Invitrogen GeneArt algae expression kits for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii 137c and Synechococcus elongatus PPC 7942 protein expression are the first commercially available genetic modification and expression systems for photosynthetic microalgae. These algae are model organisms for the study of photosynthesis, plant biology, lipid metabolism, and more, and they also are the basis for bioproduction platforms for biofuels, nutraceuticals, and specialty chemicals. Our most recent GeneArt products for algae are optimized for high levels of protein expression with dual protein tags for detection and purification as well as selection against gene silencing often seen in Chlamydomonas.
Features of the GeneArt algal protein expression systems
- Express up to 10% total soluble protein of your gene of interest
- Select against gene silencing in Chlamydomonas, even over multiple passages
- Detect and purify your gene of interest with 6His TEV and/or V5-His epitope tags
- Preserve Chlamydomonas and Chlorella strains and clones for –80°C storage using the Invitrogen GeneArt Cryopreservation Kit
- Eliminate liquid nitrogen storage
- Avoid contamination and genetic drift that typically occur in continuous cultures
- Obtain ≥100-fold increases in transformation efficiencies with Chlamydomonas strains with the Invitrogen MAX Efficiency Transformation Reagent for Algae
Vectors optimized for protein expression
Invitrogen GeneArt vectors facilitate rapid directional cloning of synthetic genes or PCR products for protein expression.
Comparison of vector features
| Vector features | pChlamy_4 | pSyn_6 |
|---|---|---|
| Promoter | HSP70-rbcs2 (strong, endogenous) | psbA1 (strong, endogenous) |
| Selection | Bleomycin/Zeocin | Spectinomycin |
| Epitope tags | TEV-cleavable N-terminal 6His, or C-terminal V5-6His | |
| Gene integration | Stable (random) | Stable (targeted) |
| Growth media | TAP | BG-11 |
Gibco media for cell growth
Gibco TAP Growth Media and BG-11 Growth Media are optimized for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and cyanobacteria (such as Synechococcus), respectively (see the table above). They are provided at 1X concentration, which means no more time-consuming media preparation.
Get transformed cells more quickly
MAX Efficiency Transformation Reagent for Algaeis a buffer that enhances transformation efficiency for multiple strains of Chlamydomonas species. Cells are typically ready for transformation in less than 5 days with field-tested resuscitation and growth protocols.
A better solution for long-term algae storage
The GeneArt Cryopreservation Kit for Algae can be used to preserve algal strains and clones for storage at –80°C for years, thus eliminating liquid nitrogen storage and continuous cultures as a way to maintain your clones. Cryopreservation is the optimal choice for preservation and long-term storage of algae since it minimizes genetic drift, facilitates strain and clone exchange between labs, and reduces maintenance labor and costs. The GeneArt Cryopreservation Kit for Algae has been used to preserve Chlamydomonas and Chlorella strains with 100% resuscitation after thawing. It is not for use with Synechococcus.
Fresh Chlamydomonas culture (blue) grown in TAP growth medium and Chlamydomonas cultures previously frozen (green and red lines) using the GeneArt Cryopreservation Kit for Algae and resuscitated in TAP growth medium following the manufacturer’s recommendations were monitored at OD750 over an 80-hour period (50 µE, 24°C, 110 rpm shaker). Growth was consistent under all three conditions, demonstrating the utility of the GeneArt Cryopreservation Kit for Algae for freezing and resuscitation of Chlamydomonas cells. Similar results were observed with Chlorella (wild type and transformants, data not shown).
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.