[Cloning, sequencing and prokaryotic expression of cDNAs for the antifreeze protein family from the beetle Tenebrio molitor].

The partial cDNA sequence coding for the antifreeze proteins in the Tenebrio molitor was obtained by RT-PCR. Sequence analysis revealed nine putative cDNAs with a high degree of homology to Tenebrio molitor antifreeze proteins. The recombinant pGEX-4T-1-tmafp-XJ430 was introduced into E. coli BL21 to induce a GST fusion protein by IPTG. SDS-PAGE of the fusion protein demonstrated that the antifreeze protein migrated at a size of 38 kDa. The immunization was performed by intra-muscular injection of pCDNA3- tmafp-XJ430, and then antiserum was detected by ELISA.The titer of the antibody was 1:2 000. Western blotting analysis showed the antiserum was specific against the antifreeze protein. This finding could lead to further investigation of the properties and function of antifreeze proteins.