Progress in application of reporter gene

Reporter gene is an important tool of analyzing the relationship of the potential cis-acting elements (promoter,enhancer and silencer,etc.) and trans-acting factors in the research field of modem molecular biology.It is convenient、sensitive and suitable in analyzing molecular mechanism of gene temporal and spatial regulation and expression through their expression products.Reporter gene technology has been extensively applied in many fields,including regulation of gene expression,signal transduction,genetic modification,analysis of promoter,identification of acceptors function,gene therapy,and drug screening,etc.The present paper reviewed the main types,characteristics,and applications of the reporter genes. Key words: Reporter gene ;  Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase ;  Secreted alkaline phosphatase ; Fluorescent protein family;  Luciferase