FAQ
- Will the Core design and clone a viral vector for me?
- May I obtain the constructs that the core has available for my own cloning projects?
- Will the core perform the DNA prep for us in addition to making the virus?
- I have questions about how to design and test my own viral vector, who do I ask?
- What is the Titering Policy?
- What is the Consultation Policy?
- What is the Material Transfer Agreements (MTA) Policy?
Will the Core design and clone a viral vector for me?
No, the viral vector core is optimized for high-throughput and relatively fast turn-around production of high-titer virus. Each collaborating lab will need to construct its own viral expression plasmid, in consultation with the core staff as needed, and provide high concentration DNA to the core for production of the vector. The DNA will need to be purified (Qiagen MaxiPrep Kit or CaCl prepped)- if the collaborating lab prefers, the core can complete this task for an additional fee.
May I obtain the constructs that the core has available for my own cloning projects?
Yes, all plasmid constructs shown on the website are made available to the Core users.
Will the core perform the DNA prep for us in addition to making the virus?
Yes, for an additional fee the core will prepare DNA as well, although the time from request to virus production will likely be delayed 1-2 weeks.
I have questions about how to design and test my own viral vector, who do I ask?
Start with an email to the scientific director, found on the Contacts page.
What is the Titering Policy?
The Viral Vector Core will titer all fluorescent lentiviral productions by serial dilutions. The Viral vector core will titer non fluorescent lenti-virus and AAV vectors by QPCR.
What is the Consultation Policy?
While basic Viral Vector Core scientific and technical consultations are included with the published price, lengthy in-depth consultations may be assessed an additional charge according the director’s discretion. In addition, observation for training purposes is prohibited.
What is the Material Transfer Agreements (MTA) Policy?
The plasmids provided in the general stock of the Viral Vector Core are not patented, are made freely available to investigators and do not require an MTA. In cases where an investigator provides a unique plasmid to the core for their own project, the Viral Vector Core will not distribute that material freely without permission from the investigator. If an investigator wishes to distribute their own proprietary plasmid, the MTA is the responsibility of the individual investigators and not of the Viral Vector Core.
