Research Tools
RNAPtag Plasmids for Construction of Tagged RNA Polymerase Strains
WARF: P07221US
Inventors: Robert Landick, Rachel Mooney
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a universal plasmid scaffold, called RNAPtag, which enable easy recombination of the tagged rpoC gene into the E. coli genome.
Overview
RNA polymerase, the enzyme responsible for making RNA from a DNA or RNA template, is one of the most important proteins in all life forms.
The Invention
To enhance our ability to study various aspects of this enzyme, UW-Madison researchers developed a universal plasmid scaffold, called RNAPtag, that allows the insertion of a tag into the 3` end of rpoC, the gene that encodes the β` subunit of RNA polymerase. RNAPtag also encodes a kanamycin resistance cassette followed by DNA that is naturally found downstream of rpoC. These features enable easy recombination of the tagged rpoC gene into the E. coli genome, facilitating the production of E. coli strains in which all the RNA polymerase made by the cell contains a tag of interest. Such strains are useful in the study of RNA polymerase.
Applications
- Studying RNA polymerase
Key Benefits
- Tags make it easier to purify, localize or visualize RNA polymerase.
- Almost any tag, including Protein A, hexahistidine and biotin tags, can be inserted.
- Tags have no effect on RNA polymerase activity or cell physiology.
- RNAPtag scaffold has been successfully used to produce several tagged E. coli strains.
Tech Fields
For current licensing status, please contact Jennifer Gottwald at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9854