[Expression and identification of HCV core protein in human hepatocytes].
OBJECTIVE
To construct the recombinant plasmid of HCV core protein, and to express and identify it in normal human hepatocyte HL-7702.


METHODS
HCV core gene was cloned by using PCR from plasmid pBRTM/HCV1-3011 which included the full length of HCV gene. The core segment with expression plasmid pcDNA3.1(-) was recombined to construct eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3.1(-)/core, which was then transfected into human hepatocytes by using poly-cation. The expression of core protein was detected by immunochemical staining and Western blot.


RESULTS
The length and sequence of the cloned core segment were correct. The transfected HL-7702 cells expressed the core protein.


CONCLUSIONS
The eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3.1(-)/core including HCV core gene is successfully constructed. The effective expression of HCV core protein in human hepatocytes is useful for further development of HCV core antigen.
Li
Jun-wu
JW
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China. ljw6610@163.com
Xu
Xiao-liang
XL
Li
Ke
K
D015153:Blotting, Western; D002460:Cell Line; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D015870:Gene Expression; D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010957:Plasmids / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014758:Viral Core Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens; D014758:Viral Core Proteins; C069130:nucleocapsid protein, Hepatitis C virus; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes