Abstract:
Internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) allow ribosomal access to messenger RNA without a requirement for cap recognition and subsequent scanning to an initiator AUG. Hence, IRESs have been adapted into dicistronic vectors for the expression of more than one gene from a single mRNA. Dicistronic vectors have been used for many applications in mammalian tissue culture and transgenesis. However, whether the IRESs from mammalian viruses function without temporal or spatial restrictions in nonmammalian organisms like zebra fish (Danio rerio) is unknown. Therefore, we have examined the expression capabilities of the encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) IRES during zebrafish embryogenesis. We determined that the EMCV IRES was sufficient to permit detectable expression of several second cistron reporters during zebrafish embryogenesis, including luciferase and green fluorescent protein. This suggests that our dicistronic vectors are suitable for general use in any vertebrate system, from fish to humans.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received March 26, 1999; accepted June 14, 1999.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Fahrenkrug, S., Clark, K., Dahlquist, M. et al. Dicistronic Gene Expression in Developing Zebrafish. Mar. Biotechnol. 1, 552–561 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00011810
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00011810