DICISTRONIC TRANSCRIPTION UNITS FOR GENE-EXPRESSION IN MAMMALIAN-CELLS

Dicistronic vectors utilizing the internal ribosomal entry site sequen ce of poliovirus as the intercistronic region were constructed for gen e expression in mammalian cells. We have developed two monocistronic e xpression vectors which facilitate the creation of dicistronic express ion plasmids. The dicistronic expression plasmids encode transcription units which allow the coordinated translation of the two genes. Using internal luciferase and secreted alkaline phosphatase, we show the co rrelated expression of both reporter genes and expression levels compa rable to those achieved by the respective monocistronic expression vec tors.