HIV-1 P24 EXPRESSION IN TRANSPLASTOMIC TOBACCO PLANTS

Abstract

Expression of HIV-1 p24 gene in chloroplasts was achieved in a tobacco variety V2 (Virginia TBE2). Through PCR and Southern blot analyses, it was demonstrated that the transgene integrated into the target site in the chloroplasts, between trnfM and trnG. Western blot results showed that HIV-1 p24 gene expressed in transplastomic tobacco plants. p24 protein accumulations were detected by ELISA in the range from 1.7% to 6.3% TSP and the high concentrations in the leaves near the top. p24 protein was purified by gel filtration chromatography demonstrated that the purification is 9.694 folds and the performance is 31.94%, however, protein p24 largely was inactive after purification.