Production of recombinant rotavirus capsid protein VP7 from stably transformed Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells

Stably transformed Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells producing recombinant VP7 were obtained, and recombinant VP7 expression was confirmed by Western blot analysis. The molecular weight of recombinant VP7 expressed in S2 cells was approximately 35.5 kDa, and 75% of the total VP7 produced was present in the medium. Recombinant VP7 contained N-linked glycosylated oligosaccharides. Aprotinin, leupeptin, and polyvinylpyrrolidone did not have any noticeable effect on recombinant VP7 production; however, DMSO and sodium butyrate increased its production by 120% and 60%, respectively.