Service and Technical Questions
How can I contact you with technical questions?
Please email us at:
We prefer to answer technical questions by email.
How should I prepare my DNA construct and how much DNA should I send?
Once you have determined that the construct was correctly engineered (by sequencing or restriction enzyme digestion), you should do the standard plasmid prep. The DNA should be BEADS-FREE!! We require Qiagen-column (midi/maxi) quality DNA with more than 500 ng/µl and at least 50 µg per sample for P-element injection, or at least 20 µg per sample for PhiC31 injection, or at least 20 µg of DNA per component or at least 30 µl of direct injection mix for CRIPSR injection.
We prefer DNA in ultrapure water so we can inject it directly. Alternatively, the DNA can be dissolved in TE or the Qiagen EB. Please make a very clear "Remark" on the order form to ensure us to prepare the DNA properly for injection.
If you are sending samples for the DNA preparation service (Service Z), please send about 3-5 µg for the bacteria transformation and the quality control (restriction enzyme digestion) test. If you prefer to send bacteria please send it in stab agar or liquid culture in screw-capped for better shipping protection. Sending bacteria in stab agar is recommended for BAC preps. Please always include a simple plasmid map or restriction information for the quality control (restriction enzyme digestion) test.
Can I use my own helper plasmid?
Yes. Generally we provide the helper plasmid that will be injected with your P-element construct. However, if you prefer your own 
2-3 plasmid. Please send us at least 20 µg column-purified plasmid with its concentration labeled (at least 500 ng/µl).
Can I use my own flies for injection?
Yes! Other than w1118, yw and the strains listed on our websites, we can inject to your Drosophila strain for a small initial fee (￥700). For details please refer to the New strain page.
Will you perform the injection or keep the flies at 18°C?
Yes. We will do this ONLY IF you request to do it. In addition, if you think your gene of interest may cause lethality, or your construct is driven by heat shock promoter or similar kind, it may be better to keep the flies at 18°C for the whole process, please let us know in advance! Longer turnover time will be expected for such kind of special request.
How long to get my transformants?
We will do the injection as soon as we get your DNA sample. The minimum turnover time, from reception of the DNA to delivery of the larvae, is within 10 days. It can be longer depending on the service plan, please see the Services and Pricing page. We will ship the larvae or transformants to you via SF Express or equivalent courier.
Can I use my own balancer chromosome rather than FM7, CyO, TM3, TM6B?
Usually we do not. Please email us at:
How long will you keep the flies?
For Plan B/C/E/F/H/I/K/M/N/RH/RI only. We will destroy G2 or balanced lines in two weeks after you receive your shipment. Please let us know the problem within two weeks so that we’re able to send the backup flies in need.
PhiC31 related questions
Which PhiC31 strain has better expression efficiency?
PhiC31 listed the eye color by observation of actual transformant or the strain itself (PhiC31-RMCE) as reference. However, we do believe the eye color is not a good indicator for relative expression level due to the nature of the white gene.
Which PhiC31 strain has better transformation efficiency?
PhiC31 listed transformation efficiency average scores based on our previous actual running orders. For P{CaryP}, FlyC31, P[acman] system and other strains >30 kb BACs scores were also shown.
Is there special DNA quality requirement for PhiC31 system?
We suggest the same DNA treatment as that of the P-element system. CsCl quality DNA was reported to have better transformation efficiency (about 2x). However, please stick to the Qiagen midi/maxi DNA if you are not expert at doing the CsCl-prep.
Where can I get the FlyC31/P[acman] vectors?
Please refer to Basler lab’s contact information of FlyC31. Please write to them directly for the pUASTattB and pattB vectors. You can get Bellen's vectors at DGRC directly.
