Gene activation or gene expression can be conveniently monitored by a DNA construct that links the regulatory components of the gene to a reporter gene, such as for a fluorescent protein or beta galactosidase. Cells can be transfected with reporter genes that are activated when certain pathways are triggered. Pathway induction is quantitated by the reporter gene, such as the appearance of fluorescence or of an enzyme activity. These surrogate methods may be much more sensitive and rapid than detection of the primary gene response.

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