---
title: How to choose the right vector for your fluorescent protein needs!
description: MBLI has many vectors to make your life “brighter”! How do you choose from an expression or cloning vector? Learn more about how to choose the right vector.
image: https://blog.mblintl.com/hubfs/Vector/Linker.png
---

**Please Note:** MBL International will be shutting down its operations effective December 31, 2024. Distribution of MBL products in the United States will be transferred to Cosmo Bio US on January 1st while European Distributors will remain unchanged. For any US inquiries regarding orders or support during this transition, reach out to Cosmo Bio: [https://www.cosmobiousa.com/](https://www.cosmobiousa.com/). For Non-US inquiries reach out to MBL in Japan: [https://www.mblbio.com/](https://www.mblbio.com/).

[Skip to the main content.](https://blog.mblintl.com/how-to-choose-the-right-vector-for-your-fluorescent-protein-needs#main-content)

- [Distributors](https://mblintl.com/about-mbli/distributors)
- [Contact Us](https://mblintl.com/about-mbli/contact-us)
- [Ordering Information](https://mblintl.com/ordering-information)
- [Login](https://products.mblintl.com/my-account/)
- [View Cart](https://products.mblintl.com/cart/)
- [**QUICK ORDER**](https://products.mblintl.com/my-account/orders/)

[![MLBI](https://blog.mblintl.com/hubfs/MLBI.svg "MLBI")](https://www.mblintl.com)

[![MLBI](https://blog.mblintl.com/hubfs/MLBI.svg "MLBI")](https://www.mblintl.com)

Search

*Search*

[Advanced MHC Tetramers Search](https://products.mblintl.com/advanced-mhc-tetramers-and-antibodies-search/)

