The pRL-null Vector(a,b) (Figure 1) is intended for use in constructing a control reporter vector that may be used in combination with any experimental reporter vector to cotransfect mammalian cells. All of Promega’s pRL Reporter Vectors contain a cDNA(b) (Rluc) encoding Renilla luciferase, which was originally cloned from the marine organism Renilla reniformis (sea pansy; 1). As described below, the Renilla luciferase cDNA contained within the pRL Vectors has been modified slightly to provide greater utility.

The pRL-null Vector contains no enhancer or promoter elements. Rather, it contains a multiple cloning region upstream of Rluc to allow for the cloning of any desired regulatory element(s) to drive expression of Renilla luciferase. Renilla luciferase is a 36kDa monomeric protein that does not require post-translational modification for activity (2). Therefore, like firefly luciferase, the enzyme may function as a genetic reporter immediately following translation. For information about the use of this plasmid in conjunction with a reporter vector containing the firefly luciferase gene, refer to the Dual-Luciferase® Reporter Assay System(c,d) Technical Manual (#TM040).

The pRL Vectors are isolated from a dam–/dcm– E. coli K host strain, allowing digestion with restriction enzymes that are sensitive to dam and dcm methylation.

The GenBank®/EMBL Accession Number for the pRL-null Vector is AF025844.