SYSTEM FOR MONITORING THE EXPRESSION AND/OR LOCATION OF TRANSGENES

摘要

A novel strategy for monitoring both the expression and/or localization of a transgene in a mammal is disclosed. A marker peptide and/or sodium iodide symporter is genetically fused to either the N-terminus or C-terminus of the product of a transgene through a linker peptide which bears the recognition sequence of a host cell protease. Expression of the transgene results in release of the marker peptide into extracellular body fluid of the mammal in proportion to the amount of transgene product. The level of the released marker peptide serves as an indicator of the level of transgene expression. Expression of the transgene confers the activity of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) to a host cell which expresses the transgene. Subsequent administration of labeled iodine results in transport of the labeled iodine into the cell bearing the NIS, which can then be localized and measured using standard imaging techniques. The system is particularly useful for monitoring the expression and localization of therapeutic transgenes and production of the therapeutic gene products.