"We would like to acknowledge the preparation of high quality virus produced in the ViraCore at UCSF (https://viracore.ucsf.edu)."

No, we do not.

No, we do not. However, we do have plasmids available for purchase that may be useful in your cloning experiments.

The Core makes virus on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The Core uses envelope plasmids encoding VSVG. VSV-G is suitable for experiments involving widespread infection of cells because its phospholipid receptor is universally expressed in mammalian cells and thus has a relatively broad tropism.

While a broad tropism may be suitable for some experiments, others may require higher specificity for infection. The Core is here to advise and provide the resources for your specific needs.

If you would like virus with a coat other than VSV-G, please denote that in the comments section of your order. Note that different envelope plasmids may yield different titers. 

For gene names, we accept standard nomenclature as outlined by the HGNC. Click here for more information.

Human genes and protein-encoding genes should be named in the format ABCD#, where ABCD is unique to the genes and, for protein-coding genes, describes their function. For example, the gene name for p53 is TP53.

Samples are processed in the order in which they are received. Expected turnaround times are 3-5 days for standard and 96-well preps and 5-7 days for mega preps.

Depending on order volume, orders may take up to a week to be completed. 

In creating viral vectors suitable for gene delivery to various cell types (ie. broader or narrower range of cells), pseudotyping is used to change the tropism of the virion. For instance, the envelope proteins from wild-type HIV-1 recognize and fuse to CD4, a co-receptor present on the surface of helper T cells.

However, the envelopes of viral vectors can be manipulated to provide different infection outcomes. Our Core uses vectors in which the HIV envelope protein is replaced with vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein-g (VSV-G). VSV-G is suitable for experiments involving widespread infection of cells because its phospholipid receptor is universally expressed in mammalian cells and thus, has a relatively broad tropism.

While a broad tropism may be more suitable for some experiments, others may require higher specificity for infection. The Core is here to advise and provide the resources for your specific needs. If you would like virus with a coat other than VSV-G, please contact us.

Our production system utilizes 3rd generation packaging vectors, which are compatible with 3rd generation transfer vectors.

• 1st Generation vectors contain all HIV genes minus the envelope protein.
• 2nd Generation vectors contain a wild-type 5' LTR. Transcription of these vectors requires Tat, which is supplied by a separate vector.
• 3rd Generation vectors utilize a chimeric 5’ LTR to ensure transcription in the absence of Tat.

It is important to understand which generation your transfer vector is because 2nd generation vectors cannot be packaged with 3rd generation packaging vectors.

Please note that DNA sample quality also plays a role in the resulting titer. DNA with high levels of contaminants may yield lower titer than those expected for your particular vector.

Our preps with vectors smaller than 8 kb yield 107 infectious units per mL. Vectors approximately 12 kb in size yield 105 infectious units per mL.

Titration requires that your submitted vector DNA contains a fluorescent marker. If your vectors do not have fluorescent markers, they will not be titered.

Viral titer is quantified by flow cytometry in units of infectious particles per milliliter (IU/mL). We infect adherent 293T cells and measure their expression of fluorescent markers as a readout for titer.

Note that the optimal conditions for transduction depend on the infectivity of your cell lines and viral titer. Please see our helpful links page, where we have compiled relevant sources that may be helpful for your experiments.

We do not recommend storing virus at 4°C for longer than 24 hours. Store virus at -80°C for long-term storage.

Health Sciences West 1002. See this map for how to get to our dropoff and pickup freezer.

Please see detailed information on DNA sample preparation, tube labeling, and submission instructions here. Incorrectly labeled samples will not be processed.

We ask that all DNA submitted be at a concentration of 100ng/uL. Note that large deviations from this concentration may impact titer.

All plasmid DNA submitted for virus production should be at a concentration of 100ng/ul. Significant deviations from this amount will affect viral titer.