A full-length cDNA encoding the VIG-1 protein was sub-cloned into pET28a vector at EcoRI and XhoI sites (pDH207) with oligonucleotides (V37: 5'-AAAGAATTCA TGAGCACTGAATACGGTTGCCAG-3' and V38: 5' - AAACTCGAGTTACTTGGCACCGAGAGCTG-3' ) using PCR, and expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3). The fusion protein was purified with a Ni-NTA column (QIAGEN) according to the manufacturer's instructions, and subjected to SDS-PAGE. The gel pieces that contained the VIG-1 recombinant protein were excised and the protein was collected through gel electro-elution and used as the immunogen for two Sprague Dawley rats at the University of Calgary Animal Research Facility.
vig-1