The T3(b) gene promoter directs intestinal epithelial cell-specific expression in transgenic mice

Although a few promoters that direct intestinal epithelial cell-specific ex pression in transgenic animals have been reported, they are not necessarily appropriate for transgenic studies in terms of activity and tissue specifi city. Here, we examined the tissue specificity of transgene expression dire cted by the 2.8-kb promoter region of the T3(b) gene, which encodes one of the non-classical major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. The t ransgene was expressed exclusively in the epithelial cells of the small and large intestines at high levels, The results indicate that the T3b promote r is useful for directing transgene expression specifically in intestinal e pithelial cells. (C) 1999 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.