Expression of a pheromone-binding protein in insect cells using a baculovirus vector.

A cDNA encoding a pheromone-binding protein from the male silkmoth Antheraea pernyi has been integrated into the genome of the Autographa californica multiple nuclear polyhydrosis virus such that the transcription was under the control of the strong polyhedrin promoter. Recombinant pheromone-binding protein was expressed in a baculovirus-infected insect cell line (Sf9) and secreted from the cells into the culture medium. Using a two-step protocol, recombinant pheromone-binding protein has been isolated and purified to homogeneity. Pheromone binding of recombinant protein has been demonstrated using a tritiated analog of (E,Z)-6,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.