Reporter Vectors

Reporter vectors contain a defining reporter gene, which can be used to detect the successful transformation of a gene of interest into a cell, as well the protein expression of that gene. The expression of a reporter gene is also used when investigating transcriptional pathways, such as those involving regulatory regions. Common reporters include fluorescence proteins (like GFP and RFP) or enzymes such as beta-galactosidase and luciferase. Some reporters are also used as selective markers. Some considerations for choosing a reporter vector are intended application (gene expression assay, transformation, etc.) and the appropriate expression system.