Implementation of semi-automated cloning and prokaryotic expression screening: the impact of SPINE

Acta Crystallogr D Biol Crystallogr. 2006 Oct;62(Pt 10):1103-13. doi: 10.1107/S0907444906029775. Epub 2006 Sep 19.

Abstract

The implementation of high-throughput (HTP) cloning and expression screening in Escherichia coli by 14 laboratories in the Structural Proteomics In Europe (SPINE) consortium is described. Cloning efficiencies of greater than 80% have been achieved for the three non-ligation-based cloning techniques used, namely Gateway, ligation-indendent cloning of PCR products (LIC-PCR) and In-Fusion, with LIC-PCR emerging as the most cost-effective. On average, two constructs have been made for each of the approximately 1700 protein targets selected by SPINE for protein production. Overall, HTP expression screening in E. coli has yielded 32% soluble constructs, with at least one for 70% of the targets. In addition to the implementation of HTP cloning and expression screening, the development of two novel technologies is described, namely library-based screening for soluble constructs and parallel small-scale high-density fermentation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Automation
  • Base Sequence
  • Cloning, Molecular / methods*
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Europe
  • Fermentation
  • Gene Deletion
  • Gene Library
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Prokaryotic Cells / metabolism*
  • Protein Folding
  • Proteomics / trends*
  • Sequence Analysis / instrumentation
  • Sequence Analysis / methods