Variegation associated with lacZ in transgenic animals: a warning note.

摘要: The Escherichia coli lacZ gene, which encodes the β-D-galactosidase enzyme (EC 3.2.1.23), is one of most widely used reporter genes in transgenic studies. Many spatial and temporal expression patterns their developmental profiles have been identified using transgenes. In these constructs, a subset regulatory sequences from given gene forced to drive cells where interest would be normally expressed. Subsequently, presence β-Dgalactosidase activity can revealed by means simple biochemical assay that turn blue These fusions eukaryotic with bacterial instrumental analysis complex elements controlling vertebrate genes. As result analyses, has become common studies, especially mice. However, some limitations observed postnatal studies animals. adults, transgenes often function poorly display variegated whereas during embryogenesis are efficiently expressed (Cui et al., 1994). latter includes gene-trap experiments knockin strategies, which, apparently, do not seem associated variegation events. It important note monitored only when transgene evaluated on cellular basis. If examined extracts entire tissues, differences proportion expressing will interpreted