The Keatinge-Clay lab at The University of Texas Austin focuses on engineering polyketide biosynthesis to discover new compounds, utilizing modular polyketide synthases (PKSs) from Streptomyces bacteria. A major challenge is the synthesis of the DNA encoding these PKSs, as they are typically long, repetitive, GC-rich sequences difficult to amplify or synthesize reliably using traditional methods. Ordering multiple smaller gene fragments from external suppliers is common but can take three or more weeks to receive, requiring additional time for internal assembly.

In this case study, the lab joined Elegen’s Early Access Program and ordered the de novo synthesis of a complex plasmid containing a PKS gene cluster. Elegen delivered the full-length plasmid just weeks after ordering. This rapid, full-length synthesis saved the lab weeks of assembly time and labor and avoided potential yield loss risks associated with excessive sequence changes.

Learn how ENFINIA DNA can help advance projects involving complex sequences from the drawing board to incubation in a matter of weeks, accelerating research.