Reporter gene

This article is missing information about the history of the subject. Please expand the article to include this information. Further details may exist on the talk page. (January 2012)

Reporter genes are molecular tools widely used in molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology to study gene function, expression patterns, and regulatory mechanisms. These genes encode proteins that produce easily detectable signals, such as fluorescence, luminescence, or enzymatic activity, allowing researchers to monitor cellular processes in real-time. Reporter genes are often fused to regulatory sequences of genes of interest, enabling scientists to analyze promoter activity, transcriptional regulation, and signal transduction pathways. Common reporter gene systems include green fluorescent protein (GFP), β-galactosidase (lacZ), luciferase, and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), each offering distinct advantages depending on the experimental application.^[1] Their versatility makes reporter genes invaluable in fields such as drug discovery, gene therapy, and synthetic biology.^[1]