Toggle Menu

- Products 
    - Product Type 
          - [Antibodies](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/antibody/)
          - [Cell Culture](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/cell-culture/)
          - [Kits](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/kit/)
          - [MHC Monomers](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/monomer/)
          - [MHC Tetramers](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/tetramer/)
          - [Peptides](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/peptide/)
          - [Purification/Separation](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/purification/)
          - [Reagents](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/reagent/)
          - [Recombinant Proteins](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/recombinant-protein/)
          - [Vectors](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/vector/)
          - [Western Reagents](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/western-reagent/)
    - Research Area 
          - [Apoptosis](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/apoptosis/)
          - [Fluorescent Proteins](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/fluorescent-proteins/)
          - [Autophagy](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/autophagy/)
          - [Immunology](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/immunology/)
          - [Cancer](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/cancer/)
          - [Metabolism](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/metabolism/)
          - [Drug Discovery](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/drug-discovery/)
          - [Neuroscience](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/neuroscience/)
          - [Epigenetics](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/epigenetics/)
          - [Organoids](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/organoid/)
          - [Epitope Tag](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/epitope-tag/)
          - [Purification/Separation](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/purification-separation/)
          - [Exosomes](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/exosomes/)
          - [Smart-IP](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/smart-ip/)
          - [Flow Cytometry](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/flow-cytometry/)
- MHC Tetramers & Monomers 
    - MHC Tetramers 
          - [MHC Class I](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/mhc-class-i)
          - [MHC Class II](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/mhc-class-ii)
          - [TCR Tetramers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/tcr-tetramers)
          - [Non-Classical MHC Tetramers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/non-classical-mhc-tetramers)
          - [HLA-E & Qa-1b](https://mblintl.com/hla-e-qa-1b-2)
          - [CD1d Tetramers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/non-classical-mhc-tetramers/cd1d)
    - MHC Monomers 
          - [MHC Monomers](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/monomer/)
          - [Tetramer Citations](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/mhc-tetramers/tetramer-citations)
          - [Peptides](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/peptide/)
          - [MHC Alleles list](https://mblintl.com/mhc-alelles-list)
          - [Custom MHC Tetramers and Monomers Order Form](https://mblintl.com/custom-mhc-tetramers-and-monomers-order-form-2)
          - [Custom Peptide Order Form](https://mblintl.com/custom-peptide-order-form)
    - Custom Tetramer Kits 
          - [QuickSwitch™ Custom Tetramer Kits](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/quickswitch-custom-tetramer-kits/)
          - [QuickSwitch™ Peptide Screening Kit](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/quickswitch-custom-tetramer-kits/quickswitch-peptide-screening-kit/)
          - [SARS-CoV-2 MHC-Peptide Screening Kit Bundles](https://mblintl.com/sars-cov-2-mhc-peptide-screening-kit-bundles-1)
- Research 
    - MHC Tetramers 
          - [Tetramers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/)
          - [Monomers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/monomers/)
          - [Class I](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/mhc-class-i/)
          - [Class II](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/mhc-class-ii/)
          - [Non-Classical Tetramers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/non-classical-mhc-tetramers/)
          - [TCR Tetramers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/tcr-tetramers/)
          - [CD1d Tetramers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/non-classical-mhc-tetramers/cd1d/)
          - [QuickSwitch™ Custom Tetramer Kit](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/quickswitch-custom-tetramer-kits/)
          - [QuickSwitch™ Peptide Screening Kit](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/quickswitch-custom-tetramer-kits/quickswitch-peptide-screening-kit/)
          - [SARS-CoV-2 Screening Bundles](https://mblintl.com/sars-cov-2-mhc-peptide-screening-kit-bundles-1)
          - [Immune Monitoring FAQ](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/faqs-immune-monitoring/)
          - [QuickSwitch™ FAQ](https://mblintl.com/resources/product-information/faqs-quickswitch/)
    - Research Area 
          - [Apoptosis](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/apoptosis/)
          - [Immuno-oncology](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/immuno-oncology)
          - [Autophagy](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/autophagy/)
          - [*In vivo* Isotype Control Antibodies](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/in-vivo-grade-isotype-controls/)
          - [Cancer](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/cancer/)
          - [Knockout Validated Antibodies](https://resources.mblintl.com/learning-center/research-area/knockout-antibodies)
          - [Cancer Neoantigens](https://mblintl.com/research/research-area/cancer-neoantigens)
          - [LC3](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/autophagy/lc3-atg8/)
          - [Cell Cycle Indicator](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/fluorescent-proteins/cell-cycle-indicator/)
          - [Metabolism](https://mblintl.com/research/research-area/metabolism)
          - [Drug Discovery](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/technologies/drug-discovery)
          - [Mitophagy Detection](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/fluorescent-proteins/mitophagy-detecton/)
          - [Epigenetics](https://mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/epigenetics)
          - [Neuroscience](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/neuroscience-reagents)
          - [Exosomes](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/exosomes/)
          - [Organoids](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/organoid_culture/)
          - [Fluorescent Proteins/Vectors](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/fluorescent-proteins/)
          - [PCSK9](https://resources.mblintl.com/research/research-area/pcsk9)
          - [IL 18](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/immunology/il-18)
          - [Purification/Separation](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/purification-separation)
          - [Immunology](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/immunology/)
          - [Western Blot Reagents](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/scientific-resources/fundamentals-for-planning-research/the-principle-and-method-of-western-blotting-wb/)
- Scientific Resources 
    -   
          - [MHC Tetramer Staining Guide](https://mblintl.com/tetramer-staining-guide-new-2021)
          - [Brochures](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/brochures/)
          - [Scientific Reports](https://resources.mblintl.com/scientific-resources/scientific-reports)
          - [Webinars](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/scientific-resources/webinars/)
    -   
          - [Scientific Posters](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/scientific-posters/)
          - [Pathway Posters](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/pathway-posters/)
          - [Blogs](https://blog.mblintl.com/)
          - [Videos](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/videos/)
    -   
          - [Tetramer Citations](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/tetramer-citations/)
          - [MBLI Product Publications](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/citations-publications)
          - [Fundamental Planning for Research](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/scientific-resources/fundamentals-for-planning-research/)
          - [FAQs](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/scientific-resources/faqs)
- About 
    - [Distributors](https://mblintl.com/about-mbli/distributors)
    - [About Us](http://mblintl.com/about-mbli)
    - [Contact Us](https://mblintl.com/about-mbli/contact-us)
    - [Support](https://mblintl.com/about-mbli/overview/)
    - [Careers](https://mblintl.com/about-mbli/careers)

