Cross-regulation of gene expression in recombinant cells

摘要

Recombinant cells providing for the controlled expression of product proteins by way of cross-regulation between interacting operons. A structural gene for a product protein and a structural gene for a repressor of a second operon are included in a first operon. A protein encoded by a structural gene of the second operon is a repressor of the first operon. The second operon may reside on a plasmid or a chromosome of the host cell. The present invention provides for controlled expression of product protein over a range of copy numbers, as well as high transcription efficiency in the induced state. The invention includes methods for the controlled expression of product protein by recombinant cells.