Expression of recombinant proteins is a standard technique in molecular biology and a wide variety of prokaryotic as well as eukaryotic expression systems are currently in use. A limiting step is often the purification of the expressed recombinant protein, particularly if mammalian expression systems that yield low expression levels are employed. Here, we discuss the advantages and restrictions of tagging recombinant proteins with histidines and purifying them by Ni(2+)-NTA chromatography.

NF1 is a DNA‐binding protein involved in initiation of adenovirus DNA replication as well as in modulating the rate of transcription initiation of genes containing the sequence TGGCA. We show here that recombinant NF1 expressed via vaccinia virus is transported into the nucleus and binds to its cognate sequences with the same specificity as NF1 purified from HeLa cells. Furthermore, the recombinant NF1 forms oligomers in solution and binds as a dimer to palindromic as well as half‐site sequences. NF1 expressed via vaccinia virus stimulates the initiation of adenovirus replication in vitro. The N‐terminal 240 amino acids of the protein are sufficient for full DNA‐binding activity as well as stimulation of adenovirus replication. By analysis of several NF1 mutants translated in vitro, we also define the minimal DNA‐binding domain and localize the region responsible for DNA binding on the N‐terminal and for oligomerization on the C‐terminal side of this domain.

In order to define the mechanism of synergistic induction mediated by multiple glucocorticoid response elements (GRE), the affinity of the glucocorticoid receptor to a single or duplicated GRE was analyzed by gel retardation, nitrocellulose filter binding and by footprinting experiments. Direct measurement of the relative affinity and indirect determination by competition showed greater than 10‐fold higher affinity of the glucocorticoid receptor to a duplicated GRE when compared to a single element. Maximal stability of the GRE‐receptor complex was obtained using two closely spaced GREs positioned on the same side of the DNA helix. Increasing the distance or changing the helical position of the GREs considerably increased the off rate of the receptor. DNase I footprinting shows in addition to the protection of the GRE region, an altered pattern in the nonprotected intervening DNA indicating structural alteration of the DNA helix by the receptor bound to adjacent GREs.

No abstract