pET E. coli T7 expression vectors
The pET System is the most powerful system yet developed for the cloning and expression of recombinant proteins in E. coli. Based on the T7 promoter-driven system originally developed by Studier and colleagues (1–3), Novagen's pET System has been used to express thousands of different proteins. In pET vectors, target genes are cloned under control of strong bacteriophage T7 transcription and translation signals, and expression is induced by providing a source of T7 RNA polymerase in the host cell.
Novagen's pET System has continuously expanded to offer new technologies and options for expression, and includes over 42 pET vector types, 15 different host strains and many other companion products designed for efficient detection and purification of target proteins.
- Moffatt, B.A. and Studier, F.W. (1986) J. Mol. Biol. 189, 113–130.
- Rosenberg, A.H., Lade, B.N., Chui, D., Lin, S., Dunn, J.J., and Studier, F.W. (1987) Gene 56, 125–135.
- Studier, F.W., Rosenberg, A.H., Dunn, J.J., and Dubendorff, J.W. (1990) Meth. Enzymol. 185, 60–89.
pET Vectors with unique features include:
- pET-31b(+) for high yield bioproduction of peptides and small proteins
- pET-32a-c for production of soluble, active target proteins in E. coli
- pET-33b for production of target proteins suitable for site-specific 32P-labeling
- pET-39b and 40b using Dsb tags for export and periplasmic folding of target proteins
- pET-41a-c and 42a-c with popular GST fusion tags for enhanced production and solubility
- pET-43.1a-c designed for cloning and high-level expression of polypeptide sequences fused with the 495 aa NusA (Nus•Tag™) protein
- pET-44a-c with Nus•Tag™ sequence plus N- and C-terminal His•Tag sequences
- pET-45b(+) with amino-terminal His•Tag™ sequence and minimal extraneous sequences
- pET-46 Ek/LIC prepared vector for ligation-independent cloning, with amino-terminal His•Tag™ sequence
- pET-47b(+) through pET-50b(+) with HRV 3C Protease cleavage site for efficient fusion tag removal
Additional vectors in this table include:
A Note on the Sequences
The numbering system of the pET vectors is based on that of pBR322, from which all of these vectors are derived. The sequences are given in the same orientation as the pBR322 sequence, but note that this is the opposite orientation of the the cloning/expression region detail maps. This should be apparent from the counter-clockwise orientation of the T7 promoter on the circle maps.
Most of the vector sequences are provided in GenBank format, with significant features indicated. To convert the sequence into other formats, first select the sequence and copy (Command-C on Mac or Ctrl-C on Windows). Next, click here to open the NIH ReadSeq web page in a new window. Paste the sequence into the input field (Command-V on Mac or Ctrl-V on PC), choose your favorite format from the dropdown menu, and hit the "submit" button.
You can access sequences, maps, ordering information, newsletter articles and technical bulletins through the following links:
