The DNASU Plasmid Repository serves to reduce the burden on individual labs to store and maintain plasmid data and samples and to distribute these plasmids to researchers around the world. DNASU currently has a growing collection of over 200,000 plasmids with genes from more than 600 organisms that includes clones created in the LaBaer laboratory and various clones from outside researchers. We also have two prominate collaborations. As a founding member of the ORFeome Collaboration we have participated in creating thousands of human and mouse genes and are a key distirbutor for the ORFeome Collaboration plasmids and plasmid collections. Since 2006, as the PSI:Biology-Materials Repository, we have sequence verified and distributed tens of thousands of expression-ready clones created by researchers in the NIGMS-funded Protein Structure Initiative (PSI).

Each sample that enters our lab is sequence validated and annotation about each plasmid is stored in an Oracle-based database. Samples are stored in a state-of-the art Brooks BioStore Freezer Storage and Retrival system (funded by a NIGMS ARRA grant) that allows us to strack the plasmids and quickly retrieve requested plasmids. Plasmid information is searchable through this website and additional information about each plasmid can be found by clicking on the Clone ID or vector name. We have distributed over 200,000 plasmids to over 550 laboratories though our website, thus enabling researchers to execute the broadest possible variety of experiments on the functional roles for genes and proteins in biology and disease.

In addition to distributing materials, the MR has sought to simplify the MTA process in order to decrease the time it takes for institutions to deposit or receive plasmids. To achieve this goal, the MR pioneered two documents, the depositor’s agreement, which sets forth the terms enabling the MR to distribute deposited plasmids from outside institutions, and the expedited process MTA, which eliminates the need for researchers to wait for their institutions to sign an MTA. In the future, the MR will continue to make PSI plasmids and data available to researchers and will expand its expedited MTA network so that researchers can receive PSI plasmids without delay.