Figure 1. Schematic representation of the dual T7 promoter TcpA-A2-CTB expression plasmid pGAP31-2XT7 and amino acid sequence of the TcpA (29–199) fragment encoded by V.cholerae El Tor N16961.
Gene fragment tcpA (encoding residues 29–199 of mature TcpA) and gene fragment a2 (encoding the A2 polypeptide corresponding to residues 196–240 of mature CTA) were cloned in-frame and downstream of gene fragment pelB (encoding the PelB signal sequence), and the recombinant gene was expressed under control of an IPTG-inducible T7 promoter. Gene fragment ctb (encoding mature CTB) was cloned in-frame and downstream of another pelB gene fragment, and the recombinant gene was expressed under control of a second IPTG-inducible T7 promoter. The PelB signal sequences directed the TcpA-A2 fusion protein and CTB into the periplasm in E. coli, and the TcpA-A2-CTB chimera was assembled spontaneously in the periplasm from one TcpA-A2 polypeptide and five CTB polypeptides. The amino acid sequence of the TcpA fragment (residues 29–199) that is included in the TcpA-A2 fusion protein is shown at the bottom of the figure.