Method and vector for expression and isolation of biologically active molecules in urine of transgenic animals

Abstract

A vector is provided which contains a promoter construct linked to a heterologous gene encoding a selected biologically active molecule or oncogene wherein the promoter construct is capable of directing urothelial expression of the heterologous gene. Methods of isolating biologically active molecules from urine of animals transfected with this vector and transgenic animals containing this vector are also provided.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of producing a selected biologically active molecule in the urine of a non-human animal, comprising the steps of: 
 generating a non-human transgenic animal having cells, which carry a heterologous gene encoding a selected biologically active molecule, said heterologous gene being linked to an epithelial-specific promoter which selectively directs the expression and secretion of the selected biologically active molecule into the urine, wherein the heterologous gene encodes a biologically active molecule; and    recovering the expressed and secreted biologically active molecule in the urine produced by the non-human animal.    
     
     
         2 . A method of producing a selected biologically active molecule in the urine of a non-human animal, comprising the steps of: 
 transforming epithelial cells capable of secretion directly into the urine, by-passing the filtering effect of the kidney, in a non-human animal, with a promoter linked to a heterologous gene encoding a biologically active molecule, thereby directing expression and secretion of the biologically active molecule into the urine; and    recovering the expressed and secreted biologically active molecule in the urine produced by the non-human animal.