Use of viral cis-acting post-transcriptional regulatory sequences to increase expression of intronless genes containing near-consensus splice sites

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Expression vectors are disclosed comprising intronless genes containing one or more near consensus splice sequences and one or more copies of a viral cisacting post-transcriptional regulatory element which is transcribed along with the gene and causes export of the gene transcript from the nucleus into the cytoplasm of the cell. In a preferred embodiment the vectors are targeted for , delivery to specific cells in the form of a molecular complex made up of the plasmid releasably linked to a nucleic acid binding agent and a ligand which binds to a component on the surface of a cell. Use of viral cis-acting posttranscriptional regulatory elements as disclosed can increase expression of …