Toggle Menu

Search

*Search*

- Products
  
  *Toggle Menu* 
  
    - Product Type
      
      *Toggle Menu* 
      
          - [Antibodies](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/antibody/)
          - [Cell Culture](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/cell-culture/)
          - [Kits](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/kit/)
          - [MHC Monomers](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/monomer/)
          - [MHC Tetramers](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/tetramer/)
          - [Peptides](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/peptide/)
          - [Purification/Separation](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/purification/)
          - [Reagents](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/reagent/)
          - [Recombinant Proteins](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/recombinant-protein/)
          - [Vectors](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/vector/)
          - [Western Reagents](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/western-reagent/)
    - Research Area
      
      *Toggle Menu* 
      
          - [Apoptosis](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/apoptosis/)
          - [Fluorescent Proteins](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/fluorescent-proteins/)
          - [Autophagy](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/autophagy/)
          - [Immunology](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/immunology/)
          - [Cancer](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/cancer/)
          - [Metabolism](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/metabolism/)
          - [Drug Discovery](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/drug-discovery/)
          - [Neuroscience](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/neuroscience/)
          - [Epigenetics](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/epigenetics/)
          - [Organoids](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/organoid/)
          - [Epitope Tag](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/epitope-tag/)
          - [Purification/Separation](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/purification-separation/)
          - [Exosomes](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/exosomes/)
          - [Smart-IP](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/smart-ip/)
          - [Flow Cytometry](https://products.mblintl.com/research-area/flow-cytometry/)
- MHC Tetramers & Monomers
  
  *Toggle Menu* 
  
    - MHC Tetramers
      
      *Toggle Menu* 
      
          - [MHC Class I](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/mhc-class-i)
          - [MHC Class II](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/mhc-class-ii)
          - [TCR Tetramers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/tcr-tetramers)
          - [Non-Classical MHC Tetramers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/non-classical-mhc-tetramers)
          - [HLA-E & Qa-1b](https://mblintl.com/hla-e-qa-1b-2)
          - [CD1d Tetramers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/non-classical-mhc-tetramers/cd1d)
    - MHC Monomers
      
      *Toggle Menu* 
      
          - [MHC Monomers](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/monomer/)
          - [Tetramer Citations](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/mhc-tetramers/tetramer-citations)
          - [Peptides](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/peptide/)
          - [MHC Alleles list](https://mblintl.com/mhc-alelles-list)
          - [Custom MHC Tetramers and Monomers Order Form](https://mblintl.com/custom-mhc-tetramers-and-monomers-order-form-2)
          - [Custom Peptide Order Form](https://mblintl.com/custom-peptide-order-form)
    - Custom Tetramer Kits
      
      *Toggle Menu* 
      
          - [QuickSwitch™ Custom Tetramer Kits](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/quickswitch-custom-tetramer-kits/)
          - [QuickSwitch™ Peptide Screening Kit](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/quickswitch-custom-tetramer-kits/quickswitch-peptide-screening-kit/)
          - [SARS-CoV-2 MHC-Peptide Screening Kit Bundles](https://mblintl.com/sars-cov-2-mhc-peptide-screening-kit-bundles-1)
- Research
  
  *Toggle Menu* 
  
    - MHC Tetramers
      
      *Toggle Menu* 
      
          - [Tetramers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/)
          - [Monomers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/monomers/)
          - [Class I](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/mhc-class-i/)
          - [Class II](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/mhc-class-ii/)
          - [Non-Classical Tetramers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/non-classical-mhc-tetramers/)
          - [TCR Tetramers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/tcr-tetramers/)
          - [CD1d Tetramers](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/non-classical-mhc-tetramers/cd1d/)
          - [QuickSwitch™ Custom Tetramer Kit](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/quickswitch-custom-tetramer-kits/)
          - [QuickSwitch™ Peptide Screening Kit](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/quickswitch-custom-tetramer-kits/quickswitch-peptide-screening-kit/)
          - [SARS-CoV-2 Screening Bundles](https://mblintl.com/sars-cov-2-mhc-peptide-screening-kit-bundles-1)
          - [Immune Monitoring FAQ](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/faqs-immune-monitoring/)
          - [QuickSwitch™ FAQ](https://mblintl.com/resources/product-information/faqs-quickswitch/)
    - Research Area
      
