Untranslated exon-1 sequences of eukaryotic genes as promoters

摘要

Untranslated exon 1 sequences of certain eukaryotic genes, particularly SMHC and sTnI genes, without any 5' or 3' flanking sequences, have strong promoter activity in the expression of reporter genes such as CAT and beta -gal in a variety of mammalian host cells, e.g. vascular smooth muscle cells. The invention provides methods of such enhanced gene expression, eukaryotic expression vectors therefor, and use of such promoters in the expression of such genes. The invention has particular applicability to the expression of genes for use in human gene therapy.