flashBAC™ ULTRA Baculovirus Expression System: The Ultimate Expression Platform
The flashBAC™ ULTRA Baculovirus Expression System represents the most advanced vector architecture in the flashBAC™ family, specifically engineered to overcome the challenges associated with difficult-to-express proteins. While the standard flashBAC™ system offers rapid one-step virus generation, the ULTRA variant incorporates extensive genetic modifications to maximise protein yield, quality, and stability. It is the premier choice for researchers working with membrane proteins, secreted proteins, or complex targets that are prone to degradation or aggregation within the insect cell environment.
Building upon the foundational *chiA* (chitinase) and *v-cath* (cathepsin) deletions found in the GOLD series, flashBAC™ ULTRA removes three additional viral genes: *p10*, *p74*, and *p26*. The deletion of *p10* removes a major competitor for cellular resources and enhances the activity of the polyhedrin promoter, resulting in significantly higher expression levels. Simultaneously, the removal of *p74* and *p26* reduces the genetic burden on the virus and improves biosafety by preventing oral infectivity in insects. This multi-gene deletion strategy creates a highly efficient “gutted” genome that channels metabolic energy almost exclusively into the production of your recombinant protein.
Key Benefits:
- Maximum Yield: p10 Deletion. Removal of the *p10* gene eliminates competition for cellular machinery and increases the activity of the polyhedrin promoter, boosting protein production.
- Superior Protein Quality: Protease Free. Deletion of *v-cath* (cathepsin) and *chiA* (chitinase) prevents proteolytic degradation and secretory pathway blockage, ensuring intact, functional protein.
- Enhanced Biosafety: p74 Deletion. The removal of *p74* renders the virus unable to traverse the insect gut wall, providing an additional layer of environmental safety.
- Metabolic Efficiency: Reduced Burden. Deletion of non-essential genes (*p26*, *p74*, *p10*) removes unnecessary genetic load, resulting in a more efficient vector for complex protein expression.
- Streamlined Workflow: Single-Step. Retains the signature flashBAC™ technology (ORF1629 restoration), allowing for the generation of pure recombinant virus in a single co-transfection step without plaque purification.
Technical Insights
Genome Engineering for Optimised Expression
The flashBAC™ ULTRA genome has been precision-engineered to provide the most favourable environment for heterologous protein production. By removing specific auxiliary viral genes, the system prevents the cell from wasting resources on unnecessary viral structures (such as fibrillar structures associated with p10). This ensures that the cellular biosynthetic capacity is focused entirely on the target protein, making ULTRA particularly effective for proteins that historically demonstrate low yields in standard baculovirus systems.
Specifications
- Product Type: Baculovirus Expression System (Advanced Deletions)
- Gene Deletions: *chiA* (chitinase), *v-cath* (cathepsin), *p10*, *p74*, *p26*
- Host Compatibility: Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9, Sf21) and Trichoplusia ni (T. ni) cells.
- Storage Conditions: Store flashBAC™ ULTRA DNA at 4°C (do not freeze). Store Control Plasmid at -20°C.
- Shelf Life: 1 year from the date of purchase when stored properly.
- Ordering Information:
- E7-0242: 5 Reaction Kit (MIR 6135)
- E7-0244: 24 Reaction Kit (MIR 6140)