      *Toggle Menu* 
      
          - [Apoptosis](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/apoptosis/)
          - [Immuno-oncology](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/immuno-oncology)
          - [Autophagy](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/autophagy/)
          - [*In vivo* Isotype Control Antibodies](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/in-vivo-grade-isotype-controls/)
          - [Cancer](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/cancer/)
          - [Knockout Validated Antibodies](https://resources.mblintl.com/learning-center/research-area/knockout-antibodies)
          - [Cancer Neoantigens](https://mblintl.com/research/research-area/cancer-neoantigens)
          - [LC3](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/autophagy/lc3-atg8/)
          - [Cell Cycle Indicator](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/fluorescent-proteins/cell-cycle-indicator/)
          - [Metabolism](https://mblintl.com/research/research-area/metabolism)
          - [Drug Discovery](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/technologies/drug-discovery)
          - [Mitophagy Detection](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/fluorescent-proteins/mitophagy-detecton/)
          - [Epigenetics](https://mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/epigenetics)
          - [Neuroscience](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/neuroscience-reagents)
          - [Exosomes](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/exosomes/)
          - [Organoids](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/organoid_culture/)
          - [Fluorescent Proteins/Vectors](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/fluorescent-proteins/)
          - [PCSK9](https://resources.mblintl.com/research/research-area/pcsk9)
          - [IL 18](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/immunology/il-18)
          - [Purification/Separation](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/purification-separation)
          - [Immunology](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/research-area/immunology/)
          - [Western Blot Reagents](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/scientific-resources/fundamentals-for-planning-research/the-principle-and-method-of-western-blotting-wb/)
- Scientific Resources
  
  *Toggle Menu* 
  
    -  
      
      *Toggle Menu* 
      
          - [MHC Tetramer Staining Guide](https://mblintl.com/tetramer-staining-guide-new-2021)
          - [Brochures](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/brochures/)
          - [Scientific Reports](https://resources.mblintl.com/scientific-resources/scientific-reports)
          - [Webinars](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/scientific-resources/webinars/)
    -  
      
      *Toggle Menu* 
      
          - [Scientific Posters](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/scientific-posters/)
          - [Pathway Posters](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/pathway-posters/)
          - [Blogs](https://blog.mblintl.com/)
          - [Videos](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/videos/)
    -  
      
      *Toggle Menu* 
      
          - [Tetramer Citations](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/learning-center/mhc-tetramers/tetramer-citations/)
          - [MBLI Product Publications](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/product-information/citations-publications)
          - [Fundamental Planning for Research](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/scientific-resources/fundamentals-for-planning-research/)
          - [FAQs](https://blog.mblintl.com/resources/scientific-resources/faqs)
- About
  
  *Toggle Menu* 
  
    - [Distributors](https://mblintl.com/about-mbli/distributors)
    - [About Us](http://mblintl.com/about-mbli)
    - [Contact Us](https://mblintl.com/about-mbli/contact-us)
    - [Support](https://mblintl.com/about-mbli/overview/)
    - [Careers](https://mblintl.com/about-mbli/careers)

- [Distributors](https://mblintl.com/about-mbli/distributors)
- [Contact Us](https://mblintl.com/about-mbli/contact-us)
- [Ordering Information](https://mblintl.com/ordering-information)
- [Login](https://products.mblintl.com/my-account/)
- [View Cart](https://products.mblintl.com/cart/)
- [**QUICK ORDER**](https://products.mblintl.com/my-account/orders/)

[*Facebook*](https://blog.mblintl.com/how-to-choose-the-right-vector-for-your-fluorescent-protein-needs#0) [*Instagram*](https://blog.mblintl.com/how-to-choose-the-right-vector-for-your-fluorescent-protein-needs#0) [*LinkedIn*](https://blog.mblintl.com/how-to-choose-the-right-vector-for-your-fluorescent-protein-needs#0) [*Twitter*](https://blog.mblintl.com/how-to-choose-the-right-vector-for-your-fluorescent-protein-needs#0) [*Youtube*](https://blog.mblintl.com/how-to-choose-the-right-vector-for-your-fluorescent-protein-needs#0) [*Medium*](https://blog.mblintl.com/how-to-choose-the-right-vector-for-your-fluorescent-protein-needs#0)

- [Home](https://blog.mblintl.com/)
- [Blogs](https://blog.mblintl.com)
- How to choose the right vector for your fluorescent protein needs!

