Protein purification, cDNA cloning and gene expression of lysozyme from eri-silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini

S Fujimoto1, I Toshimori-Tsuda, K Kishimoto

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, 680-8553, Tottori, Japan.

Lysozyme was isolated from immunized hemolymph of Samia cynthia ricini larvae by heat treatment, cation exchange and reverse-phase chromatography. A cDNA encoding lysozyme was cloned by screening the cDNA library from immunized fat body using, as a probe, a DNA fragment obtained by PCR-based differential display method. The deduced amino acid sequence showed high homology with other chicken-type lysozymes. The calculated molecular mass of the mature peptide was 13785, which agreed precisely with that obtained by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry of the isolated protein. The lysozyme transcripts were detected at a significant level in naïve fat body, and the level increased 5-10-fold upon injection of the larvae with UV-killed bacteria or peptidoglycan.

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