Library construction is a common method used to screen target genes in molecular biology.Most library constructions are not suitable for a small DNA library(<100 base pair(bp))and low RNA library output.To maximize...Library construction is a common method used to screen target genes in molecular biology.Most library constructions are not suitable for a small DNA library(<100 base pair(bp))and low RNA library output.To maximize the library’s complexity,error-prone polymerase chain reaction(PCR)was used to increase the base mutation rate.After introducing the DNA fragments into the competent cell,the library complexity could reach 109.Library mutation rate increased exponentially with the dilution and amplification of error-prone PCR.The error-prone PCR conditions were optimized including deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate(dNTP)concentration,Mn^(2+)concentration,Mg^(2+)concentration,PCR cycle number,and primer length.Then,a RNA library with high complexity can be obtained by in vitro transcription to meet most molecular biological screening requirements,and can also be used for mRNA vaccine screening.展开更多
Cell-free protein synthesis(CFPS)is an established biotechnology tool that has shown great utility in many applications such as prototyping proteins,building genetic circuits,designing biosensors,and expressing cytoto...Cell-free protein synthesis(CFPS)is an established biotechnology tool that has shown great utility in many applications such as prototyping proteins,building genetic circuits,designing biosensors,and expressing cytotoxic proteins.Although CFPS has been widely deployed,the many,varied methods presented in the literature can be challenging for new users to adopt.From our experience and others who newly enter the field,one of the most frustrating aspects of applying CFPS as a laboratory can be the large levels of variability that are present within experimental replicates.Herein we provide a retrospective summary of CFPS methods that reduce variability significantly.These methods include optimized extract preparation,fully solubilizing the master mix components,and careful mixing of the reaction.These have reduced our coefficient of variation from 97.3%to 1.2%.Moreover,these methods allow complete novices(e.g.semester rotation undergraduate students)to provide data that is comparable to experienced users,thus allowing broader participation in this exciting research area.展开更多
An Amh promoter driving expression of a reporter gene (d2EGFP) has been used to analyze the role of two specific promoter transcription factor binding elements. In addition a downstream (3’) enhancer (DE) was also in...An Amh promoter driving expression of a reporter gene (d2EGFP) has been used to analyze the role of two specific promoter transcription factor binding elements. In addition a downstream (3’) enhancer (DE) was also investigated. The transcription factors GATA-1 and GATA-4 had opposite effects, the former being incremental and the latter decremental. The quantitative balance between these two factors may provide a degree of control over the level of gene expression.展开更多
Objective and Methods: Excessive accumulation of collagen typeⅠ and type Ⅲ causes the formation of keloids and hypertrophic scars. To understand the mechanism by which antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (Oligo) acts on ...Objective and Methods: Excessive accumulation of collagen typeⅠ and type Ⅲ causes the formation of keloids and hypertrophic scars. To understand the mechanism by which antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (Oligo) acts on in vitro transcrption α1 (I) collagen gene, isotopes (α-32pGTP) was incorporated into 2 SP6 in vitro transcription systems. Results and Conclu- sion: Oligo 2 (at the transcription start region) could effectively inhibit in vitro transcription of pGEM3-Col13 and the control (random oligodeoxynucleotides) showed no inhibition. However, oligo 1 (at the transcription start region) obviously inhibited the in vitro transcription of pGEM3-Col14, while Oligo 2, which targeted at the down stream region (about 200 bp) of the promoter showed no significant inhibition effect.