Molecular Biology Lab

Molecular Biology Lab

We enable the success of every project by pursing multiple protein constructs in parallel with the flexibility to respond to crystallographic outcomes. We perform all of our cloning by gene synthesis, significantly decreasing time required to generate complex protein constructs. Our Gene Composer™ software designs protein constructs for crystallization and optimizes the nucleic acid sequence for protein expression in heterologous systems including E. coli, baculovirus infected insect cells, and mammalian cells. Our molecular engineering facility designs thousands of structure-guided constructs per year.

Gene Composer

The Gene Composer™ system aids the design of DNA sequences for optimal protein expression. The technology was designed in house by Emerald scientists and provides a streamlined interface that facilitates the information-rich design of protein constructs, their nucleic acid coding sequences, and expression clones which are engineered for improved production in heterologous expression systems. Using an integrated high-throughput approach, this software allows us to progress from the original protein sequence to multiple permuted expression clones in a single design session. Gene Composer™ consolidates protein structural information with multiple sequence alignments highlighting secondary structure elements, crystal, ligand and water contact information and organizes primers and oligos prior to setting up PCR or PCR-based site-directed mutagenesis.