pMAL-pIII Vector

The pMAL-pIII Vector is an imperative scientific tool with an array of uses as a type of phagemid vector within the field of genetic and molecular biology research. One of the main uses of the pMAL-pIII Vector is in the application of protein labeling and protein expression. Specifically, the pMAL system, of which pMAL-pIII is a part, is often used to produce fusion proteins where the protein of interest is fused together with the Maltose Binding Protein (MBP). The MBP is advantageous as it helps to maintain the solubility of the expressed proteins and facilitates the fusion protein's purification. It also promotes proper folding of the protein of interest, thereby increasing the overall yield of active protein. The pMAL-pIII Vector is also advantageous in facilitating recombinant protein expression. This often forms the basis of numerous in vitro and in vivo biological experiments such as determining the function of specific genes, studying protein interactions or pathways, or for the production of proteins for therapeutic uses. More so, the pMAL-pIII Vector delivers high levels of protein expression which can be pivotal in structural and functional genomics for protein structure determination. Notably, the pMAL-pIII Vector is valuable in the field of antibody production and engineering. This is through phage display, a technique where a protein or peptide is genetically fused to a coat protein of a phage, thereby displaying the protein or peptide on the phage's exterior. Through this process, the pMAL-pIII Vector allows for molecular evolution studies and selection of biomolecules with high affinities for their targets.