High-level expression of hepatitis B virus adr subtype X protein in Escherichia coli
Abstract: The X gene of a known adr subtype of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was cloned into the ProEX HT Prokaryotic Expression System (GibcoBRL),and the X protein of HBV,154 amino acid residues,was expressed in a fusing fashion in E.coli . The fusion protein,named His tagged X protein (shortly HX protein) contains 179 amino acid residues and its molecular weight is about 19.7 kilodaltons.It is easy to purify by the HisTrap affinity chromatography. The purity of the HX protein could reach 93%by one step of capturation.Western blotting showed that the HX protein could specifically be recognized by the human antibodies against HBV X antigen(ptotein).