Expression of SNAPf Fusions (N9184)
Protocol
- Transient Expression
Expression of the fusion protein cloned in pSNAPf-ADRβ2 can be achieved by transiently transfecting cells in culture with standard transfection protocols. The appropriate reagent and time to permit adequate expression must be empirically determined. pSNAPf-ADRβ2 has performed well in stable and transient transfection of CHO-K1, COS-7, U-2 OS and NIH 3T3 cells. Note that the intensity of the fluorescence may vary depending on cell line and labeling substrate used.
We recommend using TransPass D2 (NEB #M2554) in combination with TransPass V (NEB #M2561) or Roche's FuGENE® 6 Transfection Reagent for both transient and stable transfections.
Stable Expression
pSNAPf-ADRβ2 can be transfected as described above for transient transfection or by other standard transfection methods. Twenty four to 48 hours after transfection begin selecting mammalian cultures in 600–1,200 µg/ml G418 (geneticin) depending on the cell line. It is recommended that you establish a kill curve for each cell line to determine optimal selection conditions. After 8–12 days of continuous selection, stable colonies will become visible. It is possible to use pools of stable cell populations for initial cell labeling to test for the presence of SNAP-tag expression. In addition clonal cell lines can be isolated and characterized if desired.
Troubleshooting
Expression
In general, we have not experienced problems expressing SNAPf-ADRβ2 from the pSNAPf-ADRβ2 plasmid. Labeling of transfected cells with a fluorescent SNAP-Cell™ or SNAP-Surface™ substrate should show strong cell surface fluorescence. In most instances, difficulties in expression can be resolved by altering the transfection protocol.