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Probing for Promoters with Luciferase-Transposons

  • Protocol
Bioluminescence Methods and Protocols

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology™ ((MIMB,volume 102))

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Abstract

The union of transposon mutagenesis and reporter gene fusion technologies has created a very powerful tool for analyzing gene expression. Transposable elements, such as phage Mu and Tn5, are able to move within a DNA molecule or from one DNA molecule to another, and can randomly integrate into the bacterial chromosome or plasmids. Transposition into a coding sequence can disrupt gene function and produce a null mutant phenotype. If the null mutant exhibits an obvious phenotype, then it is possible to screen for specific mutations on selective media. Once a mutant is isolated, the responsible gene can be identified by mapping the transposon insertion site. However, not all genes encode an obvious phenotype or readily assayable product. By coupling transcription or translation to an easily assayed reporter gene, it is possible to monitor expression of any gene, even if its phenotype is not known a priori.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

    David C. Alexander & Michael S. DuBow

Authors
  1. David C. Alexander
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  2. Michael S. DuBow
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. DuPont Co., Wilmington, DE

    Robert A. LaRossa

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© 1998 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Alexander, D.C., DuBow, M.S. (1998). Probing for Promoters with Luciferase-Transposons. In: LaRossa, R.A. (eds) Bioluminescence Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 102. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-520-4:105

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-520-4:105

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-520-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-577-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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