Construction of the Eukaryotic Expression Vector with EGFP and hVE GF121 Gene and its Expression in Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells

摘要

Objectives To construct a recombinant plasmid carrying enhanced green fluore- scent protein (EGFP) and human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) 121 gene and detect its expre- ssion in rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods Human VEGF121 cDNA was amplified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from pCD/hVEGF121 and was inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP- C1. After being identified with PCR, double enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. The recombinant plasmid pEGFP/hVEGF121 was transferred into rat MSCs with lipofectamine. The expression of EGFP/VEGF121 fusion protein were detected with fluorescence microscope and immunocytochemical staining respectively. Results The recombinant plasmid was confirmed with PCR, double enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. The fluoresce- nce microscope and immunocytochemical staining results showed that the EGFP and VEGF121 protein were expressed in MSCs 48 h after transfection. Conclusions The recombinant plasmid carrying EGFP and human VEGF was successfully constructed and expressed positively in rat MSCs. It offers a promise tool for further research on differentiation of MSCs and VEGF gene therapy for ischemial cardiovascular disease.