BRI constructs and methods of using

摘要

The invention provides constructs that feature a nucleic acid molecule encoding an amino terminal region of a BRI polypeptide. A construct of the invention can further include a multiple cloning site joined to the 3' end of the BRI nucleic acid molecule or a nucleic acid molecule encoding a heterologous polypeptide operably linked to the BRI nucleic acid molecule. The invention further provides methods of directing a heterologous polypeptide through the secretory pathway in a cell. Such methods utilize a construct of the invention that additionally contains a promoter that directs expression of the BRI and heterologous nucleic acid molecules. The construct is introduced into a cell and, following expression, the fusion protein is directed through the secretory pathway of the cell. In addition, a construct of the invention can be introduced into an animal to make the animal transgenic for the heterologous polypeptide.