IHC Controls

Human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) suspension cells.

It may be possible. When filling out the quote request form (via the button provided above), you can add your request to the "Comments" section. Please indicate the cell line that you would prefer and whether you can provide that cell line to us. Should different cells be used, the cost of this service will be higher compared to using HEK293 cells.

Approximately 90 million cells. More cells available upon request.

Yes, we can provide a pellet of fixed cells that have not been transfected with the gene-of-interest.

The number of sections per pellet will depend on the width of the section and how many cells are included. However, if the width of the section is ∼5 um, approximately 200 sections can be obtained with 1 standard cell pellet containing 90 million cells.

We can fix cells using other methods. Send the desired protocol for fixing cells and we will quote accordingly.

First, the HEK293 cells that are employed in this service are fixed, which renders them dead and noninfectious. Second, the protein-of-interest is produced recombinantly. That is, even if the protein-of-interest represents a protein from a pathogen (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), it is missing the other pathogen components to be infectious. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, protective clothing, and safety goggles, should still be employed while handling the cell pellet because toxic chemicals were used to fix the cells.

Notably, HEK293 cells, from which these suspension cells were derived [Malm, et al. Scientific Reports (2020)], are negative for various viruses, including the hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Epsteinn Barr virus (EBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-cell lymphotrophic virus (HTLV) I and II, and squirrel monkey retrovirus (SMRV)[Uphoff CC, et al. J Biomed Biotech (2010)].

This depends on which phases are required to complete this service. The lead time ranges from 2 weeks to 2 months. The longer lead times reflect services in which we need to perform all 4 phases. See also "Outline of IHC Controls Service."

We take several steps to increase the chance that your protein-of-interest will be expressed successfully. First, we review the protein sequence to identify any domains that should be excluded from expression. For example, we highly recommend that gene sequences encoding for transmembrane domains are not included since these domains can cause downstream issues. Second, we perform codon optimization for the expression system. Third, we perform DNA sequencing to ensure that the protein that we express is the protein that you requested.

The level of protein expression is protein-dependent and cannot be predicted, which is why Phase 3 is included in this service (see "Outline of IHC Controls Service"). Therefore, we cannot guarantee that your protein-of-interest will be expressed successfully. Should your protein fail to be expressed, the service will not continue to Phase 4. You will only be billed for the work that was completed (Phases 1 - 3).

Not necessarily. Sometimes we already have the cells transfected with the gene-of-interest, such that only Phase 4 is required. In other cases, customers can provide the gene or cloned expression vector to us.

Once Phases 1 - 3 are performed, they never have to be performed again.

No. Once cells have been produced that express Protein X, only Phase 4 needs to be performed and paid for.