OBJECTIVETo construct the HPV16 L1 prokaryotic expression plasmid and to optimize its expression.

METHODSA pair of primers was designed according to plasmid sequences of pGEX-KG and the HPV16L1 genes published by GeneBank. The DNA fragment of 1500 bp was amplified by PCR from the HPV recombinant plasmid with HPV16L1 gene, then cloned into pGEX-KG and transformed into the host E.coli strain JM109. The pGEX-KG-HPV16L1 plasmid was taken and transformed into BL21(DE3) for expression. Induced by IPTG at 37 degree, the expression product of HPV16L1 gene was identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot.

RESULTSHPV16L1 fusion protein was expressed successfully in the form of inclusion bodies. The molecular weight was 83 kD. Meanwhile, the optimum condition of HPV16L1 fusion protein expression was induced with 1.0 mmol*L(-1) IPTG for 4 h. The fusion protein reacted specifically with antibodies against HPV16L1.

CONCLUSIONThe prokaryotic expression vector of HPV16L1 gene has been constructed and expressed in E.coli successfully.