Scarab Genomics Introduces ScarabXpress

Scarab Genomics has introduced ScarabXpress, the latest strain in the multiple-deletion series (MDS) of its Clean Genome E coli.

Based on the MDS42 strain, ScarabXpress T7lac contains a chromosomal copy of the T7 RNA polymerase gene expressed from a tightly controlled lac promoter.

The company said that MDS42 is a K-12 strain with a 15% genome reduction to remove non-essential genes, sequences for recombinogenic and mobile DNA, and cryptic virulence genes, while preserving robust growth and protein production. Reportedly Scarab has removed Insertion sequence (IS) elements, which are a prevalent, but frequently overlooked, problem that contributes to clonal instability.

In addition, Clean Genome strains lack prophage, which can be stress-activated and cause premature lysis and failed runs during fermentation. Genome reduction optimises Clean Genome E coli for recombinant DNA and protein production, providing enhanced genetic stability and improved metabolic efficiency, and making them the strains of choice for applications ranging from routine cloning to manufacturing biotherapeutics.