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SIVmac Gag p27 capsid protein gene expression in potato
Tae-Geum Kim1, Ruth Ruprecht, William H R Langridge
1Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Center for Molecular Biology and Gene Therapy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
Abstract:
A cDNA encoding the Simian immunodeficiency virus type (SIV(mac)) Gag capsid protein was introduced into Solanum tuberosum cells by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation methods. The gag gene was detected in the genomic DNA of transformed leaf tissues by PCR DNA amplification. Immunoblot analysis of transformed potato plant extracts with anti-Gag monoclonal antibody showed that biologically active Gag protein was synthesized in transformed tuber tissues. Based on ELISA results, recombinant Gag protein made up 0.006-0.014% of total soluble tuber protein. The synthesis of SIV Gag in transformed potato tubers opens the way for development of Gag-based edible plant vaccines for protection against SIV and potentially HIV-1 infection.