# How to choose the right vector for your fluorescent protein needs!

### Topics

- Select Topic - 3D Cell Culture Advancements in Metabolism Research Allergy Antibodies Antibody Antibody Reagents Antibody-Peptide Conjugates Apoptosis Assay and Kits Autoimmune Disease Autophagy BRIC Benefits of Tetramer Assays Biomarker Cancer Cell Biology Cell Culture Reagents Cell Stabilization Custom Peptide Synthesis Cytokine Dextramer Staining Drug Discovery ELISA Epigenetics Epitope Tag Exosome Exosomes FCM Fc blocker Flow Cytometry Flow Cytometry Antibodies Fluoppi Fluorescent Proteins Future of Tetramer Technology Gastric Inhibitory Peptide Gene Regulation Gene Therapy Green Fluorescent Protein IL-18 Immune Response Immunology Inflammation Isotype Control Kits and Assays LC3 Liquid Biopsy MHC MHC Alleles MHC Class II Tetramers MHC Peptides Contribute MHC Tetramer MHC Tetramer Protocol MHC tetramer advancements Metabolism Mitophagy NCP Neuroscience Neuroscience Reagents Organoid PCSK9 PCSK9 ELISA Kit Peptide Peptide Exchange Peptide Synthesis Methods Peptide Synthesis Service Peptide-Infused Skin Care Products Preservation Purify exosome Quality Control QuickSwitch Quickswitch™ Custom Tetramer Kits RBP RIP Chip RNA Recombinant Protein Production Recombinant Proteins Regulation RiboTrap S100 Proteins SARS-CoV-2 T-Cell Detection TCR Tetramers Tetramer Tetramer Analysis Tetramer Assay Tetramer Assay Protocol Tetramer Staining TransFix Vectors Western Reagents atg8 covid-19 gfp keima red kinases mitochondria cell death p62 pathways phosphorylation pro IL-18 reagents rfp t cell tuberculosis ultracentrifugation vaccine

### Top Posts

### Subscribe to our Blogs

Published by [Tomohiro Nakajo](https://blog.mblintl.com/author/tomohiro-nakajo) on Aug 2, 2016 10:07:19 AM

![](https://blog.mblintl.com/hubfs/Vector/Linker.png)

MBL’s CoralHue fluorescent product series is composed of many proteins to make your life "brighter"!  We offer expression vectors and cloning vectors. How do you know which vector to use? Learn more about how to choose which vector is right for you.

To begin- what is a cloning vector and what is an expression vector?  A cloning vector is exactly what it sounds like- it makes clones! With this plasmid, you won't be able to see localization of fluorescence.  However, using an expression vector, you can transfect into mammalian cell lines and visualize where your protein using fluorescence microscopy and get more information on it's function. 

MBL's vector series includes both cloning and expression vectors. Cloning vectors have "-S1" in the last of their product name. These Cloning vectors are for researchers using cells other than mammalian, using virus vector, and so on. If you use S1 vectors, you can digest by restriction enzymes or amplify the Fluorescent Protein (FP) fragment by PCR, and then clone into a different *expression* vector that you like.  

These plasmid backbones also have different antibiotic resistance genes.  For example, the cloning vector has Ampicillin resistance while the expression vector has Kanamycin reistance gene.

We offer 4 types of expression vectors. All of these expression vectors can be used in mammalian cell lines because the ORF (Open Reading Frame) is driven by CMV (Cytomegalovirus) promoter.

The difference between "-MN1" and "-MC1" is based on the position of MCS (Multiple Cloning Site). MN1 has MCS in the side of N-terminal of the FP. MC1 is the C terminus of the FP.  These vectors are for researchers adjusting the distance between Gene Of Interest (GOI) and FP because MCS is located just before/after the FP. An example of when these vectors are recommended would be for researchers who are optimizing peptide linkers by themselves in order to construct FRET biosensors.

