Transient Expression of BVDV Npro Gene in vitro and Distribution of Fusion Protein in Cells

The gene encoding nonstructural protein Npro of BVDV was amplified by PCR, then was inserted into pEGFP-C1 vector. The 293 cells were transfected in vitro with recombinant plasmid by liposome. Npro- EGFP fusion protein was viewed directly with fluorensce microscope and mRNA expression of Npro was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results showed that recombinant plasmid was confirmed to be constructed correctly by PCR, restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing; meanwhile, the gene carried was expressed in 293 cells. The fusion protein had properties of both the two Npro and enhanced green fluorescent proteins (EGFP) and distributed in the cytoplasm. This research lays a foundation for further researches which explored Npro gene function in the process of viral replication and synthesis.