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate the humoral immune induction in rats of a candidate AIDS vaccine expressing the gag p24 gene froma subtype B HIV-1 isolate. Methods: The amplified p24 gene was inserted into aneukaryotic express...Objective: To evaluate the humoral immune induction in rats of a candidate AIDS vaccine expressing the gag p24 gene froma subtype B HIV-1 isolate. Methods: The amplified p24 gene was inserted into aneukaryotic expression vector to form the supercoiled DNAvaccine. The linearized expressed DNA vaccine was preparedfrom the expression plasmid by polymerase chain reaction(PCR). The antigen gene expression in rats of the linearizedand supercoiled DNA vaccines were in vitro and in vivodetected. Results: In vitro transcription and Northern hybridizationshowed that the linearized DNA vaccine could synthesizeamounts or p24 mRNA similar to the supercoiled DNA vaccine.Antibody assays of inoculated rats confirmed that thelinearized expression DNA could induce a slightly higherantibody titer than the expression plasmid, while the highestautibody titer had been induced by plasmid plus adjuvantinoculation. Conclusion: The construction of a candidate AIDS vaccinebased on the p24 gene could shed light on a potential IV vaccine, meriting evaluation in a rhesus macaque SHIV-AIDSmodel.展开更多
Objective: To explore the cleaving and inhibitory activity of hepatitis C virus ( HCV) -specific deoxyri-bozymes (DRz) at both molecular and transgeneic cellular levels. Methods: According to the secondary structure o...Objective: To explore the cleaving and inhibitory activity of hepatitis C virus ( HCV) -specific deoxyri-bozymes (DRz) at both molecular and transgeneic cellular levels. Methods: According to the secondary structure of HCV 5'-noncoding region (5'-NCR) and the sites characterized with 5'…Y ↓ R…3'(Y = A/G,R = U/C) , HCV-spe-cific naive deoxyribozymes were designed and named DRz-232, DRz-127, DRz-84, DRz1, and the phosphorothioate deoxyribozymes (PSDRz) and mutated phosphorothioate deoxyribozymes (MPSDRz) were also designed. HCV RNA 5'-NCR was transcribed in vitro from linearized plasmid pHCV-neo and radiolabelled at its 5'-end. DRz, PSDRz or MPSDRz was respectively mixed with the substrate RNA and incubated under appropriate conditions, the cleaved products were displayed by 8% denaturated polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and autoradiography, and the optical density of each band was measured to calculate cleavage rates. After that, every kind of DRz was added respectively to the cultured transgeneic HepG2 cells containing luciferase gene controlled by HCV 5'-NCR. The cells were lysed at intended time points and the activity of luciferase was measured with chemiluminescence method for calculating inhibition rates. Results: After incubated for 90 min in vitro, the cleavage rates of DRz-127, PSDRz-127, DRz1 and PS-DRz1 reached 32.6% , 30. 8% , 24. 3% and 21. 5% , respectively. No cleavage product was observed in any MPSDRz. DRz-127, PSDRz-127, DRz1 and PSDRzl had an inhibitory rate of 53. 2% , 50. 6% , 44. 7% and 43. 3% respectively in transgeneic HepG2 cells in the first 24 h when the final dose of the DRz was 0. 5μmol/L, higher than that of the corresponding MPSDRz. There was no significant difference between the inhibitory effect of each DRz and its PSDRz in HepG2 cells, but the inhibitory rate of DRz decreased more rapidly than that of the latter with the elapse of time. The results from transfection groups were significantly better than those of non-transfection groups. Conclusion: Rationally-desi展开更多
CRISPR/Cas9 uses a guide RNA （gRNA） molecule to execute sequence-specific DNA cleavage and it has been widely used for genome editing in many organisms. Modifications at either end of the gRNAs often render Cas9/gRN...CRISPR/Cas9 uses a guide RNA （gRNA） molecule to execute sequence-specific DNA cleavage and it has been widely used for genome editing in many organisms. Modifications at either end of the gRNAs often render Cas9/gRNA inactive. So far, production of gRNA in vivo has only been achieved by using the U6 and U3 snRNA promoters. However, the U6 and U3 promoters have major limitations such as a lack of cell specificity and unsuitability for in vitro transcription. Here, we present a versatile method for efficiently producing gRNAs both in vitro and in vivo. We design an artificial gene named RGR that, once transcribed, generates an RNA molecule with ribozyme sequences at both ends of the designed gRNA. We show that the primary transcripts of RGR undergo self-catalyzed cleavage to generate the desired gRNA, which can efficiently guide sequence-specific cleavage of DNA targets both in vitro and in yeast. RGR can be transcribed from any promoters and thus allows for cell- and tissue-specific genome editing if appropriate promoters are chosen. Detecting mutations generated by CRISPR is often achieved by enzyme digestions, which are not very compatible with high-throughput analysis. Our system allows for the use of universal primers to produce any gRNAs in vitro, which can then be used with Cas9 protein to detect mutations caused by the gRNAs/CRISPR. In conclusion, we provide a versatile method for generating targeted mutations in specific cells and tissues, and for efficiently detecting the mutations generated.展开更多
