Gene design converts the designed protein sequence to a coding cDNA sequence and provides an experimental strategy to clone this cDNA sequence.
PCR amplification from cDNA sources or a cloned cDNA is the standard procedure to obtain a custom-modified cDNA coding sequence. Alternatively, total gene synthesis of the custom target has become an economically viable alternative with the advantage that expression context, codon usage, removal of internal secondary structures, etc. can be precisely engineered and adapted to the chosen expression system. In the future more and more projects will be based on synthetic cDNAs from total gene synthesis.
Expression vectors include vectors specially developed at DIARECT. We use vector systems which are individually optimized for the respective baculovirus / insect cell and E.coli expression hosts, yet allow simple transfer of cDNAs from one system to the other by standard cloning methods. Secretion leader, peptide tags, etc. are available as vector cassettes.
