DNA CONSTRUCTS COMPRISING PROTEASE ENCODING SEQUENCES OR INHIBITORS THEREOF

摘要

An isolated DNA construct comprising: a) a first DNA sequence comprising either an inducible promoter sequence responsive to the presence or absence of an exogenous inducer or a developmental gene promoter capable of initiating gene expression in a selected tissue or at a selected stage of development of an organism; b) a second DNA sequence comprising a DNA sequence coding for a protease enzyme operably linked and under the control of the promoter sequence specified at (a); whereby the presence or absence of the exogenous inducer or the activation of the developmental gene promoter specified at (a) results in expression of said protease enzyme. These constructs are preferably rendered reversible by the presence of further elements. They can be used in plant or mammalian cells for disruption of cell function, controlling senescence and modifying the metabolism of stored proteins.