Abstract: The invention relates to improved genetic elements providing high levels of expression of operably-linked genes in a variety of tissues. In particular, fragments of unmethylated, CpG islands of less than 2 kb are shown to provide enhanced transgene expression and have advantages in terms of vector construction and cloning capacity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleotide comprising a ubiquitous chromatin opening element (UCOE) which is not derived from 13. The polynucleotide of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the UCOE comprises the sequence of FIG. 20 between nucleotides 1 to 7627 or a functional homologue or fragment thereof an LCR. The present invention also relates to a vector comprising the polynucleotide sequence, a host cell comprising the vector, use of the polynucleoticle, vector or host cell in therapy and in an assay, and a method of identifying UCOEs. The UCOE opens chromatin or maintains chromatin in an open state and facilitates reproducible expression of an operably-linked gene in cells of at least two different tissue types.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleotide comprising a ubiquitous chromatin opening element (UCOE) which is not derived from 13. The polynucleotide of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the UCOE comprises the sequence of FIG. 20 between nucleotides 1 to 7627 or a functional homologue or fragment thereof an LCR. The present invention also relates to a vector comprising the polynucleotide sequence, a host cell comprising the vector, use of the polynucleoticle, vector or host cell in therapy and in an assay, and a method of identifying UCOEs. The UCOE opens chromatin or maintains chromatin in an open state and facilitates reproducible expression of an operably-linked gene in cells of at least two different tissue types.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved genetic elements providing high levels of expression of operably-linked genes in a variety of tissues. In particular, fragments of unmethylated, CpG islands of less than 2 kb are shown to provide enhanced transgene expression and have advantages in terms of vector construction and cloning capacity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleotide comprising a ubiquitous chromatin opening element (UCOE) that does not occur in nature. The present invention also relates to a vector comprising the polynucleotide sequence, a host cell comprising the vector and use of the polynucleotide, vector or host cell in therapy, or for in vitro protein expression applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleotide comprising a ubiquitous chromatin opening element (UCOE) that does not occur in nature. The present invention also relates to a vector comprising the polynucleotide sequence, a host cell comprising the vector and use of the polynucleotide, vector or host cell in therapy, or for in vitro protein expression applications.