Minicircle DNA Vector Services

Minicircles (MC) are circular nonviral DNA elements that enable non-integrative and sustained expression for weeks in cells as compared to standard plasmids. The MC-DNA is generated by an inducible, intramolecular recombination event from a parental plasmid (PP). Production of MC-DNA is mediated by PhiC31 integrase and I-SceI endonuclease working together when grown in a special host E. coli bacterial strain. The PP-DNA contains several engineered I-SceI restriction sites that ultimately lead to the destruction of the PP-DNA but not the MC-DNA.

Sustained expression without integration

The difference between MCs and standard plasmid vectors is that the MCs no longer contain the bacterial origin of replication or the antibiotic resistance markers. This innovation enables non-integrative, sustained expression from the Minicircle DNA molecules both in vitro and in vivo.

Minicircle DNA Services Provided

• SBI will clone your cDNA, microRNA or shRNA into Minicircle parental vectors in 2 weeks
• Choose from a variety of promoter and marker combinations, or customize your own design
• Custom MC-DNA production service can deliver large quantities of MC-DNA in 2 weeks
• Minicircles can be delivered into mice through tail vein injection - expression lasts for months

To obtain more information, order a custom service, or to inquire about a custom service not listed, contact us directly at 888-266-5066 (toll-free in North America) or 650-968-2200, or e-mail us at services@systembio.com