Abstract

pLIVE-EGFP is a liver-specific expression vector constructed by insertion of IRES-EGFP gene at the Xho I site of the pLIVE vector. The pLIVE-EGFP vector permits simultaneous expression of a gene of interest in addition to the EGFP reporter, specifically within liver cells, both in vivo and in vitro. When expressed in liver cells, the EGFP reporter produces a bright green fluorescence, which can easily be detected with fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry. Compared with its parental vector, the pLIVE-EGFP is more powerful in providing a simple, direct method for monitoring gene transfection efficiency, gene expression and for screening positive clones.

Key words: Enhanced green fluorescent protein, gene expression, liver specific vector, screening.