Jump In™ T-REx™ CHO-K1 Kit - FAQs

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5 product FAQs found

Why is sequential transfection recommended over co-transfection in the T-REx and GeneSwitch systems?

When a co-transfection is performed, there is no way of testing the double stable cell line for functional TetR or GeneSwitch protein, respectively. On the other hand, when sequential transfection is performed, one can functionally test the generated T-REx or GeneSwitch cell line by transiently transfecting the lacZ expression control plasmid and then picking a clone that shows the lowest basal level of expression of lacZ in the absence of the inducer, and the highest level of lacZ in the presence of the inducer. This clone can then be expanded and used to transfect the T-REx or GeneSwitch expression construct, as the case may be.

What is the main advantage of the GeneSwitch system over the T-REx system? And what is its main disadvantage?

With the GeneSwitch system, it is possible to have the absolute lowest basal levels of expression of the gene of interest, whereas the T-REx system may be a little leaky due to the inevitable presence of tetracycline in FBS. The induced level of expression in the GeneSwitch system can be even higher than that seen with the CMV promoter. The disadvantage of the GeneSwitch system is that the expression does not appear to switch off very easily in culture, although it has been demonstrated to function beautifully in transgenics. The T-REx system, on the other hand, can be switched on and off by the addition and removal of the inducer.

What is the advantage of the Flp-In T-REx system over the T-REx system?

The Flp-In T-REx system combines the targeted integration offered by the Flp-In system with the powerful inducible expression offered by the T-REx system. It allows generation of isogenic, inducible, stable cell lines and permits polyclonal selection of these cell lines. Once the Flp-In T-REx host cell line containing an integrated FRT site has been created, subsequent generation of Flp-In T-REx cell lines expressing the gene(s) of interest is rapid and efficient.

Can I use doxycycline instead of tetracycline as an inducer in the T-REx system?

Doxycycline may be used as an alternative inducing agent in the T-REx system. It is similar to tetracycline in its mechanism of action, and exhibits similar dose-response and induction characteristics as tetracycline in the T-REx system. Doxycycline has been shown to have a longer half-life than tetracycline (48 hours vs. 24 hours, respectively). We do not offer doxycycline, but it may be obtained from Sigma (Cat. No. D9891).

I am interested in a mammalian expression system where I can have regulated expression of my gene of interest. I see that you offer multiple systems for this purpose. Can you describe the main features of each system?

We offer three unique mammalian expression systems for inducible/regulated expression of the gene of interest:

- T-REx system
- Flp-In T-REx system
- GeneSwitch system

Please see below to see how they compare with one another:
System -- Basal Expression Level -- Induced Expression Level -- Response time to Maximal Expression -- Transgenic Appliation
T-Rex system -- Low -- Highest -- High -- Suitable
Flp-In T-REx system -- Lower -- High -- 24-48 hrs -- Suitable
GeneSwitch system -- Lowest -- High -- 24-48 hrs -- Suitable