Addgene is a non-profit plasmid repository. Addgene facilitates the exchange of genetic material between laboratories by offering plasmids and their associated cloning data to not-for-profit laboratories around the world. Addgene provides a free online database of plasmid cloning information and references, including lists of commonly used vector backbones, popular lentiviral plasmids and molecular cloning protocols.
History
Addgene was founded in 2004, by Melina Fan, Kenneth Fan and Benjie Chen.
Operations
Addgene's headquarters are located in Watertown, Massachusetts. Addgene accepts plasmids from researchers for distribution and archival. Addgene obtains revenues and licensing fees using the free depository for commercial sale, and is selective at will in selling acquired depository plasmids to 501 3 nonprofit organizations at the industrial price for profit gains for its putative non-profit operation. The organization covers the operating costs of maintaining and improving the collection by charging a nominal fee to scientists requesting plasmids.
Plasmid repository
As of 2014 Addgene's repository comprised 30,000 plasmids, deposited by 1,700 labs. Its plasmid collection contains plasmids used for functions such as genome engineering, gene expression, shRNA knockdown, viral-mediated gene delivery, detection of miRNA and promoter activity. The plasmid collection includes:
Molecular biology tools —A curated list of over 4,000 vector backbones, including relevant cloning information and bacterial growth conditions. —An Addgene software tool for creating plasmid maps from sequences with annotated features and restriction sites. —A collection of references for molecular biology reagents, such as primers, restriction enzymes and antibiotic concentrations. Plasmid Cloning Guides —References to help scientists design plasmid cloning experiments, including tutorials on restriction enzyme digestion and PCR-based cloning. —Specific protocols for a variety of plasmid cloning techniques, such as isolation of bacterial colonies, DNA purification by gel electrophoresis and bacterial transformation.
Collaborations
Addgene collaborates with institutes and consortia to curate plasmid collections for specific purposes. Examples of these collaborations include special collections from the Structural Genomics Consortium, Zinc Finger Consortium, the Cell Migration Consortium, the KLF collection and The Michael J. Fox Foundation. The plasmids are available to both academic and industry labs.
Addgene requires Material Transfer Agreements for all materials transferred through Addgene to protect the intellectual property of plasmid depositors. Addgene developed one of the first electronic systems for handling MTAs. By using the standard Universal Biological Material Transfer Agreement and implementing electronic signatures, Addgene’s electronic MTA system expedites the approval process for plasmid orders.
Awards
Addgene won awards for innovation and research including Mass Nonprofit Network Award for excellence in Innovations, Cambridge award program 2014 Award for Research & Development Laboratories, Mass Technology Leadership Award Finalist 2012.
