Abstract

The growth hormone binding protein (GHBP) was isolated from the liver of Nili-Ravibuffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplified and sequence characterized. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated high degree sequence identities (97.3 to 99.6%) of BbGHBP cDNA with Bos taurus, Ovis aries and Capra hircus. An expression plasmid was constructed for the production ofBbGHBP in Escherichia coli BL21 (RIPL) CodonPlus under the control of T7lacpromoter. On induction with isopropyl β-D thiogalactopyranoside, the BbGHBP wasexpressed at levels >30% of the total E. coli proteins. The target protein expressed as inclusion bodies was solubilized in denaturing solution and refolded by step/pulsatile dilution method using cysteine and cystine redox potential. Purification to near homogeniety (>98%) was achieved by ion-exchange chromatography with a recovery yield of 64%. Mass spectrometric analysis of the purified BbGHBP showed a single peak of 30,756 Da. A radioprotein assay evaluated the binding affinity of recombinantBbGHBP with iodinated bovine growth hormone (bGH) which demonstrated active conformation of BbGHBP. These results demonstrate high expression and sequence characterization of BbGHBP in Nili-Ravi buffaloes and provide the basis for the assessment of BbGHBP in other breeds of buffalo.

Key words: Liver, Nili-Ravi buffalo, GHBP, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, radioprotein binding assay, refolding.

Abbreviation

GHBP, Growth hormone binding protein; RT-PCR, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction; GH, growth hormone.