An
expression vector, also known as an expression construct, is usually a plasmid
or virus artificially made for protein expression in cells. The working
principle of expression vector is to introduce a specific gene into a target
cell, thus controlling the cell's mechanism for protein synthesis to produce
the protein encoded by the gene. The plasmid is engineered to contain
regulatory sequences that act as enhancer and promoter regions and lead to
efficient transcription of the gene carried on the expression vector.
Expression vectors are recognized as basic tools for biotechnology and the
production of proteins.
1. Application
in protein production
Expression
vector in an expression host is the usual method used in laboratories to
produce proteins for research. Most protein pharmaceuticals are now produced
through recombinant DNA technology using expression vectors. A well-designed
expression vector will produce a significant amount of stable messenger RNAs
and proteins. These peptide and protein pharmaceuticals may be hormones,
vaccines, antibiotics, antibodies, and enzymes.
2. Application
in transgenic products
In
recent years, expression vectors have been used to introduce specific genes in
organisms, for example in agriculture it is used to produce transgenic plants.
Expression vectors have been used to introduce a vitamin A precursor,
beta-carotene, into rice plants. They are used to extend the ripeness of
tomatoes by altering the plant so that it produces less of the chemical that
causes the tomatoes to rot.
3. Application
in gene therapy
Expression
vectors are also being applied in gene therapy. Gene therapy is a promising
treatment for a number of diseases where a "normal" gene carried by
the vector is inserted into the genome, to replace an "abnormal" gene
or supplement the expression of particular gene. Although this treatment is
still a risky option due to the viral vector used which can cause ill-effects,
it is still being used for its promising results.
About us
Creative
Biogene is a US-based manufacturer and provider of genomics and proteomics
products and services for academic and governmental research institutes,
pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. It provides products such as kits,
reagents, vectors and services that help researchers explore questions about
gene discovery, regulation, and function. Creative Biogene offers a wide range
of vectors including expression vectors and clone vectors and etc.
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