Localization in vivo and in vitro confirms EnApiAP2 protein encoded by ENH_00027130 as a nuclear protein in Eimeria necatrix

IntroductionApicomplexan AP2 family of proteins (ApiAP2) are transcription factors (TFs) that regulate parasite growth and development, but little is known about the ApiAP2 TFs in Eimeria spp. ENH_00027130 sequence is predicted to encode a Eimeria necatrix ApiAP2 protein (EnApiAP2).MethodsThe cDNAs encoding full-length and truncated EnApiAP2 protein were cloned and sequenced, respectively. Then, the two cDNAs were cloned into the pET28a(+) expression vector and expressed expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. The mouse polyclonal antibody (pAb) and monoclonal antibody (mAb) against recombinant EnApiAP2 (rEnApiAP2) and EnApiAP2tr (rEnApiAP2tr) were prepared and used to localize the native EnApiAP2 protein in E. necatrix, respectively. Finally, the recombinant pEGFP-C1-ΔNLS-EnApiAP2s (knockout of a nuclear localization sequence, NLS) and pEGFP-C1-EnApiAP2 plasmid were constructed and transfected into DF-1 cells, respectively, to further observe subcellular localization of EnApiAP2 protein.ResultsThe EnApiAP2 gene had a size of 5019 bp and encoded 1672 amino acids, containing a conserved AP2 domain with a secondary structure consisting of an α-helix and three antiparallel β-strands. The rEnApiAP2 and rEnApiAP2tr were predominantly expressed in the form of inclusion bodies, and could be recognized by the 6×His tag mAb and the serum of convalescent chickens after infection with E. necatrix, respectively. The native EnApiAP2 protein was detected in sporozoites (SZ) and second generation merozoites (MZ-2) extracts, with a size of approximately 210 kDa. A quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis showed that the transcription level of EnApiAP2 was significantly higher in SZ than in MZ-2, third generation merozoites (MZ-3) and gametocytes (P