Our custom cloning workflow is designed to deliver accurate, sequence-verified plasmid constructs for a wide range of research applications.

1. Project Submission – Submit your gene sequence, cloning requirements, vector information, or project goals.
2. Experimental Design Review – Our scientists review the project and determine the optimal cloning strategy.
3. Insert Preparation – DNA fragments are generated through PCR amplification, gene synthesis, or customer-supplied templates.
4. Vector Construction – The insert is cloned into the selected plasmid or expression vector using appropriate molecular cloning methods.
5. Sequence Verification – Constructs are confirmed by DNA sequencing to verify correct insertion and sequence integrity.
6. Plasmid Production – Verified clones are expanded and prepared for shipment.
7. Delivery – Customers receive the cloned construct along with sequence verification data and project documentation.

Custom cloning projects can be performed using customer-supplied vectors or a wide range of expression vectors suitable for bacterial, mammalian, viral, and other research systems.

Custom cloning services support a broad range of molecular biology, cell biology, and biotechnology research applications.

• Protein expression and recombinant protein production
• Mammalian expression vector construction
• Bacterial expression vector development
• Lentiviral and retroviral vector generation
• AAV plasmid construction
• CRISPR/Cas gene editing vector development
• Reporter gene and promoter activity studies
• Stable cell line generation projects
• Gene overexpression experiments
• Functional genomics studies
• Pathway analysis and signaling research
• Mutagenesis and construct engineering
• Fusion protein development
• Tagged protein expression systems
• Academic, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology R&D projects

Whether the project involves a standard plasmid construct or a complex expression vector, custom cloning can provide a reliable route to generating research-ready DNA constructs.

Some examples of commonly requested custom cloning projects:

• Human ORF cloning into mammalian or bacterial expression vectors
• Lentiviral or retroviral transfer vector construction
• AAV plasmid generation
• CRISPR or siRNA plasmid assembly
• Reporter vector construction
• Fusion protein and tagged expression vectors
• Mutagenesis and sequence engineering
• Inducible expression vector design

Simply tell us what you're looking for and we will find a way to make it work!

What is custom cloning?

Custom cloning is the process of inserting a DNA sequence of interest into a plasmid or expression vector for downstream research applications. Custom cloning services can be used to generate expression constructs, reporter vectors, CRISPR plasmids, viral vectors, and other recombinant DNA tools.

What information is required to start a custom cloning project?

Most projects require the DNA sequence to be cloned, the desired vector backbone, and any specific project requirements such as tags, promoters, mutations, codon optimization, or expression systems. Customer-supplied vectors can often be accommodated.

Can I provide my own vector backbone?

Yes. Many custom cloning projects use customer-supplied plasmids or vectors. Alternatively, cloning can be performed into vectors selected from an existing vector collection.

Can you clone genes into mammalian expression vectors?

Yes. Custom cloning services commonly support mammalian expression vectors used for transient transfection, stable cell line generation, protein expression, gene overexpression, and functional studies.

Can you clone genes into bacterial expression vectors?

Yes. Genes can be cloned into bacterial expression systems for recombinant protein production, enzyme studies, structural biology research, and other applications.

What insert sizes can be cloned?

Cloning projects can range from small DNA fragments to large genes and complex constructs. Feasibility depends on sequence characteristics, vector choice, and project requirements.

Can difficult or GC-rich genes be cloned?

Many challenging sequences, including GC-rich regions, repetitive elements, and complex constructs, can be addressed using optimized cloning strategies and specialized molecular biology techniques.

Can multiple DNA fragments be assembled into a single construct?

Yes. Multi-fragment assembly approaches can be used to generate complex plasmids containing multiple genes, promoters, regulatory elements, reporter genes, or expression cassettes.

Can you add tags such as FLAG, HA, His, GFP, or mCherry?

Yes. Epitope tags, fluorescent proteins, purification tags, and other sequence modifications can often be incorporated during construct design.

Can custom cloning be combined with gene synthesis?

Yes. Gene synthesis is frequently combined with cloning when template DNA is unavailable, when codon optimization is required, or when extensive sequence modifications are needed.

How are cloned constructs verified?

Construct verification is typically performed using DNA sequencing to confirm correct insertion, orientation, junction integrity, and sequence accuracy.

Will I receive sequencing data?

Final vector sequences and maps will be provided.  Sequence verification data are available upon request.

Can cloned plasmids be used for viral vector production?

Yes. Custom cloning is commonly used to generate plasmids intended for lentiviral, retroviral, adenoviral, and adeno-associated virus (AAV) research workflows.

Can you generate CRISPR-related constructs?

Yes. Custom cloning services are frequently used to create CRISPR/Cas expression vectors, guide RNA constructs, donor templates, and other genome engineering tools.

What research applications use custom cloning?

Common applications include protein expression, gene function studies, reporter assays, pathway analysis, stable cell line development, viral vector generation, genome editing research, and functional genomics.

What is the difference between custom cloning and gene synthesis?

Custom cloning generally utilizes existing DNA templates, while gene synthesis creates DNA sequences de novo. Gene synthesis is often preferred for codon optimization, extensive sequence engineering, or when template DNA is unavailable.

Can mutations be introduced during cloning?

Yes. Site-directed mutagenesis and sequence engineering approaches can be used to introduce substitutions, insertions, deletions, tags, and other modifications.

Do you provide plasmid DNA preparation services?

Many cloning projects can include plasmid preparation options suitable for downstream molecular biology, cell culture, and transfection applications.

Can custom cloning support stable cell line development?

Yes. Expression constructs generated through custom cloning are frequently used as starting materials for stable cell line generation projects.

Why use abm's cloning service?

Outsourcing cloning can reduce laboratory workload, accelerate project timelines, provide access to specialized expertise, and help ensure that sequence-verified constructs are delivered for downstream research applications.  At abm, we're scientists working for scientists, and we are dedicated to working with you to design the vectors and viruses that will work for your unique projects.