed that the target protein rhSOD (19 kD) was purified homogeneously and NBT activity identification proved that the purified and renatured rhSOD had very strong SOD activity. In conclusion, Copper Metals-Chelaing Affinity Chromatography appears to be a simple, rapid and efficient procedure for purifying and further renaturing rhCu, Zn-SOD by dilution or dialysis. The method provided a new idea for purifying and renaturing recombinant proteins expressed in the form of inclusion body in E. coli.
Chelating Agents ; chemistry ; Chromatography, Affinity ; methods ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Inclusion Bodies ; genetics ; Protein Renaturation ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Superoxide Dismutase ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo express the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) of Balb/C mouse mannan binding lectin A (MBL-A) in E.coli.

METHODSThe target gene fragment was obtained by PCR from the plasmid pmMBL-A harboring mouse MBL-A gene. The PCR product was recombined with the prokaryotic expression vector pET-41a(+) and the resulting recombinant plasmid was identified by PCR, restriction analysis and sequencing before transformation into E.coli BL21(DE3) cell for expression of the target protein. After washing and renaturation, the protein was purified on GST-Tag purification resins and analyzed by SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTSA DNA fragment of about 450 bp was amplified by PCR and the recombinant plasmid pET41a-mMBL-A-CRD was constructed by linking the fragment with pET41a(+) vector. The result of restriction enzyme analysis and sequencing of the selected clones were consistent with those by computer analysis. The recombinant vector was expressed in E.coli BL21(DE3), and the expressed protein existed mainly as inclusion bodies, whose relative molecular mass was about 47,000 by SDS-PAGE analysis. After washing, renaturation and purification, the purity of recombinant protein was about 90%. Western blotting suggested immunoreactivity of the purified protein with anti-GST antibody, and its sugar binding activity was verified by ELISA.

CONCLUSIONWe have successfully obtained mouse MBL-A CRD protein, which provides the base for further functional study of the MBL-A molecule.

Animals ; Carbohydrates ; chemistry ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; Inclusion Bodies ; metabolism ; Mannose-Binding Lectin ; biosynthesis ; chemistry ; genetics ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; chemistry ; genetics

The expression vectors of the gene encoding ScFv-2F3 were transformed into E. coli BL21(DE3). Clones of higher expression were first selected, then were grown in the presence of IPTG at 37 degrees C to induce its expression. The culture conditions were carefully optimized. It was found that optimal conditions were as follows: the induction was started as OD590 reached to 1.0-1.8; the concentration of IPTG was 0.3-0.5 mmol/L and induction time is 7 h. The yield of ScFv-2F3 expressed in the selected clones is about 20% of the total proteins. The optimal culture conditions were successfully applied to fermenter of 50 L. The conditions of washing the inclusion bodies were also optimized. A two-step method was used to renature the inclusion body. The expression product of interest and its biological activities were characterized with Western blotting and ELISA. A novel selenium-containing single-chain abzyme with GPX activity was prepared.
Antibodies, Catalytic ; biosynthesis ; chemistry ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Bioreactors ; microbiology ; Cloning, Molecular ; Escherichia coli ; Gene Expression ; Immunoglobulin Fragments ; biosynthesis ; chemistry ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Inclusion Bodies ; metabolism ; Protein Folding ; Protein Renaturation ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; chemistry ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Selenium ; metabolism

The excretion characteristics of stilbene glycoside (THSG) and its beta-cyclodextrin inclusion in bile, urine and feces after oral administration to rats were studied. Bile for 24 h, urine and feces for 72 h were collected. The content of THSG was determined by HPLC-UV. The established HPLC-UV method was available for the analysis of THSG in excreta and corresponded to the requirement of biological sample analysis. After given THSG and its beta-cyclodextrin inclusion, the amount of prototype THSG in feces were 3.27% and 0.61%, meanwhile THSG in bile were 0.20% and 0.18%, respectively. Only a little THSG was found in urine. The result showed that beta-cyclodextrin inclusion reduced the fecal excretion of THSG. However, the characteristic of urinary and biliary excretion wasn't changed.
Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Bile ; metabolism ; secretion ; Biological Transport ; physiology ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Feces ; Glycosides ; chemistry ; Inclusion Bodies ; secretion ; Injections, Intravenous ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Stilbenes ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; beta-Cyclodextrins ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDTo study the composition and significance of the inclusion bodies of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV).

