The calcium-binding protein of Entamoeba histolytica as a fusion partner for expression of peptides in Escherichia coli

We describe the construction of an Escherichia coli expression vector, CBP that allows the C-terminal fusion of heterologous proteins to the calcium-binding protein (CaBP) of the parasitic protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. The intrinsic nature of this protein to remain soluble on heat treatment has been exploited in its use as a novel fusion partner. The presence of a histidine tag and an enterokinase recognition site, aid in the affinity purification and proteolytic cleavage of the fusion protein. The efficacy of the vector was tested using the preS1 region of the envelope protein of the hepatitis B virus. The CaBP-preS1 fusion protein partitioned in the soluble fraction on heat treatment and this facilitated its rapid purification.