| abstract |
A suicide expression vector for expressing a heterologous peptide, polypeptide or protein in a selected host cell, said vector comprising: (i) a first nucleotide sequence encoding said heterologous peptide, polypeptide or protein (e.g. sperm antigens, esterases capable of hydrolysing organophosphates and insecticidal toxins) operably linked to a first promoter sequence; (ii) a second nucleotide sequence encoding a restriction enzyme or functional portion thereof operably linked to a second promoter sequence, said second promoter sequence being inducible; and (iii) one or more cleavage site(s) for said restriction enzyme or functional portion thereof, said cleavage site(s) being absent from the chromosomal DNA of said host cell, wherein upon introduction of the vector into said host cell, induced expression of the restriction enzyme or functional portion thereof from said second nucleotide sequence brings about the cleavage of the suicide expression vector. The vector is useful for the production of microorganisms intended for environmental release in the applications of, for example, vaccine baits for sterilisation of vermin, compositions for bioremediation of contaminated soils and waste, and insecticidal compositions for crop spraying. |