Custom shRNA Cloning

If our TRC library collection does not contain the shRNA required for your research, we can clone a custom sequence into the TRC vector pLKO.1 or into an inducible pLKO.1 variant.

Designing and Ordering Oligos

Design and order your oligos following the . It is essential that the oligo ends match the protocol exactly for the cloning reaction to succeed.

We can verify your oligo sequences before cloning if needed.
Once the oligos are ready, please deliver them to us and we will proceed with the cloning workflow.

Oligo ordering tips: Standard de-salted oligos (usually the most affordable option) are fully suitable for cloning. If the oligos are delivered dry, resuspend each to 100 μM in DNase‑free water. Important: Do not order oligos dissolved in TE buffer — TE will interfere with the cloning process.

Vector Backbones 

The shRNA oligos are annealed and cloned into the TRC library vector , a lentiviral backbone carrying puromycin resistance for selection in mammalian cells. We also offer a variant as an alternative vector option.

Controls

Negative controls available in our stock:

  • SCH001:
  • SHC002:
  • SHC016:

Positive knockdown control:

  • shRNA targeting eGFP in pLKO.1 (detailed information available upon request)

Positive control:

  • SHC003:

Service Includes

  • Verification of each clone by Sanger sequencing
  • A DNA miniprep of each clone
  • Bacterial glycerol stocks, which can be collected from GBU as needed

If your constructs are intended for viral delivery, we can forward them directly to for virus production. 
Acknowledging GBU in Publications

If you use a clone provided by the Genome Biology Unit (GBU) in your publication, we kindly request that you acknowledge us using the text below.

“shRNA constructs were generated by the Genome Biology Unit supported by HiLIFE, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, and Biocenter Finland"

Please also cite the creators of the vector backbone used in your construct. Citation instructions are available on the corresponding vector page on Addgene’s website.