Universal beta-galactosidase cloning vectors for promoter analysis and gene targeting.

Two new plasmid vectors suitable for generating fusions with the lacZ gene have been developed and tested. The vectors can be applied in the analysis of regulatory elements of eukaryotic genes in both transient and stable transfection experiments. In addition, they can be utilized as the backbone of gene targeting vectors, allowing the assessment of the expression pattern of the targeted gene by staining for beta-galactosidase activity.