Site-Directed Mutagenesis

Our site‑directed mutagenesis service allows precise introduction of one or a few nucleotide changes into plasmids derived from our libraries.

The service includes:

  • Up to two mutagenesis attempts
  • Two miniprep DNA extractions
  • Sequencing of the mutation site in two plasmid clones

If your project requires competent cells other than standard DH5α (for example, when working with lentiviral plasmids), an additional fee will apply.

Accuracy and Quality Control

We perform mutagenesis using Phusion HF polymerase, which has a very low error rate (4.4 × 10⁻⁷). Although polymerase‑induced random mutations are uncommon, they may still occur.
To ensure the accuracy of the final construct, we recommend whole‑plasmid sequencing to verify that no unintended mutations are present outside the targeted region.

Customer-supplied Plasmids

We primarily provide mutagenesis for plasmids originating from our own libraries.
If you would like to request mutagenesis for your own plasmid construct, please contact us. These requests are reviewed case by case. Because we cannot verify the quality of customer‑supplied plasmids, we cannot guarantee the success of mutagenesis. We will perform two attempts, and both are charged regardless of outcome. However, unsuccessful mutagenesis is rare (<10%).

Downstream Applications

After mutagenesis, the modified gene can be further cloned into expression or viral vectors using or methods. 

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 appropriate text below.

Clon­ing and Mutagenesis

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

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)"