Patent ID: 6902882
Filing Date: 2005-06-07
Classification: C12Q

Abstract:
1. A method of screening for a modulator of production of a target gene product, which method comprises: a) constructing a first host cell containing a first reporter gene encoding a first flourescent protein operatively linked to a nucleotide sequence comprising at least the promoter portion of a target gene and constructing a second host cell containing a second reporter gene encoding second flourescent protein operatively linked to said nucleotide sequence to which said first reporter gene is linked, wherein expression of said first reporter gene results in a first flourescently detectable signal, expression of said second reporter gene results in a second flourescently detectable signal, said first and second flourescently detectable signals are distinct from each other but are integratable, and wherein said first and second host cells grown separately and then mixed to produce a third flourescently detectable signal distinct from said first and second flourescently detectable signals and detention of said third flourescent signal does not depend on the continued growth or viability of said first and second host cells; b) detecting said third flourescently detectable signal from a mixture of said first and second host cells wherein neither type of said host cells is subjected to any desired treatment; c) detecting said third flourescently detectable signal from a mixture of said first and second host cells wherein one and only one type of said host cells is subjected to a desired treatment prior to said mixing of said host cells; and d) comparing said third flourescently detectable signals detected in steps b) and c), whereby said third flourescently detectable signal detected in step b) differs from that detected in step c) identifies said treatment as a modulator of production of said target gene product, wherein the method is performed in vitro.