Vector Optimization Service for Algae Engineering
Vector optimization is a very important step in the genetic engineering of algae and has a significant impact on the result of genetic engineering.
As a pioneer in algal genetic engineering, Lifeasible has rich experience in the optimization of plasmid vectors for algae engineering. Therefore, we are able to provide high-quality and professional vector optimization services for algae.
Our Services
Many of the synthetic biology tools and modular parts developed for model algae are designed now to promote algae applications. Lifeasible offers several types of plasmid modules for our customers to choose from for their algae engineering. We perform various optimizations of the plasmid vectors to facilitate the efficiency of transformation.
Optimization Service of Three Key Components of Vector
Endogenous Promoter Selection Service
Efficient expression of foreign genes is achieved under the control of strong promoters, which are usually derived from viruses, or highly abundant endogenous genes. Lifeasible is able to provide a professional and efficient selection service of endogenous promoters.
For example, we will select the optimal promoter or select the tandem promoter to increase the expression of exogenous genes. Also, we can find effective endogenous promoters by taking the "promoter trapping approach", by which promoter-less selectable marker genes are randomly integrated near strong promoters in the nuclear genome.
Codons Optimization Service
The lack of tRNAs compatible with the codon usage of specific genes can greatly affect transgene expression. Differences in codon usage have been documented between different microalgal species, as well as between chloroplast and nuclear genomes and organelles of the same species.
Therefore, Lifeasible is able to provide high-quality codon optimization services to facilitate the expression of exogenous genes.
Marker Genes Selection
Stable transformation is based on the use of appropriate selection markers. Lifeasible offers three types of marker genes for clients to choose from.
Nuclear Transformation |
Nuclear Transformation Based on Auxotroph Genes Auxotroph genes, a class of metabolic marker genes, can rescue the phenotype of specific mutants that restrict growth under minimal conditions. |
| Nuclear Transformation Based on Antibiotics Genes Numerous antibiotic genes have been successfully used as selection markers of microalgae, such as the ble gene and aadA gene. |
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| Nuclear Transformation Based on Herbicide-Resistance Genes The most commonly used herbicide resistance markers contain acetohydroxyacid synthase (ALS/AHAS), which confers resistance to methyl sulfone (SMM) and phytoene desaturase (PDS). |
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Chloroplast Transformation |
Chloroplast Transformation Based on Antibiotic-Resistance Genes In algal chloroplast transformation, commonly used antibiotic resistance includes resistance to spectinomycin, streptomycin, kanamycin, erythromycin, aminoglycoside antibiotics, and chloramphenicol. |
| Chloroplast Transformation Based on Herbicide-Resistance Genes Herbicide resistance commonly used in algae includes resistance to 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU), sulfometuron methyl (SMM), and glufosinate, or its ammonium salt, DL-phosphinothricin. |
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| Chloroplast Transformation Based on Metabolic Enzymes Metabolic selection of transformed cells offers a great benefit over the use of genes encoding antibiotics and herbicides since metabolic selection is believed to be more environmentally friendly, such as a metabolic selection gene ARG9. |
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| Chloroplast Transformation Based on Photoautotrophic Growth Chlamydomonas possesses the advantage of being able to grow under non-photosynthetic conditions, using acetate as a carbon energy source. Therefore, a non-photosynthetic mutant, such as FUD7, was used as the recipient strain. |
Why Choose Us
With years of experience in algae research, Lifeasible can provide professional and high-quality vector optimization services for clients to promote algae research. Please contact us for more information.
Our services are for research use only and not for any clinical use.