Reporter genes: too much of a good thing?
Advances in viral vector design and identification of new reporter genes have allowed the development of novel delivery systems. In the presence of reporter genes, cellular transduction frequency, expression of the gene of interest and phenotypic effects in cells expressing the gene under study can now be easily monitored both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the presence of unique cell markers allows for the enrichment of transduced cells for research studies or patient infusion. The ideal reporter gene product should be biologically inert and not influence the cell population under investigation. Recent reports suggest that reporter gene products may not be biologically benign.
Torbett
Bruce E
BE
Departments of Molecular and Experimental Medicine and Immunology (L55), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. betorbet@scripps.edu
D000818:Animals; D017930:Genes, Reporter; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000633:toxicity; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D006801:Humans; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000633:toxicity
D008164:Luminescent Proteins; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins