The vector not only possesses the ability to carry a gene but also various other features. These features include antibiotic resistance (Kanamycin or Ampicillin), an origin of replication site, which is identified by host replication machinery and used to replicate the plasmid, and a multiple cloning site (MCS). It is also called a polylinker site, and is a stretch of DNA that consists of multiple target sequences for specific restriction enzymes. This site can be used to easily insert the gene of interest for experimental purposes. The vectors also possess promoter sequences near the MCS for efficient expression of gene product. In addition, in some vectors, the MCS is placed within the coding region of a reporter gene such that if the gene of interest is ligated properly, the gene containing the MCS is disrupted, and hence, not expressed. Consequently, the expression of the reporter gene would indicate non-ligation of the gene of interest. The reporter gene is selected as such that the expression can be determined visually (chromogenic).
The ligated vector is introduced in the host cell by a process called transformation, and these host cells are cultured in a medium containing antibiotics. The transformed cells, due to the possession of the plasmids resistance genes, will not be affected but will survive and proliferate, while the non-transformed cells will be susceptible to the antibiotic, and hence, will perish. Since the resistance gene helps in selecting the transformed cells, it is called a selection marker. The selected cells are then harvested and used for experiments. The capacity of a vector in terms of size of insert is 30 to 40 kbp (kilo base pair). When a larger gene is to be inserted, viral vectors or artificial vectors are utilized.
They are used to express non-self proteins in the host cell. They can also be used to express a gene that is dysfunctional in the host genome. They contain a promoter sequence along with a transcription terminator sequence and the inserted gene. The promoter region promotes the transcription of the gene insert into RNA transcripts, and the terminator sequence stops the transcription after the gene has been transcribed to prevent generation of long transcripts that could, in turn, lead to RNA errors.
It is a type of vector that is used for the purpose of introducing a gene into the host cell. Once this gene is successfully cloned and expressed in the host cells via transformation, it can be manipulated as per the need during the course of the experiment. It lacks any specialized genes apart from the MCS, reporter gene, and selection marker.
They are specialized vectors that can proliferate and express the gene insert in two different host systems. This allows scientists to study the effects of the gene product in two different host environment. The most common shuttle vectors are those that can thrive in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli.
Modified plasmids that are be used to prevent viral infections, target certain genes, and regulate certain cellular growth patterns, are called experimental plasmids. Their unique structure allows them to transport numerous genes into the host cells. The different types of experimental plasmids are as follows.
➺ RNAi (RNA Interference) – These vectors express and utilize the concept of miRNA and siRNA to regulate the expression of genes. These RNA molecules bind to mRNA molecules of the target gene and either increase or decrease its expression. This mechanism is used to impart resistance to viral infection by preventing the proliferation of the viral particle within the cell.
➺ Lentiviral, retroviral, and adenoviral vectors – These vectors are the most efficient form of vectors for the purpose of gene delivery. These viruses transport the gene within non-diving cells, and due to the lysogenic nature of these viruses, the gene insert can be incorporated into the host genome as well.
➺ Mouse Targeting – This technique involves the use of vector plasmids to transform cell, and then, replace the malfunctioning allele of a gene in the host with the functioning allele of the same gene possessed by the plasmid. This technique is based on the concept of homologous recombination, and can be used to correct or silence gene expression, and also to incorporate mutations for experimental purposes.
➺ Luciferase – These vectors possess the luciferase gene, which, when expressed produces a fluorescent oxidative enzyme. This gene acts as a reporter gene within expression vectors.
➺ Cre/Lox – It employs a site-specific recombinase technology, in which the Cre recombinase enzyme recombines the short Lox sequences in order to bring about DNA inversions, deletions, insertions, and translocations within the host cell.
■ The artificial and cost-effective bulk production of antibiotics can be achieved by incorporating an expression vector for that antibiotic in microbial cells. Similarly, other biomolecules can also be produced.
■ They can be used to administer gene therapy, which is a technique used to correct defective genes responsible for disease development.
■ They are also used to study the role of various gene and gene products in a biological system. This is achieved by silencing or overexpressing a particular gene and observing the effects, if any (gene knockout).