Overview of Genetic Reporter Systems

One method to gauge changes in transcription is to link a presumed cis-acting sequence(s) from a gene of interest to the coding sequence for an unrelated reporter gene. Following introduction of the chimeric reporter construct into an appropriate cell type or animal, measurement of reporter-gene product provides an indirect estimate of the induction in gene expression directed by the regulatory sequences. Numerous in vitro and in vivo reporters genes are discussed in this overview with regard to important issues regarding the selection of a transcription reporter gene, and their applications and limitations.