Ecdysone-inducible gene expression in mammalian cells and transgenic mice.
Journal Article
During metamorphosis of Drosophila melanogaster, a cascade of morphological changes is triggered by the steroid hormone 20-OH ecdysone via the ecdysone receptor, a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. In this report, we have transferred insect hormone responsiveness to mammalian cells by the stable expression of a modified ecdysone receptor that regulates an optimized ecdysone responsive promoter. Inductions reaching 4 orders of magnitude have been achieved upon treatment with hormone. Transgenic mice expressing the modified ecdysone receptor can activate an integrated ecdysone responsive promoter upon administration of hormone. A comparison of tetracycline-based and ecdysone-based inducible systems reveals the ecdysone regulatory system exhibits lower basal activity and higher inducibility. Since ecdysone administration has no apparent effect on mammals, its use for regulating genes should be excellent for transient inducible expression of any gene in transgenic mice and for gene therapy.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- No, D; Yao, TP; Evans, RM
Published Date
- April 16, 1996
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 93 / 8
Start / End Page
- 3346 - 3351
PubMed ID
- 8622939
Pubmed Central ID
- 8622939
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0027-8424
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1073/pnas.93.8.3346
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States