Abstract:
The present disclosure describes a novel recombinant gene expression system and a method of its use. The recombinant gene expression system is adapted to enable a user to monitor the successful expression of a protein in real time by allowing a small portion (e.g., less than 10%) of the target protein to be expressed as a fusion with a readily detectable reporter. The recombinant gene expression system further allows a user to select a clone that exhibits high, medium or low expression by providing a random ribosomal binding site having the nucleotide sequence N4R6NX, where N is A, T, G, or C, where R is A or G, and where x is an integer from 6 to 11 upstream of the cloned gene. By selecting a clone exhibiting a desired relative level of reporter gene expression, a user can tailor the expression level of the desired protein.