Rv0901 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a possible novel virulent gene proved through the recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis.

The function of protein-coding gene Rv0901 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which belongs to the cell wall and cell processes category, is not yet clear. To explore its features, we amplified this gene from the H37Rv genome, and His-tagged Rv0901 protein was expressed and purified. Also, a recombinant plasmid bearing Rv0901 was constructed and electroporated into a virulent Mycobacterium smegmatis, using shuttle expression vector pMV261. Transformants were induced to express a predicted protein of Rv0901, identified by SDS-PAGE. Rv0901 protein and recombinant M. smegmatis were used to expose mammalian cells. In addition we studied the effect of protein or recombinant M. smegmatis on cells and in animals with regard to survival ratio, apoptosis ratio, quantum of nitric oxide, and gamma interferon. Together, gene function, protein function, and animal test results suggest that Rv0901 has some relationship with the virulence and immunogenicity of M. tuberculosis.