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Flp-FRT Site-Specific Integration System

Definition

Flp: Flp (flippase recombination enzyme) recombinase, discovered in yeast cells, has a 1272-bp gene length and is a 48-kDa, 423-amino acid polypeptide monomer.
FRT: FRT (Flp Recombination Target) is the Flp recognition site. It is 48 bp long and consists of three 13-bp inverted palindromic sequences and an 8-bp spacer sequence. The two inverted palindromic sequences adjacent to the spacer sequence are the recognition and binding regions of the Flp recombinase. The spacer sequence is where recombination occurs and determines the direction of the entire sequence.
 
 
 
 

The Flp-FRT site-directed integration system

The Flp-FRT integration system is a method for generating stable cell lines that express a gene of interest at a specific location in the host cell genome. This system utilizes Flp recombinase and FRT (Flp recombination target) sites to achieve site-specific recombination and integration. This system ensures stable expression of the gene of interest, ensuring continuous protein production.
 
 
 
 

Working Principle

1. Construction of Flp-FRT Cells:
The Flp recombination target site (FRT) is introduced into the genome of the host cell line. The general structure is ATG + FRT + resistance gene. Based on the transfection strategy selected for the parent cell, stable cell lines can be generated through resistance screening.
 
CB-Gene's Question 1: It is generally believed that during this construction step, the FRT will integrate into the cell's transcriptionally active region. This means that for subsequent expression of the recombinant exogenous target gene, this integration step provides a certain degree of assurance for overexpression of the exogenous protein.
 
For specific integration locations, please consult our ISS (Integration Site Search) service.

CB-Gene's Question 2: In a conventional plasmid transfection protocol, how many copies can be integrated into the host cell? What is the optimal number of copies? Generally speaking, when constructing Flp-FRT mother cells, integration occurs randomly after transfection, meaning that multiple copies will be integrated into different chromosomal locations in the host cell. The more copies integrated, the more likely the target gene will be recombined and integrated, indicating higher expression. However, when recombining the target gene, the integration efficiency of multiple copies may not be 100%, resulting in mixed clones (inconsistent expression levels between clones). Sometimes, for target proteins that do not require high expression, Kebai recommends selecting clones with a single integrated copy. This way, any clone that passes resistance screening is, in principle, a single clone, eliminating the need for limiting dilution cloning. 
 
For copy number detection, please consult our dPCR detection service.
 

CB-Gene's internal spot Flp-FRT cells

 

2. Integration of the target gene:

An expression vector containing the target gene and an expression vector containing Flp recombinase are co-transfected into the cells from step 1. Flp recombinase mediates site-specific recombination between the FRT sites in the host genome and those in the expression vector, achieving integration of the target gene and enabling stable expression under the control of the promoter.

 

Carrier 1:

Overexpression of Flp recombinase, no resistance required, no stable integration required

 

 

Carrier 2:

Contains target gene and second resistance gene selection marker

 

 

Reorganization process

 

 

Final formation

After recombination, positive cells can be selected through the second resistance gene, and the cells are tolerant to resistance gene-2 and sensitive to resistance gene-1.

 

Advantages of the Flp-FRT system

Site-specific integration

preventing random integration into random chromosomal locations

Controllable copy number

The copy number of the target gene can be controlled by the copy number of the Flp-FRT cells

Stable expression

Compared to random integration, this expression system is more stable and can be screened with resistance gene 2 and verified with resistance gene 1

High expression levels

high recombinase integration efficiency, and integration in active transcriptional regions

Short experimental cycles

Selecting a single copy of the genome eliminates the need for limiting dilution to prepare single clones.

Stable Cell Line Construction Services

CB-Gene provides stable cell line construction services using the "Flp-FRT site-directed integration system". Using this system, we have successfully constructed more than 200 stable cell line models and have extensive experience. We welcome your consultation.

 

 

If you are interested in ordering, please contact us
Email: sales@cobioer.com

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