Structural gene encoding easily assayable enzyme that is fused to a heterologous promoter region by cloning or other genetic means; used in transcriptional fusions or translational fusions (Lecture: Bacterial Molecular Genetics II, 2/7/02)
A gene whose phenotypic expression is easy to monitor; used to study promoter activity in different tissues or developmental stages. Recombinant DNA constructs are made in which the reporter gene is attached to a promoter region of particular interest and the construct transfected into a cell or organism.
a gene encoding an expression product of which the presence can be detected directly or indirectly in a cell
a gene which produces a protein (usually an enzyme) that can easily be detected in the laboratory (for example by causing a color change in a test tube)
Gene coding for an easily assayed protein which is used to detect expression of the gene under different conditions; usually to test the activity of a promoter. The ß- galactosidase, luciferase and Green Fluorescent Protein genes are examples of reporter genes.
A gene whose product can be used as a genetic `label'. For example, a gene for neomycin resistance incorporated into a plasmid before transfection allows the subsequent detection of successfully transfected cells.
A tool used with genetically engineered microorganisms. When a reporter gene is incorporated into a microorganism's genetic material, it provides a signal when the organism is present and active, or when a specific metabolic pathway is expressed. An example is a gene that produces a protein that causes the microorganism to emit light.
A gene that is inserted into DNA so that cell will "report" (to researchers) if a linked gene is functioning properly in the transgenic organism.
A gene which can be placed downstream of a promoter and expression of the gene followed by a relatively easy assay (often a colorimetric assay). See operon and gene fusions.
inserted into a genome along with a new gene to show the position and existence of the new gene
A gene that produces a protein that can be easily measured is called a reporter gene. Often used in genetic modification, the reporter gene is inserted along with other DNA of interest. The presence of the protein coded for by the reporter gene is used to indicate whether the foreign DNA has been taken up by the cell or not.
A gene that encodes a product that can readily be assayed. Thus reporter genes are used to determinate whether a particular DNA construct has been successfully introduced into a cell, organ or tissue.
A gene whose phenotypic expression is easy to monitor and is used to study tissue-specific promoter and enhancer activities in transgenes.
is a coding unit whose product is easily assayed (such as chloramphenicol transacetylase); it may be connected to any promoter of interest so that expression of the gene can be used to assay promoter function.
a gene whose gene product is easily detected.
A class of marker gene where the product reacts with a chemical to produce a detectable coloured compound, fluoresces, or emits light and enables a tagged trait gene to be identified.
In molecular biology, a reporter gene (often simply reporter) is a gene that researchers attach to another gene of interest in cell culture, animals or plants. Certain genes are chosen as reporters because the characteristics they confer on organisms expressing them are easily identified and measured, or because they are selectable markers. Reporter genes are generally used to determine whether the gene of interest has been taken up by or expressed in the cell or organism population.