BxSeqTools Ultimate Molecular Cloning Guides - Subcloning

Subcloning is a technique used to move a particular gene of interest from a parent vector to a destination vector in order to further study its functionality.
 

Subcloning Construct Design with BxSeqTools

Advantages of using BxSeqTools for subcloning design:

  1. Search and retrieve sequences automatically (No need to go to GenBank!)
  2. Review restriction maps and automtically select compatible enzymes.
  3. Automatically exclude enzymes that have internal sites on insert DNA or vector sequences (No more mistakes!)
  4. Automatically generate annotated virtual constructs (No more sequence copy-and-paste!)
  5. Save constructs in database for long term storage and data sharing (Teamwork !)

Overall Subcloning Procedures

Restriction enzymes are used to excise the gene of interest (the insert) from the parent. The insert is purified in order to isolate it from background junk. A common purification method is gel isolation. Simultaneously, the same or compatible restriction enzymes are used to digest (cut) the destination. The idea behind using the same restriction enzymes is to create complementary sticky ends, which will facilitate ligation later on. A phosphatase (commonly Calf Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase; CIAP) is also added to prevent self-ligation of the destination vector. The digested destination vector is isolated/purified. The insert and the destination vector are then mixed together with DNA ligase. A typical ratio of insert genes to destination vectors is 3:1; by increasing the insert concentration, self-ligation is further decreased. After letting the reaction mixture sit for a set amount of time at a specific temperature (dependent upon the size of the strands being ligated; for more information see DNA ligase), the insert should become successfully incorporated into the parent plasmid.

  1. Use restriction endonucleases to digest insert DNA and Vector DNA.
  2. Purify expected fragments from digestion mix.
  3. Use ligase to ligate the fragment from source DNA and the fragment from vector DNA.

Read more on Wikipedia about Subcloning