ChIP acH4 Chicken Canine

Get tips on using MACSprep™ Chimerism CD34 MicroBead Kit, human to perform Cell Isolation CD34+ cells

Get tips on using pX330-U6-Chimeric_BB-CBh-hSpCas9 to perform CRISPR Mouse - Deletion ES (embryonic stem) cells Slx2

Get tips on using pX330-U6-Chimeric_BB-CBh-hSpCas9 to perform CRISPR Rat - Deletion INS-1 832/13 Ep300

Get tips on using pBAD-Thio-TRP36 to perform Protein Expression Prokaryotic cells - E. coli TRP36 Ehrlichia canis

RNA quantification for appropriate concentration and quality (260/280 ratio) is an important step before downstream analysis (including sequencing, RT-qPCR, etc.). Having insufficient RNA quantities or a high salt or phenol in the RNA product can lead to variable or irreproducible downstream results. The various methods used for RNA quantification include: 1. UV spectrophotometric (challenges include: low sensitivity, cannot distinguish between nucleic acid species), 2. Fluorescence-based (challenges include: requires standards, cannot measure amplifiability, not sequence-specific), and 3. RT-PCR (challenges include: requires standards, time-intensive, costly). In order to overcome these challenges, and also to ensure the proper quantification and quality control for RNA product, it is important to use at least two or more methods in order to discard any inconsistencies. Using standards for calibrations increases the sensitivity range for RNA detention (fluorescence- and RT-PCR-based methods). When using RT- PCR, it is important to choose correct primers, aligning to the desired site on the template and of appropriate product length, along with positive, negative and loading controls. It is also important to have at least two primer pairs in order to confirm results.

RNA quantification for appropriate concentration and quality (260/280 ratio) is an important step before downstream analysis (including sequencing, RT-qPCR, etc.). Having insufficient RNA quantities or a high salt or phenol in the RNA product can lead to variable or irreproducible downstream results. The various methods used for RNA quantification include: 1. UV spectrophotometric (challenges include: low sensitivity, cannot distinguish between nucleic acid species), 2. Fluorescence-based (challenges include: requires standards, cannot measure amplifiability, not sequence-specific), and 3. RT-PCR (challenges include: requires standards, time-intensive, costly). In order to overcome these challenges, and also to ensure the proper quantification and quality control for RNA product, it is important to use at least two or more methods in order to discard any inconsistencies. Using standards for calibrations increases the sensitivity range for RNA detention (fluorescence- and RT-PCR-based methods). When using RT- PCR, it is important to choose correct primers, aligning to the desired site on the template and of appropriate product length, along with positive, negative and loading controls. It is also important to have at least two primer pairs in order to confirm results.

RNA quantification for appropriate concentration and quality (260/280 ratio) is an important step before downstream analysis (including sequencing, RT-qPCR, etc.). Having insufficient RNA quantities or a high salt or phenol in the RNA product can lead to variable or irreproducible downstream results. The various methods used for RNA quantification include: 1. UV spectrophotometric (challenges include: low sensitivity, cannot distinguish between nucleic acid species), 2. Fluorescence-based (challenges include: requires standards, cannot measure amplifiability, not sequence-specific), and 3. RT-PCR (challenges include: requires standards, time-intensive, costly). In order to overcome these challenges, and also to ensure the proper quantification and quality control for RNA product, it is important to use at least two or more methods in order to discard any inconsistencies. Using standards for calibrations increases the sensitivity range for RNA detention (fluorescence- and RT-PCR-based methods). When using RT- PCR, it is important to choose correct primers, aligning to the desired site on the template and of appropriate product length, along with positive, negative and loading controls. It is also important to have at least two primer pairs in order to confirm results.

Protein expression refers to the techniques in which a protein of interest is synthesized, modified or regulated in cells. The blueprints for proteins are stored in DNA which is then transcribed to produce messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA is then translated into protein. In prokaryotes, this process of mRNA translation occurs simultaneously with mRNA transcription. In eukaryotes, these two processes occur at separate times and in separate cellular regions (transcription in nucleus and translation in the cytoplasm). Recombinant protein expression utilizes cellular machinery to generate proteins, instead of chemical synthesis of proteins as it is very complex. Proteins produced from such DNA templates are called recombinant proteins and DNA templates are simple to construct. Recombinant protein expression involves transfecting cells with a DNA vector that contains the template. The cultured cells can then transcribe and translate the desired protein. The cells can be lysed to extract the expressed protein for subsequent purification. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic protein expression systems are widely used. The selection of the system depends on the type of protein, the requirements for functional activity and the desired yield. These expression systems include mammalian, insect, yeast, bacterial, algal and cell-free. Each of these has pros and cons. Mammalian expression systems can be used for transient or stable expression, with ultra high-yield protein expression. However, high yields are only possible in suspension cultures and more demanding culture conditions. Insect cultures are the same as mammalian, except that they can be used as both static and suspension cultures. These cultures also have demanding culture conditions and may also be time-consuming. Yeast cultures can produce eukaryotic proteins and are scalable, with minimum culture requirements. Yeast cultures may require growth culture optimization. Bacterial cultures are simple, scalable and low cost, but these may require protein-specific optimization and are not suitable for all mammalian proteins. Algal cultures are optimized for robust selection and expression, but these are less developed than other host platforms. Cell-free systems are open, free of any unnatural compounds, fast and simple. This system is, however, not optimal for scaling up.

Contamination can affect cell characteristics, i.e., growth, metabolism, and morphology leading to unreliable and erroneous experimental data. Depending on the source of contaminants, one can detect contamination by using a light microscope, gram stain, isothermal amplification, or PCR. Bacteria and fungi can usually be identified by optical microscopy. Mycoplasma in cell cultures cannot be detected visually. Hence, these microbes can go unnoticed for long periods and are determined using dedicated assays. Early and rapid identification of contaminants is vital to detect, handle and prevent contamination for good cell-culture practices. However, detection and identification can be challenging and tricky based on usual visual identifications. Hence it is essential to use a standard contamination detection kit to detect and maintain best practices.

Contamination can affect cell characteristics, i.e., growth, metabolism, and morphology leading to unreliable and erroneous experimental data. Depending on the source of contaminants, one can detect contamination by using a light microscope, gram stain, isothermal amplification, or PCR. Bacteria and fungi can usually be identified by optical microscopy. Mycoplasma in cell cultures cannot be detected visually. Hence, these microbes can go unnoticed for long periods and are determined using dedicated assays. Early and rapid identification of contaminants is vital to detect, handle and prevent contamination for good cell-culture practices. However, detection and identification can be challenging and tricky based on usual visual identifications. Hence it is essential to use a standard contamination detection kit to detect and maintain best practices.