REPORTER SYSTEM FOR DETECTING SIGNAL PATHWAY ACTIVATION IN MULTIPLE CELL TYPES

摘要

The invention provides a reporter system for studying signal transduction pathways. The reporter system includes a gene encoding a detectable gene product expressed in multiple cell types. A gene of interest can be used to target a specific locus in an embryonic stem cell, for example, the ROSA26 locus. The transformed stem cell is introduced into a blastocyst, which develops into a chimeric animal that produces the gene product of interest in multiple tissues, such that the effect of the gene product on the animal can be determined, both during development and in adulthood. Cell lines can be produced from cells or tissues obtained from the chimeric animal or its progeny. This reporter system can elucidate the components of signal transduction pathways when the reporter gene is activated under the regulatory control of a response element.