An ORF clone contains the full-length open reading frame of your gene, cloned into a plasmid vector and sequence-verified end to end. You can use it directly in a transfection experiment.
Cloning & Expression Systems
Clone Collections
Sequence-verified cDNA ORF, promoter reporter and microRNA target clones
Off-the-shelf, sequence-verified clones remove the vector construction step and take you straight to your experiment. cDNA ORF clones suit straightforward gene expression. Promoter reporter clones measure transcriptional activity. 3'UTR microRNA target clones validate a predicted miRNA-gene interaction.
cDNA ORF clones are sequence-verified, with multiple vector options and genome-wide coverage for human, mouse and rat genes. Coverage varies by supplier, so it is worth checking the specific gene and backbone you need before ordering. Genes and backbones outside the catalogue can be quoted on request, either as an off-the-shelf alternative or as a customised build to your specification. Most clones in these collections are made to order.
Promoter reporter clones use a reporter gene to track your promoter's activity. Coverage spans around 39,500 human, 28,700 mouse and 17,500 rat promoters. Pre-designed clones are available to order, and custom builds cover promoters outside the collection. A single-reporter vector carries GLuc, mCherry or GFP. A dual-reporter vector pairs GLuc with SEAP and normalises your results across replicates. GLuc is naturally secreted, so you skip cell lysis. The same well can be sampled repeatedly across a time course, since GLuc runs up to 1,000-fold more sensitive than firefly or Renilla luciferase.
3'UTR microRNA target clones place your candidate gene's 3' untranslated region downstream of a luciferase reporter. That arrangement lets you identify and validate a predicted miRNA target in a live cell assay. Genome-wide clones cover human, mouse and rat genes. The dual-reporter GLuc and SEAP vector gives a normalised, lysis-free readout, while the firefly and Renilla vector suits workflows already running a Duo-Luciferase assay. Co-transfection with a microRNA mimic or inhibitor, followed by a comparison of reporter activity, confirms direct targeting.
Delivery times vary and are estimates only, since each insert is unique and synthesis can occasionally run into difficulties.
How to choose your clone collection
A cDNA ORF clone suits work where the aim is to express or overexpress your protein.
A promoter reporter clone is the right choice when transcriptional activity needs measuring under your chosen conditions.
A 3'UTR microRNA target clone answers whether a microRNA directly targets your gene of interest.
Parent category: Cloning & Expression Systems
Applications
A sequence-verified ORF clone drops straight into transfection. Raising your gene's expression shows how cell behaviour, signalling and downstream gene expression respond.
Express a fluorescently tagged ORF clone and pair it with fluorescent imaging reagents to track where your encoded protein sits inside the cell.
A promoter reporter clone places your promoter upstream of a secreted luciferase gene, with real-time activity measurable across treatments without lysing cells at each timepoint. Alternatively, eGFP, mCherry and tdTomato are available as reporter genes as well.
The dual-reporter GLuc and SEAP vector, part of the same reporter construct family, normalises results and compares promoter strength with confidence.
Select an off-the-shelf plasmid that has the 3'UTR of your candidate gene cloned downstream of the reporter, then co-transfect with a microRNA mimic to confirm direct targeting in a live cell assay.
Re-express a verified ORF clone in cells where your endogenous gene is silenced by RNAi knockdown or CRISPR knockout, then check whether the phenotype is restored.
Frequently asked questions
This depends on your supplier and clone format. Many collections offer entry vectors compatible with recombination-based cloning systems, letting you shuttle the same verified ORF into several destination vectors. Check the product page for your specific clone.
A single-reporter vector uses GLuc, mCherry or GFP alone. A dual-reporter vector pairs GLuc with SEAP as an internal control. This lets you normalise for transfection efficiency when you compare your samples.
Co-transfect your 3'UTR target clone with a microRNA mimic or inhibitor. A drop in reporter signal after co-transfection with the mimic tells you that the microRNA acts directly on that 3'UTR sequence.
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