CMV-SV40/LTA(Zeo) Lentiviral Particles

CMV-SV40/LTA(Zeo) Lentiviral Particles are engineered retroviral tools designed for the robust delivery and constitutive expression of the Simian Virus 40 (SV40) Large T Antigen within mammalian host cells. These particles utilize the potent Human Cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate-early promoter to ensure high-level transcriptional activity across a broad spectrum of cell types. The integration of the SV40 Large T Antigen gene is a well-established method for manipulating the cell cycle, primarily through its high-affinity interaction with key tumor suppressor proteins such as p53 and the retinoblastoma (Rb) family. To facilitate the selection of stably transduced cells, the vector incorporates a Zeocin resistance marker (Zeo), allowing researchers to efficiently isolate and expand populations that have successfully integrated the transgene. These lentiviral particles are typically produced using a third-generation packaging system and are pseudotyped with the VSV-G envelope protein, granting them a broad tropism and the ability to transduce both dividing and non-dividing cells with high efficiency.

In terms of practical research applications, the primary utility of CMV-SV40/LTA(Zeo) Lentiviral Particles lies in the immortalization of primary cell lines. By sequestering p53 and inhibiting Rb, the Large T Antigen enables cells to bypass replicative senescence and overcome the crisis stage, effectively extending their lifespan for long-term downstream studies. This tool is particularly valuable for generating stable cell lines from rare or difficult-to-culture primary tissues, such as hepatocytes, fibroblasts, or specialized epithelial cells, which otherwise possess a very limited proliferative capacity. Beyond immortalization, these particles are frequently employed in molecular biology to enhance the efficiency of transient protein expression and viral vector production, as the Large T Antigen can stimulate the replication of plasmids containing the SV40 origin of replication. Furthermore, they serve as a critical component in oncogenesis research and cell cycle regulation studies, providing a controlled model for investigating the mechanisms of cellular transformation and the signaling pathways involved in the bypass of biological aging.