CLDN5 Mini-Promoters

Abstract

Isolated polynucleotides comprising a CLDN5 mini-promoter are provided. The mini-promoter may be operably linked to an expressible sequence, e.g. reporter genes, genes encoding a polypeptide of interest, regulatory RNA sequences such as miRNA, siRNA, anti-sense RNA, etc., and the like. In some embodiments a cell comprising a stable integrant of an expression vector is provided, which may be integrated in the genome of the cell. The mini-promoter may also be provided in a vector, for example in combination with an expressible sequence. The polynucleotides find use in a method of expressing a sequence of interest, e.g. for identifying or labeling cells, monitoring or tracking the expression of cells, etc.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An isolated polynucleotide comprising a CLDN5 regulatory element operably joined to a CLDN5 basal promoter through a non-native spacing between the promoter and the regulatory element. 
     
     
         2 . The isolated polynucleotide of  claim 1 , operably linked to an expressible sequence. 
     
     
         3 . An isolated polynucleotide comprising a CLDN5 basal promoter. 
     
     
         4 . The isolated polynucleotide of  claim 3 , operably linked to an expressible sequence. 
     
     
         5 . A vector comprising the isolated polynucleotide of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         6 . A vector comprising the isolated polynucleotide of  claim 3 . 
     
     
         7 . A cell comprising the vector of  claim 5 . 
     
     
         8 . The cell of  claim 7 , wherein the vector is stably integrated into the genome of the cell. 
     
     
         9 . The cell of  claim 8 , wherein the cell is a blood vessel cell or a stem cell. 
     
     
         10 . A cell comprising the vector of  claim 6 . 
     
     
         11 . The cell of  claim 10 , wherein the vector is stably integrated into the genome of the cell. 
     
     
         12 . The cell of  claim 11 , wherein the cell is a blood vessel cell or a stem cell. 
     
     
         13 . A method of expressing a sequence of interest, the method comprising:
 operably linking the sequence of interest to the polynucleotide comprising a CLDN5 regulatory element operably joined to a CLDN5 basal promoter through a non-native spacing between the promoter and the regulatory element; and   introducing into a cell permissive for expression from a CLDN5 promoter.   
     
     
         14 . A method of expressing a sequence of interest, the method comprising:
 operably linking the sequence of interest to the polynucleotide comprising a CLDN5 basal promoter; and   introducing into a cell permissive for expression from a CLDN5 promoter.