GUS assay: Credit Seminar Series by Mrinalini Singh, M.Tech IInd Year

Reporter genes are widely used as markers in analysis of gene regulation and localization as well as in analysis of altered genes. Expression of reporter genes can be measured by immunological assay, biochemical assay or by histochemical staining of cells and tissues. These genes encode proteins which are easily detected in a sensitive, specific, quantitative, reproducible, and rapid manner, to measure transcriptional activity and are used to investigate promoters and enhancers of gene expression and their interactions. 

The GUS reporter system, based on the enzyme beta-glucuronidase (GUS) from E. coli, has been the most widely used tool in plant molecular biology i. Several kinds of GUS reporter gene assay are available, depending on the substrate used. These substrates are glucuronides in nature and give coloured product on reaction. The technique is based on principle that when beta-glucuronidase is incubated with some specific colorless or non-fluorescent substrates, can transform them into coloured or fluorescent products. 

Current seminar include GUS reporter gene assay by histochemical method ,fluorometric method and spectrophotometric method.

Venue: B404 Class Room
Date: 15/09/11
Time: 11.30am