[Cloning, expression and purification of SARS coronavirus PUMC2 strain nucleocapsid protein].

Objective: To clone, express and purify nucleocapsid protein from SARS coronavirus PUMC2 strain.
Methods: According to the published SARS coronavirus genome sequences, the full length cDNA of N protein from SARS coronavirus PUMC2 strain was cloned by RT-PCR and the cDNA was cloned into the pET32a expression vector. The recombinant N protein was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3), and purified by Ni(2+)-NTA.
Results: Prokaryoticly expressed and purified N protein of SARS coronavirus PUMC2 strain was obtained.
Conclusions: The SARS coronavirus recombinant N protein obtained by genetic engineering methods can be used for further functional study of SARS coronavirus N protein.