Expression, purification, and RNA-binding properties of HIV-1 p15gag nucleocapsid protein

We have cloned and expressed HIV-1 gag p15 nucleocapsid protein (NCp15) in the form of a 41-kDa fusion polypeptide with glutathione-S-transferase (GST-NCp). The recombinant protein was rapidly degraded in bacterial lysates unless Zn2+ and Cd2+ were present in the extraction buffer. Inclusion of these metals stabilized the protein, allowing facile purification of GST-NCp by affinity chromatography. The native NCp15 was readily prepared from GST-NCp by proteolytic cleavage with thrombin. Both GST-NCp and the processed NCp15 were able to bind RNA containing sequences from the 5'-end of the HIV-1 genome. This binding was unaffected by the absence or the presence of Zn2+; however, the binding of RNA was absolutely dependent on the presence of K+. The GST-NCp fusion protein was nonselective in the binding of RNA, with all transcripts, including antisense and non-HIV RNA, binding with equal efficiency. In contrast, NCp15 was highly selective in binding of RNA. Sequences within nucleotides 1244-1412 of the HIV-1 proviral genome were found necessary for maximal binding of RNA to NCp15.