基金Shanghai Science and Technology Commission’s“Belt and Road Initiative”International Cooperation Project,China(No.19410741800)。
文摘Library construction is a common method used to screen target genes in molecular biology.Most library constructions are not suitable for a small DNA library(<100 base pair(bp))and low RNA library output.To maximize the library’s complexity,error-prone polymerase chain reaction(PCR)was used to increase the base mutation rate.After introducing the DNA fragments into the competent cell,the library complexity could reach 109.Library mutation rate increased exponentially with the dilution and amplification of error-prone PCR.The error-prone PCR conditions were optimized including deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate(dNTP)concentration,Mn^(2+)concentration,Mg^(2+)concentration,PCR cycle number,and primer length.Then,a RNA library with high complexity can be obtained by in vitro transcription to meet most molecular biological screening requirements,and can also be used for mRNA vaccine screening.
基金We would like to acknowledge Bradley Bundy,Michael Jewett,James Swartz,Vincent Noireaux,and Yongchan Kwon for their assistance in understanding and discussing these protocols.NFR acknowledges funding from the Black&Veatch Building a World of Difference Faculty Fellowship in Engineering and Iowa State University Startup Funds.
文摘Cell-free protein synthesis(CFPS)is an established biotechnology tool that has shown great utility in many applications such as prototyping proteins,building genetic circuits,designing biosensors,and expressing cytotoxic proteins.Although CFPS has been widely deployed,the many,varied methods presented in the literature can be challenging for new users to adopt.From our experience and others who newly enter the field,one of the most frustrating aspects of applying CFPS as a laboratory can be the large levels of variability that are present within experimental replicates.Herein we provide a retrospective summary of CFPS methods that reduce variability significantly.These methods include optimized extract preparation,fully solubilizing the master mix components,and careful mixing of the reaction.These have reduced our coefficient of variation from 97.3%to 1.2%.Moreover,these methods allow complete novices(e.g.semester rotation undergraduate students)to provide data that is comparable to experienced users,thus allowing broader participation in this exciting research area.
文摘An Amh promoter driving expression of a reporter gene (d2EGFP) has been used to analyze the role of two specific promoter transcription factor binding elements. In addition a downstream (3’) enhancer (DE) was also investigated. The transcription factors GATA-1 and GATA-4 had opposite effects, the former being incremental and the latter decremental. The quantitative balance between these two factors may provide a degree of control over the level of gene expression.
文摘Objective and Methods: Excessive accumulation of collagen typeⅠ and type Ⅲ causes the formation of keloids and hypertrophic scars. To understand the mechanism by which antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (Oligo) acts on in vitro transcrption α1 (I) collagen gene, isotopes (α-32pGTP) was incorporated into 2 SP6 in vitro transcription systems. Results and Conclu- sion: Oligo 2 (at the transcription start region) could effectively inhibit in vitro transcription of pGEM3-Col13 and the control (random oligodeoxynucleotides) showed no inhibition. However, oligo 1 (at the transcription start region) obviously inhibited the in vitro transcription of pGEM3-Col14, while Oligo 2, which targeted at the down stream region (about 200 bp) of the promoter showed no significant inhibition effect.
基金Financially supported by Natural Science Foundation of China(No 39870725)Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong(No 980642)Research Foundation of Guangdong Education Buresu(No.20032).
