The current explosive progress in molecular biological research can be definitively
traced to the development of molecular cloning technology. The ability to insert specific
gene sequences into cloning vectors and their subse quent expansion is the cornerstone
of modem molecular biology. A direct practical outcome of molecular cloning technology
is its application to ex press specific recombinant genes. Currently, recombinant
gene products are used in a wide spectrum of applications, including gene therapy,
production of bioactive pharmaceuticals, synthesis of novel biopolymers, in agriculture
and animal husbandry, and so on. A fundamental requirement for successful recombinant
gene expression is the design of the cloning vector and the choice of the host organism
for expression. Recombinant Gene Expression Protocols grows out of the need for a
laboratory manual that provides the reader the background and rationale, as well as
the practical protocols for the preparation of "expression constructs" and their introduction
into appropriate host cells and/or organisms. The chap ters in this book are grouped
by their expression hosts, including E. coli, yeast, mammalian cells, nonmammalian
eukaryotes such as plants, Xenopus, and insects, as well as in transgenic organisms.
In-depth information is presented on the important characteristics of expression cloning
vectors and the various methods for efficiently introducing expression constructs
into target cells and/ or organisms. Throughout Recombinant Gene Expression Protocols,
the authors have consistently striven for a balanced presentation of both background
informa tion and actual laboratory details.
