cDNA Collections

GBU's cDNA clone collection comprises the Orfeome and MGC libraries, covering human and mouse genes for various cloning and expression needs. These collections are available to researchers within the Biocenter Finland network.
ORFeome Collection

ORFeome Collaboration collection () contains fully verified open reading frames cloned into Gateway entry vectors, ready for one‑step Gateway LR reactions into any Gateway‑compatible expression vector.

Available clones:

  • Human: 16,934
  • Mouse: 1,758

Most genes are available in two versions:

  • With stop codon
  • Without stop codon (use this version for vectors adding C‑terminal tags)
MGC Collection

The Mammalian Gene Collection (MGC) includes 20,945 human and 8,290 mouse full‑length cDNA clones in a variety of vector backbones.

Most MGC clones are not Gateway‑compatible and require a PCR step to introduce attB sites for BP cloning.

We can provide:

  • Primer design to add attB sites
  • PCR amplification service
  • Complete Gateway cloning into any destination vector
Ordering, Delivery, and Prices

Please fill in the order form by copying the required clone information from the collection spreadsheets (links above).
If cloning into another vector is needed, specify the destination vector in the form.

Please send the completed form to:

Available delivery formats:

  • Plates
  • DNA mini/midipreps
  • Glycerol stocks

Delivery options:

  • Local pickup at Biocenter 1, Viikki
  • Internal mail (University of Helsinki)
  • External mail for DNA
  • UPS shipment on dry ice for glycerol stocks (shipping fees added to invoice)

Typical delivery time: within one week.
Clone Verification

Although the libraries are vendor‑verified, occasional errors may occur.
We strongly recommend sequencing all clones.

You will receive an info sheet with your delivery that lists the recommended Sanger primers for each clone.

We also offer verification as a service, including:

  • Sanger sequencing, or
  • Whole‑plasmid sequencing
  • Alignment of your construct sequence to the original library reference
  • A full sequencing report

Faulty clones will not be charged.
Acknowledging GBU in Publications

If you use a clone from the GBU in your publication, please acknowledge us in the following way:

OR­Feome clones:

“Name of the clone (ORFeome Library; Genome Biology Unit supported by HiLIFE, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, and Biocenter Finland)"

MGC clones:

“Name of the clone (MGC Library; Genome Biology Unit supported by HiLIFE, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, and Biocenter Finland)"