| Background: Recombinant human endostatin (rhES) is an angiogenesis inhibitor used as a specific drug for the treatment of nonsmall-cell
lung cancer. As mRNA concentration affects the recombinant protein expression level, any factor affecting mRNA concentration
can alter the protein expression level. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box-Behnken design (BBD) is a
statistical tool for experimental design and for optimizing biotechnological processes.
Objectives: This investigation aimed to predict and develop the optimal culture conditions for mRNA expression of the synthetic
human endostatin (hES) gene in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3).
Materials and Methods: The hES gene was amplified, cloned, and expressed in the E. coli expression system. Three factors, including
isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) concentration, post-induction time, and cell density before induction, were selected
as important factors. The mRNA expression level was determined using real-time PCR. The expression levels of hES mRNA under
the different growth conditions were analyzed. SDS-PAGE and western blot analyses were carried out for further confirmation of
interest-gene expression.
Results: A maximum rhES mRNA level of 376.16% was obtained under the following conditions: 0.6 mM IPTG, 7 hours post-induction
time, and 0.9 cell density before induction. The level of rhES mRNA was significantly correlated with post-induction time, IPTG
concentration, and cell density before induction (P < 0.05). The expression of the hES gene was confirmed by western blot.
Conclusions: The obtained results indicate that RSM is an effective method for the optimization of culture conditions for hES gene
expression in E. coli. |