Plasmid

Part:BBa_K4959005

Designed by: Liang Chenyu   Group: iGEM23_ULC   (2023-10-06)


SvaMcrA-pET28a

SvaMcrA -pET28a is a novel plasmid constructed using the pET-28a vector and a gene fragment called SvaMcrA. Introduction of this recombinant plasmid into BL21 competent cell produces the protein we need, a sulfur-modification-dependent restriction enzyme. The protein produced enables us to conduct the next functional study experiments. We first performed double digestion of the pET28a vector and the target fragment to construct recombinant plasmids using two restriction endonucleases, Nde1 and Xho1. After digestion, we ran the gel by agarose gel electrophoresis, followed by gel recovery to purify the DNA to improve its purity. Finally, we ligated the vector backbone, and the target fragment with T4 DNA ligase transformed them into E. coli sensory state by heat-excited method, and cultured them on resistant plates overnight. <!DOCTYPE html> SvaMcrA-pET28a (BBa_K4959005)

SvaMcrA-pET28a (BBa_K4959005)

Usage and Biology

DNA phosphorothionylation modification (also known as sulfur modification) is a backbone modification that replaces non-bridging oxygen atoms on the phosphodiester bond of DNA with sulfur atoms, and sulfur modification-dependent restriction enzymes can target and cleave this type of modified DNA[1]. Sulfur modification-dependent restriction enzymes bind strongly to nucleic acids, and the investigation of the binding and cleavage mechanisms will help to apply them as important components in thermostable nucleic acid detection.

In this project, we plan to synthesize the potential sulfur-modification-dependent restriction enzyme, purify the protein by constructing it in an expression vector, and investigate the binding and cleavage activities of the protein by using EMSA assay and cleavage assay.

Cleaving modified DNA
Figure 1. Cleaving modified DNA

Construction Design

We connected a SvaMcrA (BBa_K4959002) gene sequence to the original part pET28a backbone (BBa_K3521004) and obtained a new part (BBa_K4959005).

In this project, we focused on sulfur-modification-dependent restriction enzymes. Introduction of this recombinant plasmid into BL21 competent cell produces the protein we need, a sulfur-modification-dependent restriction enzyme. The protein produced enables us to conduct the next functional study experiments.

We first performed double digestion of the pET28a vector and the target fragment to construct recombinant plasmids using two restriction endonucleases, Nde1 and Xho1. After digestion, we ran the gel by agarose gel electrophoresis, followed by gel recovery to purify the DNA to improve its purity. Finally, we ligated the vector backbone, and the target fragment with T4 DNA ligase transformed them into E. coli sensory state by heat-excited method, and cultured them on resistant plates overnight.

Profile of pET-28a-sva
Figure 2. Profile of pET-28a-sva

Experimental Procedure

We planned to construct the plasmid using an enzyme-conjugated method. First, we obtained the target sequence (synthesized by Bio) from the designer. Then we digested the vector and the target fragment with two enzymes, NdeI and XhoI, respectively. Finally, we used T4 DNA ligase to link the target fragment to the vector backbone and the target fragment.

Enzyme digestion validation of recombinant plasmids
Figure 3. Enzyme digestion validation of recombinant plasmids

After that, we transformed the recombinant plasmid into E. coli receptor cells and grew them overnight on Kana-resistant plates. The next day, we verified the plasmid lifting and digestion of the strains grown on the plates to make sure we got the correct recombinant plasmid.

Growth of recombinant plasmids of Sva after transformation of Escherichia coli in plate culture
Figure 4. Growth of recombinant plasmids of Sva after transformation of Escherichia coli in plate culture

In the second phase of the experiment, we transformed the recombinant plasmid into BL21 E. coli receptor cells and allowed them to grow in a liquid LB medium. When the bacteria grew, we induced expression of the target proteins using IPTG inducers. After overnight induction, we extracted the target proteins by centrifugation and ultrasonic fragmentation and performed protein purification.

SDS PAGE results of the target protein
Figure 5. SDS PAGE results of the target protein

Function Test

After extracting the target proteins, purification (nickel affinity chromatography, Q column chromatography, gravity column) and concentration were done, preparing for two function analyses: EMSA and nucleic acid cleavage test. This part presents the overview and experiment results of the function test for the enzyme we obtained.

Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays (EMSA)

The EMSA test aims to test the binding specificity (phosphorothioate dependent in this case) of the Sva enzyme that is purified. EMSA 5x buffer is prepared with 100 mM Tris-Cl and 50 mM NaCl concentrations. A 10ul system is then used to achieve binding between the target enzyme and the dsDNA – phosphorothioate B7A and non-phosphorothioate BL21.

EMSA composition table

The dsDNA is prepared from annealing of given ssDNA. Enzyme binding is followed by SDS PAGE (Sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). The product obtained is then stained using SYBR Gold (Invitrogen) without light, thus observed using a gel imager. We expect enzyme binding with only ptDNA, thus no binding with non-ptDNA.

Result of BL21 and B7A EMSA for SVA
Figure 6. Result of BL21 and B7A EMSA for SVA

Nucleic Acid Cleavage Test

The nucleic acid cleavage test aims to test the cleavage specificity (ptDNA dependent in this case) of the enzyme we obtained. Cleavage 2x buffer is prepared with 40mM Bis-Tris, 100mM NaCl, 2mM DTT, and 2mM MnCl2 concentrations.

Cleavage composition table

Enzyme cleavage is followed by enzyme digestion. Protein K is used to digest the enzyme Sga, avoiding potential influence in the following agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE). We expect to see cleavage only on ptDNA while no successful cleavage on non-ptDNA.

AGE result of BL21 & B7A Nucleic Acid Cleavage
Figure 7. AGE result of BL21 & B7A Nucleic Acid Cleavage

Reference

[1] Liu G, Fu W, Zhang Z, He Y, Yu H, Wang Y, Wang X, Zhao YL, Deng Z, Wu G, He X. Structural basis for the recognition of sulfur in phosphorothioated DNA. Nat Commun. 2018 Nov 8;9(1):4689.


Sequence and Features


Assembly Compatibility:
  • 10
    COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[10]
  • 12
    COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[12]
  • 21
    INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[21]
    Illegal BglII site found at 4402
  • 23
    COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[23]
  • 25
    INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[25]
    Illegal NgoMIV site found at 2622
    Illegal NgoMIV site found at 2782
    Illegal NgoMIV site found at 4370
    Illegal AgeI site found at 4689
  • 1000
    INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[1000]
    Illegal BsaI.rc site found at 5271
    Illegal SapI site found at 5477


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