OmniBac: universal multigene transfer plasmids for baculovirus expression vector systems.

Current baculovirus expression vector systems (BEVS) rely on either using homologous recombination or site specific transposition (Tn7 transposition) to obtain recombinant baculovirus. Each approach has its own merits. To date, the choice of transfer plasmids limited expression of target proteins to only one of the two types of BEVS. Here we describe OmniBac, comprising novel universal multigene transfer plasmids that can access all BEVS currently in use for protein production in the community. Detailed protocols are presented for integrating OmniBac plasmids into baculoviral genomes used for heterologous protein production in insect cells.