Abstract: The chimeric gene is directed by a promoter or fusion of promoters which preferably are regulable and activated by the diabetic process. Preferably, it is obtained by fusion of the human insulin gene to the promoter of PEPCK (P-enolpiruvate carboxiquinasa). Said promoter (fragment −460 bp to +73 bp) is fused to the flank zone 5′ of the human insulin gene (−170 bp to +1). The gene of the human insulin contains two coding exons E1 and E2 and two introns A and B. It also relates to an expression vector which allows the expression of insulin in cells which are different from the &bgr;-cells of the pancreas, and to a transgenic animal which expresses said chimeric gene. It is especially used for the gene therapy of diabetes.

Abstract: The invention features a process of treating a diabetic patient, which comprises the step of administering to said patient a DNA segment which includes a transcription factor gene and a promoter sequence, said promoter sequence being operably linked to said transcription factor and being effective for the expression of a therapeutically effective amount of the transcription factor in said patient.

Abstract: The chimeric gene is directed by a promoter or fusion of promoters which preferably are regulable and activated by the diabetic process. Preferably, it is obtained by fusion of the human insulin gene to the promoter of PEPCK (P-enolpiruvate carboxiquinasa). Said promoter (fragment -460 bp to +73 bp) is fused to the flank zone 5' of the human insulin gene (-170 bp to +1). The gene of the human insulin contains two coding exons E1 and E2 and two introns A and B. It also relates to an expression vector which allows the expression of insulin in cells which are different from the .beta.-cells of the pancreas, and to a transgenic mouse which expresses said chimeric gene.

Abstract: A transgenic mouse containing an IGF-1 transgene which is operably linked to a promoter sequence and is expressed in the pancreas of the mouse.