Gene expression, genome alteration and reporter gene expression in myofibroblasts and myofibroblasts-like cells by using the regulatory regions within the alpha smooth muscle alpha-actin gene

摘要

Nucleic acid (I) comprising: (i) at least one functional region (Ia) from the regulatory region of the alpha -smooth muscle actin (aSMA) gene; and (ii) at least one additional functional sequence (Ib) operably linked to (Ia). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) vector (II) containing (I); (2) eukaryotic cells or organisms (III) transfected, transformed or infected with (I) or (II); (3) method for preparing (III); (4) method for isolating or screening smooth muscle cells (SMC), myofibroblasts or similar cells; (5) method for manipulating gene expression and/or function of SMC or myofibroblasts; and (6) pharmaceutical composition containing (I) or (II).