Biotech companies producing therapeutic proteins (like monoclonal antibodies) use PGK-Neo to generate stable cell lines (typically CHO or HEK293 cells). The cassette allows them to select for high-producing clones that will maintain the production of the protein over many generations in bioreactors.
, meaning it stays "on" in many different cell types, including embryonic stem (ES) cells and various mammalian cell lines. PubMed Central (PMC) (.gov) 2. The Neomycin Resistance Gene ( cap N e o to the cap R-th power
: Derived from the mouse Pgk-1 gene, this is a "housekeeping" promoter known for its robust, constitutive activity across various mammalian cell types. It is particularly effective in ES cells, where other promoters might be silenced. pgk-neo
The PGK promoter is derived from a housekeeping gene, meaning it works reliably in almost any mammalian cell line, from stem cells to primary fibroblasts. Some stronger promoters, like CMV, can be silenced over time by the cell’s epigenetic defense mechanisms or may not work well in certain cell types. PGK offers a "slow and steady" reliability that is perfect for selection markers.
— I’d be glad to help write a complete, accurate post about it. Just let me know the context and target audience (e.g., researchers, general public, tech team). PubMed Central (PMC) (
A "constitutive" promoter. It stays "on" in most cell types. Neo Gene: Codes for neomycin phosphotransferase.
You must perform a "kill curve" for your specific cell line and G418 batch prior to the experiment. The PGK promoter is derived from a housekeeping
The most famous use of pgk-neo is in "targeting vectors" for homologous recombination in mouse ESCs.
When creating a CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) or HEK293 cell line that permanently produces a therapeutic protein (e.g., an antibody), the pgk-neo cassette allows researchers to "pressure" the cells to keep the gene. Only cells that maintain the plasmid over generations survive G418 treatment.
In genetic engineering, the PGK promoter is prized for its . Unlike tissue-specific promoters that only turn on in, say, liver cells or neurons, the PGK promoter drives expression continuously and ubiquitously. It is a strong promoter, though not the strongest available, making it ideal for maintaining steady levels of expression without overwhelming the cellular machinery.