Abstract: Amplifying sequences, vectors comprising these sequences and their uses in compositions for the expression of nucleotide sequences in transfected cells, therapeutic and vaccine applications. Amplifying sequences showing a homology of at least 90% with the following SEQ ID N° 1 sequence: TCTATAAATA X1X2X3GC Y1Y2Y3GG TATTTGGGGT TGGCAGCTGT T in which: X1, X2 and X3 may independently represent respectively C or G, C or G, and C or A Y1, Y2 and Y3 may independently represent respectively T or C, C or G, and T or C. Such sequence may included in a sequence or expression vector containing in addition a sequence coding for a protein and a promoter. Such sequences allow very strong amplification of the transcription of the gene coding for the protein.

Abstract: The invention teaches modified desmin enhancer sequences which yield high level expression of operably linked DNA sequences. The claimed modified desmin enhancer sequences may be operably linked to genes encoding a protein. Further these modified desmin enhancer sequences may be placed into vectors including plasmids and transformed into cells including bacteria or myoblasts. Finally, these modified desmin enhancers may be used in methods of expression of proteins in the transformed bacteria or myoblasts.