METHODSMicrodissection of inclusion bodies, PCR and Southern blot were adopted to detect DNA, and immunohistochemistry method and catalyzed signal amplification (CSA) were used to detect the different antigens of HCMV.

RESULTSThe inclusion bodies of HCMV were separated from the tissue section of human salivary gland. The fragments amplified by PCR from these dissected inclusion bodies were confirmed to be the DNA of HCMV. With the immunohistochemical method CSA, the immediately early and early antigens of HCMV were detected with monoclonal antibodies DDG9/CCH2, while matrix protein AAC10 was negative in the inclusion bodies.

CONCLUSIONThe ingredient of inclusion bodies of HCMV included the DNA and the antigens expressed in specific stage of the virus.

Antigens, Viral ; analysis ; immunology ; Cytomegalovirus ; genetics ; immunology ; Cytomegalovirus Infections ; diagnosis ; immunology ; virology ; DNA, Viral ; analysis ; genetics ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Inclusion Bodies ; chemistry ; immunology ; virology ; Microdissection ; Salivary Glands ; chemistry ; immunology ; virology

This study is to optimize the preparation process of fusion protein Fv-LDP which was expressed in the form of inclusion body and consisted of lidamycin apoprotein LDP and single-chain Fv antibody (scFv) directed against type IV collagenase. The preparation and the dissolution of inclusion body, the immobilized metal affinity chromatography of the target protein and the renaturization by stepwise dialysis were optimized by single-factor analysis or orthogonal design. In addition, the refolded fusion protein Fv-LDP was refined by Sephadex G-75 chromatography followed by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS)-based saturation binding assay to measure its antigen-binding activity. After optimization of the process, the purity of fusion protein Fv-LDP existed in the inclusion body was 63.9% and the corresponding solubility was 95.7%; Under denaturing conditions, the purity of fusion protein Fv-LDP was more than 95% after the purification process. The percentage of monomeric fusion protein Fv-LDP was 60% after the refolding process, while it was further refined to 85% which was 5.6-fold higher than that of the initial refolding condition. The refined fusion protein Fv-LDP could bind to human lung adenocarcinoma PAa cells and human hepatoma BEL-7402 cells with the dissociation constants (Kd) of 0.176 micromol x L(-1) and 0.904 micromol x L(-1), respectively. The preparation process of fusion protein Fv-LDP has been successfully optimized, which provides the experimental basis for the production and future development of fusion protein Fv-LDP, and might serve as a relatively practical system for the preparation of other scFv-based proteins expressed in the form of inclusion body.
Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Aminoglycosides ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Apoproteins ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Collagenases ; immunology ; Enediynes ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Escherichia coli ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Humans ; Inclusion Bodies ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Protein Binding ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Single-Chain Antibodies ; chemistry ; metabolism

Viral infection induces numerous tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins to control antiviral immune signaling and viral replication. Particularly, SPRY-containing TRIM proteins are found only in vertebrates and they control target protein degradation by their RING-finger and SPRY domains, and proper cytoplasmic localization. To understand TRIM30 function, we analyzed its localization pattern and putative roles of its RING-finger and SPRY domains. We found that TRIM30 is located in actin-mediated cytoplasmic bodies and produces colocalized ubiquitin chains in SPRY domain- and RING-finger domain-dependent ways that are degraded by autophagy and the proteasome. These results suggest a TRIM protein-dependent degradation mechanism by cytoplasmic body formation with actin networks.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Autophagy ; Cell Line ; Inclusion Bodies/*metabolism ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/chemistry/genetics/*metabolism ; Mice ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Polyubiquitin/*metabolism ; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/metabolism ; Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs ; Protein Transport ; Proteolysis ; RING Finger Domains