Addgene
 | |
| Founded | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Founder |
Benjie Chen Kenneth Fan Melina Fan |
| Type | Non-profit organization, Biological resource center |
| Location | |
| Services | Plasmid repository |
Addgene is a non-profit, global plasmid repository. Addgene facilitates the exchange of genetic material between laboratories by storing plasmids and their associated cloning data. Plasmids can then be shipped to laboratories around the world for use in scientific research. Addgene also provides a free online database of plasmid cloning information and references, including lists of commonly used vector backbones, popular lentiviral plasmids, and molecular cloning protocols.
Description
Addgene was founded in 2004, by Melina Fan, Ph.D., Kenneth Fan, and Benjie Chen, Ph.D., as a resource for scientists to easily store, search, and share plasmids for use in scientific and medical research.[1][2] Addgene's headquarters are located in Cambridge, MA. The plasmid collection is stored and shipped from Cambridge, MA, although a copy of each plasmid is also stored at a backup location in Maryland.
It is free to deposit plasmids into Addgene's repository for distribution and to archive. As a non-profit, the organization covers the operating costs of maintaining and improving the collection by charging a nominal fee to scientists requesting plasmids.[3]
Content
Plasmid Repository
In 2014 Addgene's repository distributes 30,000 types of plasmids, deposited by 1,700 labs.[4] Addgene’s plasmid collection contains plasmids used for a variety of functions such as genome engineering (including CRISPRS), gene expression, shRNA knockdown, viral-mediated gene delivery, detection of miRNA and promoter activity.
The plasmid collection includes:
- Genome engineering
- CRISPRs
- Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nuclease (TALEN) kits
- Zinc finger nuclease kits
- Empty backbones
- Species-specific expression
- Epitope tags
- Fusion proteins
- Selectable markers
- Fluorescent marker
- Viral vectors
- Retroviral/Lentiviral
- Adenoviral
- AAV
- cDNA expression
- shRNA expression
Tools and guides
Molecular Biology Tools
Vector Database- A curated list of over 4,000 commonly used vector backbones, including relevant cloning information and bacterial growth conditions.
Sequence Analyzer- A software tool developed by Addgene to create plasmid maps from sequences with annotated features and restriction sites.
Molecular Biology Reference- A collection of references for commonly used molecular biology reagents, such as primers, restriction enzymes, and antibiotic concentrations.
Plasmid Cloning Guides
Molecular Cloning Guides- References to help scientists design their plasmid cloning experiments, including tutorials on restriction enzyme digestion and PCR-based cloning.
Molecular Cloning Protocols- Specific protocols for a variety of plasmid cloning techniques, such as isolation of bacterial colonies, DNA purification by gel electrophoresis, and bacterial transformation.
Collaborations
Addgene collaborates with a number of institutes and consortiums to curate plasmid collections for specific research purposes. Examples of these collaborations include special collections from the Structural Genomics Consortium, Zinc Finger Consortium, the Cell Migration Consortium and the KLF collection.
On October 3, 2012, Addgene announced the launch of its partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation.[5] The focus of the collaboration is to curate and distribute a large collection of plasmids for use in Parkinson’s Disease research. The plasmids are available to both academic and industry labs.
Depositors
Noteworthy depositors include:
- 12 Nobel Prize winners; John Gurdon, Shinya Yamanaka, Bruce Beutler, Mario Capecchi, Andrew Fire, Richard Axel, Eric Wieschaus, Phillip Sharp, Robert Lefkowitz, Martin Chalfie, Roger Tsien, and Johann Deisenhofer.
- 8 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences winners; Cori Bargmann, David Botstein, Lewis C. Cantley, Hans Clevers, Titia de Lange, Bert Vogelstein, Robert Weinberg, and Shinya Yamanaka.
Electronic Material Transfer Agreements
Addgene requires Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) to be in place for all materials transferred through Addgene to protect the intellectual property of plasmid depositors. Addgene has developed one of the first electronic systems for handling MTAs.[6] By using the standard Universal Biological Material Transfer Agreement (UBMTA) and implementing electronic signatures, Addgene’s electronic MTA (eMTA) system expedites the approval process for plasmid orders.
Awards
Addgene has won a variety of awards for innovation and research including Mass Nonprofit Network Award for excellence in Innovations,[7][8] Cambridge award program 2014 Award for Research & Development Laboratories,[9] Mass Technology Leadership Award Finalist 2012.[10]
References
- ↑ Scudellari, Megan (2012). "Sharing Made Easy". The Scientist. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
- ↑ Fan, M; Tsai, J; Chen, B; Fan, K; LaBaer, J (Mar 25, 2005). "A central repository for published plasmids.". Science 307 (5717): 1877. doi:10.1126/science.307.5717.1877a. PMID 15790830.
- ↑ Kamens, J (2012). "Got any plasmids?" (PDF). Lab Times. pp. 58–59. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
- ↑ Baker, Monya. "Repositories share key research tools". Nature.com. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ↑ Resende, Patricia (3 October 2012). "Addgene partners with Michael J. Fox Foundation". Mass High Tech. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
- ↑ Herscovitch, Melanie; Perkins, Eric; Baltus, Andy; Fan, Melina (10 April 2012). "Addgene provides an open forum for plasmid sharing". Nature Biotechnology 30 (4): 316–317. doi:10.1038/nbt.2177.
- ↑ "mass nonprofit network nominates addgene for an excellence award" (PDF). Retrieved 9 May 2014.
- ↑ "mass non-profit, nonprofit award 2013 excellence in innovation finalists". Retrieved 9 May 2014.
- ↑ "cambridge recognition awarding". Retrieved 9 May 2014.
- ↑ "Mass Tech announces finalist". Retrieved 9 May 2014.