An artifact in studies of gene regulation using beta-galactosidase reporter gene assays

作者：Lefimil Claudia; Jedlicki Eugenia; Holmes David S^*

来源：Analytical Biochemistry, 2012, 421(1): 333-335.

DOI：10.1016/j.ab.2011.10.019

• Gene reporter
• Artifact
• alpha-Peptide
• lacZ
• beta-Galactosidase
• Gene regulation
• Promoter
• Transcriptional regulator

Reporter gene assays are important tools for evaluating gene expression. A frequently used assay measures the activity of beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) expressed from lacZ in plasmid or genomic constructions. Such constructions are often used to interrogate the ability of DNA (query DNA), potentially encoding a transcription factor, to regulate in trans the expression of a promoter fused to the reporter lacZ. Query DNA is frequently inserted into a second plasmid within the alpha-subunit of beta-gal, interrupting its function. However, this plasmid can induce up-expression of beta-gal even when void of query DNA. leading to confusion between artifact and authentic regulation.

• 出版日期2012-2-1
• 单位上海生物信息技术研究中心