Retroviral Vector Services
Retroviruses (RVs) have several distinct advantages over other viral vectors, particularly when permanent gene transfer is the desired outcome. The most important advantage of retroviral vectors is their ability to transform their single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) genome into a dsDNA molecule that can stably integrate into host genome. Retroviral vector-mediated gene transfer has been central to the development of gene therapy. Retroviral vectors are compatible with both dividing cells and other primary cells. Retroviral vectors are based on Moloney murine and leukemia virus (Mo-MLV), which is infectious of both mouse and human cells. In retroviral vector systems, the viral genes, including gag, pol, and env (see figure below) are replaced with the transgene and expressed in trans in the packaging cells. In addition, all regions homologous to the vector backbone are removed to prevent revertant recombination, making retroviral vector a safe and powerful tool for in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo gene transfer.
Services:
GenScript retroviral vectors are produced in compliance with GLP standards. Our retroviral vector services include the production of recombinant-retrovirus-producing cell lines by transfection and infection the production of recombinant retroviruses by transient transfection. We also offer quality control assays including the quantification of genome copies, the quantification of retroviral vector infectivity, and testing for replication-competent retroviruses.
- Construction of recombinant retroviral vectors: The client may provide either a purified plasmid carrying the gene of interest or request that GenScript synthesize the gene of interest for use with either a GenScript or client-provided shuttle vector.
- Small-scale recombinant virus production: GenScript will provide recombinant retroviruses yielded from a 100 mm dish.
- Recombinant retrovirus titration: GenScript will titrate recombinant retroviruses on NIH3T3 cells.
- Replication-competent virus (RCV) testing: Recombinant retroviruses (rRV) are DNA transfer vehicles. Neither rRV nor rLV should be capable of propagating themselves in the target cells, but there is a slim possibility that replication-competent viruses may form. To rule this out, every batch of recombinant retrovirus intended for use outside of biosafety level two (BSL2) is tested using two assays:
- HIV p24 ELISA: This assay can be performed on the pseudotype viral vector to confirm the presence of the HIV p24 antigen.
- PCR Assay: Upon request, GenScript can also perform a PCR assay to identify the genetic incorporation (bio-distribution) level of recombinant retroviruses on a given cell line. This assay usually runs for a total of 30 days. Samples are collected at multiple points during the transduction of the requested cell line or HEK 293 cells.
 For quotation requests, please download and complete GenScript Viral Vector Services Quotation Request Form, and email or fax it to us with a detailed description of project requirements. For questions, please use our secure web server. However, you may also contact us by email at order@genscript.com, phone, or fax.
Orders can be placed by phone, email, or fax with either a formal PO (Purchase Order) or credit card. Please email or fax us a completed GenScript Viral Vector Services Quotation Request Form. Our customer service representatives are available 24 hours Monday through Friday. If target gene is physically available, please submit your target gene along with a hard copy of completed GenScript Viral Vector Services Quotation Request Form to Viral Vector Services, GenScript Corp., 120 Centennial Ave., Suite 105, Piscataway, NJ 08854, US.
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Order by email: order@genscript.com |
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Order by phone: 1-877-436-7274 (Toll-Free) 1-732-885-9188 |
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Order by fax: 1-732-210-0262 1-732-885-5878 |
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