GENE EXPRESSION SYSTEM FOR MASS PRODUCTION OF HEPATITIS C VIRAL RNA-DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE AND ENZYME ASSAY USING FUSION PROTEIN EXPRESSED THEREFROM

摘要

The present invention relates to gene expression system for mass production of hepatitis c viral rna-dependent rna polymerase and enzyme assay using fusion protein expressed therefrom. Particularly, the present invention relates to the gene expression system which uses N-terminal domain of E.coli lysyl-tRNA synthetase as fusion partner and mass-produces HCV RNA-depedent RNA polymerase(NS5B) in water-soluble type, and the in vitro enzyme assay for measuring the polymerase activity. The gene expression system of the present invention can mass-produce the HCV RNA polymerase in water-soluble type, so it is useful for a construction of in vitro assay system for HCV enzyme proteins and a screening of antiviral agents. In addition, the in vitro assay for measuring the HCV RNA polymerase of the present invention can be used to develop HCV inhibitory agents.