title: Cloning and Expression of Beta Subunit Gene of Phycocyanin From Spirulina platensis in Escherichia coli.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  C-Phycocyanin (C-PC) from blue-green algae such as Spirulina has been reported to have various pharmacological characteristics, including anti-inﬂammatory and anti-tumor activities. Recombinant β-subunit of C-PC (C-PC/β) is an inhibitor of cell proliferation and an inducer of cancer cell apoptosis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Since C-PC/β has a big potential to be used as a promising cancer prevention or therapy agent, the purpose of this study was to clone and express Spirulina platensis cpcB gene in a bacterial expression system. This is a significant step for the production of this compound.
  
  
  METHODS
  The cpcB gene was amplified using specific primers and cloned in a bacterial expression vector, namely pET43.1a+. Gene expression of cpcB was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and the dot blotting technique.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The SDS-PAGE analysis and dot blotting confirmed the production of recombinant C-PC/β in the bacterial expression system. Over-expression of cpcB gene was optimized in induction by 1 mM Isopropyl-β-D-Thiogalactoside (IPTG), after four hours of inoculation at 30°C.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Over-expression of the synthetic CPC/β protein in the bacterial system (Escherichia coli BL-21) showed that E. coli can be used as a basis for further research to produce this desired protein in large quantities.
authors.affiliation: Biology Department, Jahrom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jahrom, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Zahra
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Shoja
authors.affiliation: Agronomy and Plant Breeding Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Hamid
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rajabi Memari
authors.affiliation: Biology Department, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammd
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roayaei Ardakani
keywords: Phycocyanin; Recombinant Proteins; Spirulina