Production of cell lines secreting TAT fusion proteins

J Histochem Cytochem. 2004 Apr;52(4):469-77. doi: 10.1177/002215540405200405.

Abstract

Transduction of proteins and other macromolecules constitutes a potent technology to analyze cell functions and to achieve therapeutic interventions. In general, fusion proteins with protein transduction domains, such as TAT, are produced in a bacterial expression system. Here we describe the generation of a mammalian expression vector coding for TAT-EGFP fusion protein. Transfection of CHO-K1 cells by this vector and subsequent selection by Zeocin resulted in cell lines that express and secrete EGFP, a variant of the green fluorescent protein GFP. The ultimate cell line was produced by first cloning the stable integrants and subsequent selection of EGFP-expressing cells by flow cytometric sorting. In the resulting cell line approximately 98% of cells express EGFP. Using the same methodology, we generated cell lines that express DsRed fluorescent protein. The advantages of using such a mammalian expression system include the ease of generating TAT fusion proteins and the potential for sustained production of such proteins in vitro and, potentially, in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CHO Cells / metabolism*
  • Cell Survival
  • Cricetinae
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Gene Products, tat / genetics*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Luminescent Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism*
  • Red Fluorescent Protein
  • Transduction, Genetic

Substances

  • Gene Products, tat
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins