In vitro differentiation of ES cells occurs when the cells are allowed to aggregate in suspension culture in the absence of mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) feeders and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Hanging drops provide a uniform aggregate size, which is then expanded by continued growth in suspension culture. The embryoid bodies are then plated and allowed to differentiate further in culture. - [Read Differentiation of Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells Using the Hanging Drop Method]
An expression library constructed in a bacteriophage {lambda} vector is plated on an appropriate E. coli strain in the absence of isopropylthio-ß-D-galactoside (IPTG). After 2-4 hours, the plates are moved to 37°C (to stabilize any fusion proteins that are temperature sensitive), and filters impregnated with IPTG are laid on top of the developing plaques. - [Read Screening Expression Libraries Constructed in Bacteriophage Lambda Vectors Protocol]
A cDNA library constructed in a plasmid expression vector of the pUC, pUR, or pEX series is plated on agar medium and then replicated onto filters, which are transferred to plates containing IPTG. After 2-4 hours of induction, the colonies are lysed with chloroform and then screened with appropriate antibodies. - [Read Screening Expression Libraries Constructed in Plasmid Vectors Protocol]
The protocol gives general considerations for the design of targeting vectors for transgenic mice. The protocol shares tips in the design of knock-out and knock-in vectors and some of their strategies for producing homologously recombined embryonic stem cells.