pGEM®-luc Vector Technical Bulletin

Literature # TB104

The pGEM®-luc Vector is a cassette vector designed to be a source of the luc gene encoding firefly luciferase, which is found in the pGL2 Vectors. The plasmid is not intended for expression of luciferase in eukaryotic cells.

The pGEM®-luc Vector was constructed by positioning the luciferase gene (luc) in the center of the multiple cloning region of the pGEM®-11Zf(–) Vector, providing a number of unique restriction sites at both ends of the gene. Sites that are surrounded by parentheses are not unique, as additional sites for each also exist in the luciferase gene. To make use of these nonunique sites, a partial restriction enzyme digest should be performed. Note that using HindIII or NsiI to clone the luciferase gene will include upstream ATG codons, which may reduce the efficiency of expression in eukaryotes.