Monitoring foreign gene expression by a human adenovirus-based vector using the firefly luciferase gene as a reporter

We have constructed a helper-independent adenovirus type 5-luciferase recombinant (Ad5-Luc 3) containing the firefly luciferase gene flanked by simian virus 40 (SV40) regulatory sequences inserted in the early region 3 (E3) of the Ad5 genome. Expression of luciferase in cells infected with Ad5-Luc3 was relatively efficient. In HeLa cells approximately 20 micrograms luciferase per 10(6) cells was made by 36 h post-infection and a 62 kilo-Dalton …