PRO-CLOTTING ENZYME, AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF ENDOTOXIN OR (1?3)-ß-D-GLUCAN USING THE SAME

摘要

Disclosed are: DNA encoding a pro-clotting enzyme derived from a horseshoe crab which enables the production of a uniform-quality reagent for the determination of (1?3)-ß-D-glucan or an endotoxin in a stable manner, at low cost and in large quantity; a virus carrying the DNA; a cell carrying the virus; a method for the production of a pro-clotting enzyme using the cell; and a means for determination of (1?3)-ß-D-glucan or an endotoxin by using the enzyme. DNA encoding a protein comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:4 or the like is selected as a nucleic acid encoding a pro-clotting enzyme derived from a horseshoe crab. A recombinant form of the pro-clotting enzyme is produced based on the DNA. By using the resulting enzyme and utilizing a constituent element of the cascade system for a lysate derived from a horseshoe crab, it becomes possible to provide a sensitive detection method and a sensitive detection kit for (1?3)-ß-D-glucan or an endotoxin.