Reporterigeeni

Reporterigeeni is a term used in molecular biology and genetics to describe a specific type of gene construct. It is formed by linking a reporter gene to a promoter of interest. A reporter gene is a gene whose expression can be easily measured or detected. Common examples include genes for luciferase, green fluorescent protein (GFP), or beta-galactosidase. The reporter gene itself does not have a biological function in the host organism; its purpose is solely to indicate whether the linked promoter is active.

The reporter gene construct is introduced into cells or organisms. When the promoter of interest is activated by certain cellular conditions, transcription factors bind to it, initiating the expression of the reporter gene. The resulting protein product of the reporter gene can then be quantified. For instance, if the reporter gene encodes luciferase, the intensity of light produced upon addition of a substrate can be measured. If it encodes GFP, the fluorescence of the cells can be observed under a microscope or measured by a fluorometer.

Reporter gene assays are widely used to study gene regulation. By fusing a reporter gene to a promoter whose activity is suspected to be regulated by specific factors or conditions, researchers can monitor the promoter's response. This allows for the identification of regulatory elements, the screening of compounds that affect gene expression, and the study of signaling pathways. The ease of measurement associated with reporter genes makes them invaluable tools in molecular biology research.