Dual Reporter Genes Enabling Cell Tracing with Viable and Reliable Selection of Various Cell Types

Dual reporter genes driven by either a ubiquitous cytomegalovirus (CMV) or a neuro-specific tubulin α1 promoter (Tα1) were constructed. The new genes, CMV (pCMV-GL) or Tα1 promoter-driven GFP–LacZ (pTα1-GL), robustly expressed the fused GFP–LacZ protein reporting constitutive expressions in various cell types including CHO cells, loach and chicken embryos, and neuro-specific expression in differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells, respectively. The dual reporter genes thus provide a versatile tool for the studies of gene expression, cell lineage within the embryo and possibly the fate of stem cells in transplantation experiment, thus facilitating different analyses depending on the experimental purposes. Revisions requested 11 October 2005; Revisions received 25 November 2005