文摘Objective: To evaluate the humoral immune induction in rats of a candidate AIDS vaccine expressing the gag p24 gene froma subtype B HIV-1 isolate. Methods: The amplified p24 gene was inserted into aneukaryotic expression vector to form the supercoiled DNAvaccine. The linearized expressed DNA vaccine was preparedfrom the expression plasmid by polymerase chain reaction(PCR). The antigen gene expression in rats of the linearizedand supercoiled DNA vaccines were in vitro and in vivodetected. Results: In vitro transcription and Northern hybridizationshowed that the linearized DNA vaccine could synthesizeamounts or p24 mRNA similar to the supercoiled DNA vaccine.Antibody assays of inoculated rats confirmed that thelinearized expression DNA could induce a slightly higherantibody titer than the expression plasmid, while the highestautibody titer had been induced by plasmid plus adjuvantinoculation. Conclusion: The construction of a candidate AIDS vaccinebased on the p24 gene could shed light on a potential IV vaccine, meriting evaluation in a rhesus macaque SHIV-AIDSmodel.
文摘Objective: To explore the cleaving and inhibitory activity of hepatitis C virus ( HCV) -specific deoxyri-bozymes (DRz) at both molecular and transgeneic cellular levels. Methods: According to the secondary structure of HCV 5'-noncoding region (5'-NCR) and the sites characterized with 5'…Y ↓ R…3'(Y = A/G,R = U/C) , HCV-spe-cific naive deoxyribozymes were designed and named DRz-232, DRz-127, DRz-84, DRz1, and the phosphorothioate deoxyribozymes (PSDRz) and mutated phosphorothioate deoxyribozymes (MPSDRz) were also designed. HCV RNA 5'-NCR was transcribed in vitro from linearized plasmid pHCV-neo and radiolabelled at its 5'-end. DRz, PSDRz or MPSDRz was respectively mixed with the substrate RNA and incubated under appropriate conditions, the cleaved products were displayed by 8% denaturated polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and autoradiography, and the optical density of each band was measured to calculate cleavage rates. After that, every kind of DRz was added respectively to the cultured transgeneic HepG2 cells containing luciferase gene controlled by HCV 5'-NCR. The cells were lysed at intended time points and the activity of luciferase was measured with chemiluminescence method for calculating inhibition rates. Results: After incubated for 90 min in vitro, the cleavage rates of DRz-127, PSDRz-127, DRz1 and PS-DRz1 reached 32.6% , 30. 8% , 24. 3% and 21. 5% , respectively. No cleavage product was observed in any MPSDRz. DRz-127, PSDRz-127, DRz1 and PSDRzl had an inhibitory rate of 53. 2% , 50. 6% , 44. 7% and 43. 3% respectively in transgeneic HepG2 cells in the first 24 h when the final dose of the DRz was 0. 5μmol/L, higher than that of the corresponding MPSDRz. There was no significant difference between the inhibitory effect of each DRz and its PSDRz in HepG2 cells, but the inhibitory rate of DRz decreased more rapidly than that of the latter with the elapse of time. The results from transfection groups were significantly better than those of non-transfection groups. Conclusion: Rationally-desi
文摘CRISPR/Cas9 uses a guide RNA （gRNA） molecule to execute sequence-specific DNA cleavage and it has been widely used for genome editing in many organisms. Modifications at either end of the gRNAs often render Cas9/gRNA inactive. So far, production of gRNA in vivo has only been achieved by using the U6 and U3 snRNA promoters. However, the U6 and U3 promoters have major limitations such as a lack of cell specificity and unsuitability for in vitro transcription. Here, we present a versatile method for efficiently producing gRNAs both in vitro and in vivo. We design an artificial gene named RGR that, once transcribed, generates an RNA molecule with ribozyme sequences at both ends of the designed gRNA. We show that the primary transcripts of RGR undergo self-catalyzed cleavage to generate the desired gRNA, which can efficiently guide sequence-specific cleavage of DNA targets both in vitro and in yeast. RGR can be transcribed from any promoters and thus allows for cell- and tissue-specific genome editing if appropriate promoters are chosen. Detecting mutations generated by CRISPR is often achieved by enzyme digestions, which are not very compatible with high-throughput analysis. Our system allows for the use of universal primers to produce any gRNAs in vitro, which can then be used with Cas9 protein to detect mutations caused by the gRNAs/CRISPR. In conclusion, we provide a versatile method for generating targeted mutations in specific cells and tissues, and for efficiently detecting the mutations generated.
