University of California

Jeffrey C Edman

Howard M Goodman

William J Rutter

Robert A Hallewell

Daniel V Santi

Pablo D Valenzuela

Ursula Edman

Genetic material encoding dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) of Pneumocystis carinii has been isolated and characterized. This genetic material allows the production of peptides for use in the design of inhibitors specific for P. carinii DHFR (as opposed to DHFR in the host infected with P. carinii) or can itself be directly used in hybridization assays.

Pneumocystis carinii dihydrofolate reductase gene and methods for its use

A DNA expression vector is described which is derived from the highly efficient trp operon. The expression vector provides for the direct expression of an inserted gene or cDNA. Using the expression vector described herein, it is possible to obtain the protein coded by the gene or cDNA directly and not as a fusion protein. The expression vector comprises the promoter, operator and leader ribosomal binding site of the trp operon.

DNA expression vector suitable for direct expression of a foreign gene

A DNA expression vector which contains the trp promotor is described. The expression vector provides for the overproduction of .beta.-lactamase. Insertion of a gene or cDNA into the .beta.-lactamase gene of the expression vector results in the over-production of a fusion protein comprising a part of the .beta.-lactamase as the N-terminal end and the protein coded for by the inserted DNA as the C-terminal end. Using the expression vector described herein, it is possible to obtain large amounts of the fusion protein. A fusion protein containing the surface antigen of Hepatitis B virus and a vaccine containing this fusion protein are also described.

Growing community of inventors

Davis, CA, United States of America

Jeffrey C Edman