Transfection reagents are used to introduce DNA or RNA into eukaryotic cells. Transfection reagents help overcome the barrier caused by the negative charges of both the nucleic acids and the cellular membrane by giving an overall positive charge to the DNA or RNA through the formation of transfection complexes. This interaction is necessary to trigger cellular uptake of the complexes and subsequent release from vesicles into the cytoplasm. Transfection reagents are often cationic lipids or polymers and include calcium phosphate and diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-dextran. Visit the supplier pages for more product information.
In 1977, human embryonic kidney cells were transformed with fragments of human adenovirus type 5, giving rise to today’s widely used HEK293 cell line. HEK293 has since become a popular choice for recombinant protein expression and viral production due to its relatively easy maintenance as well as its amenability to various transfection methods. In addition to basic research, recombinant HEK have greatly contributed to advances to biological manufacturing, pharmaceutical screening and development. Naturally, commercial kits and reagents for transfecting the HEK line are available, developed and optimized for your convenience and to suit your experimental needs.