Gene cloning and prokaryotic expression of recombinant outer membrane protein from Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Gram-negative Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a common pathogen in humans and marine animals, The outer membrane protein of bacteria plays an important role in the infection and pathogenicity to the host. Thus, the outer membrane proteins are an ideal target for vaccines. We amplified a complete outer membrane protein gene （ompW） from E parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802. We then cloned and expressed the gene into Escherichia coli BL21 （DE3） cells. The gene coded for a protein that was 42.78 kDa. We purified the protein using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and Anti-His antibody Western blotting, respectively. Our results provide a basis for future application of the OmpW protein as a vaccine candidate against infection by E parahaemolyticus. In addition, the purified OmpW protein can be used for further functional and structural studies.