Resources

List by Alphabet: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

transfection

Transfection is a laboratory technique used to introduce nucleic acids, like DNA or RNA, into eukaryotic cells, typically mammalian cells. This process is fundamental in molecular biology and biotechnology for studying gene function and protein expression, as well as for producing recombinant proteins and in gene therapy. Here are the key aspects of transfection:

1. Purpose: The primary goal of transfection is to temporarily or permanently introduce foreign genetic material into a cell to study the effects of new genes, silence genes, or produce proteins.

2. Types of Nucleic Acids:Transfection can involve the introduction of various types of nucleic acids, including plasmid DNA, small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA, or other RNA molecules.

3. Methods of Transfection:

    o Chemical Methods: These involve using chemical compounds like calcium phosphate, liposomes, or polymers to form complexes with DNA/RNA, which are then taken up by the cell.

    o Physical Methods: Electroporation (applying an electrical field to create temporary pores in the cell membrane) and microinjection (physically injecting the DNA into the cell) are common physical methods.

    o Viral Methods: Utilizing modified viruses to deliver genetic material into cells. While technically termed transduction, it's often grouped under transfection in a broader sense.

4. Transient vs. Stable Transfection:

    o Transient Transfection: The introduced DNA does not integrate into the host genome and is typically only expressed for a short period (days). This is used for short-term studies of gene function.

    o Stable Transfection: Involves the integration of the DNA into the cell's genome, allowing for long-term study of gene function and heritable transmission to daughter cells.

5. Applications:

    o Gene Expression Studies: To study the function of specific genes.

    o Protein Production: For the production of recombinant proteins.

    o Gene Silencing: Using siRNA or shRNA to knock down gene expression.

    o Drug Discovery: Testing the effects of drugs on gene expression or cellular function.

    oGene Therapy Research: Developing and testing gene therapy strategies.

6. Efficiency and Viability: Transfection efficiency (the percentage of cells that successfully take up the nucleic acid) and cell viability (the proportion of living cells post-transfection) are important considerations. The method chosen often depends on the cell type and the purpose of the experiment.

7. Challenges and Limitations: Not all cell types are easily transfected. Some, like primary cells, are more resistant to transfection. Additionally, some methods may be cytotoxic or result in low transfection efficiencies.

Transfection is a powerful tool in cell and molecular biology, providing insights into gene function, regulation, and cellular mechanisms. It's crucial in the development of new therapeutic strategies, including gene therapy and vaccine development.

Related Biology Tools

  • GenSmart™ Codon Optimization

    GenSmart Optimization is a free online tool for performing codon optimization to improve gene expression. GenScript's patented algorithms are integrated into the tool to optimize the computing capability of high-performance sequence generation.

    Learn More

  • DNA Construct Design Tool

    GenSmart™ Design is a free online DNA construct design tool developed by GenScript. GenSmart™ Design has two design modules, the Create Construct module for individual plasmid design and the Create Library module for DNA library design.

    Learn More

  • Codon Frequency Tables

    This online tool shows commonly used genetic codon frequency table in expression host organisms including Escherichia coli and other common host organisms.

    Learn More

Service and Products

Cell Engineering

From lentivirus packaging to generating clonal cell lines, let us assist you on your assay cell line creation project.

Assay Cell Line Development

For Drug Discovery, Toxicity Testing and Basic Research.

Research Grade Lentiviral Vector Packaging

Lentiviruses are a powerful gene delivery vector that ensures long-term expression of your target transgene.

Research Grade AAV

Our beta-testers are important to us and we are offering heavily discounted prices and additional guarantees.

If you know of any terms that have been omitted from this glossary that you feel would be useful to include, please send detail to the Editorial Office at GenScript: website@genscript.com

If your term is adopted, we will send 1,000 EzCoupon points to your GenScript account.