"-MNLinker" and "-MCLinker" have flexible peptide linker between MCSs and FPs. "-MNLinker" means that MCS is sited in N-terminal of FP beyond the peptide linker. Flexible linker is constituted of Glycine and Serine, they are most popular constitution in FP society because both amino acids have small side-chain with less steric hindrance.

There is a possibility that FP might inhibit the function of GOI when these genes are too close. If you want to visualize localizations of GOIs, please go straight to choose "-MNLinker" or "-MCLinker". See the images below for with and without linker fluorescence.

Left; KikGR1-linker-beta-actin (MNLinker), Right; KikGR1-beta-actin (MN1)

![](https://blog.mblintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vector/Linker.png?width=199&name=Linker.png "Linker.png")![](https://blog.mblintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vector/No_Linker.png?width=174&name=No_Linker.png "No_Linker.png")

 

Finally, each vector data sheet lists the amino acids in MCS. Our MCS itself is a flexible linker-like sequence constituted from hydrophilic and flexible amino acids, eliminating bulky and rigid amino acids such as Tyrosine, Phenylalanine and Proline, and so on.

If you need longer linker than "-MNLinker" and "-MCLinker", you can use the MCS as an additional linker!

![](https://blog.mblintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vector/Table.jpg?width=573&height=178&name=Table.jpg "Table.jpg")

　

Our Cloning vector map for AM-V0091M- Keima Red   

 ![](https://blog.mblintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vector/cloning_vector.jpg?width=262&name=cloning_vector.jpg "cloning_vector.jpg")

Our Expression vector map for AM-V0093- Keima Red        

 ![](https://blog.mblintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vector/expression_vector.jpg?width=289&name=expression_vector.jpg "expression_vector.jpg")

Now you know the difference between a Cloning vector and an Expression vector. Visit this [link](https://resources.mblintl.com/learning-center/research-area/fluorescent-proteins/) to see all the vectors we offer and how we can help your needs!

　

 

 

Tags: [Fluoppi](https://blog.mblintl.com/topic/fluoppi), [Fluorescent Proteins](https://blog.mblintl.com/topic/fluorescent-proteins), [Vectors](https://blog.mblintl.com/topic/vectors)

---

[Back to Blog](https://blog.mblintl.com)

---

### Comments Or Suggestions

## Related Articles

### Sign up for our latest news and promotions. [![SIGN UP](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/424171/d32f72bb-0a07-486f-b8c5-1a2cb67d95fb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/424171/d32f72bb-0a07-486f-b8c5-1a2cb67d95fb)

##### Research Products

- - [Antibodies](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/antibody/)
    - [Cell Culture](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/cell-culture/)
    - [Kits](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/kit/)
    - [MHC Tetramers](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/tetramer/)
    - [MHC Monomers](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/monomer/)
    - [Peptides](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/peptide/)
- - [Reagents](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/reagent/)
    - [Recombinant Proteins](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/recombinant-protein/)
    - [Purification/Separation](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/purification/)
    - [Vectors](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/vector/)
    - [Western Reagents](https://products.mblintl.com/product-category/western-reagent/)

##### Contact Us

**MBL International**  
1201 Wiley Rd  
Suite 150  
Schaumburg, IL 60173  
USA

A JSR Life Sciences Company

##### Find Us On

[*Facebook*](https://www.facebook.com/pages/MBL-International-Corporation/313514772031567)[*LinkedIn*](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbl-international)[*RSS*](https://blog.mblintl.com/)[*Twitter*](https://twitter.com/MBLICorp)

[![jsrls-logo-1](https://blog.mblintl.com/hubfs/Assets/jsrls-logo-1.svg)](https://blog.mblintl.com/)

- [Privacy Policy](https://products.mblintl.com/privacy-policy/)
- [Terms of Use](https://products.mblintl.com/legal/)
- [Sitemap](https://products.mblintl.com/site-map/)
- [Terms and Conditions of Sale](https://products.mblintl.com/terms-conditions/)

Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved

*Return to Top*