pTOM, a vector for expressing two proteins in mammalian cells.

We developed a pTOM construct that can express two proteins in a cell. Using pTOM ensures that two polypeptide-encoding nucleotide sequences are simultaneously transfected into the same cell. The ability to simultaneously express two separate polypeptide-encoding nucleotide sequences from the same vector in the same cell allows the user to determine the relationship between the two proteins. Another advantage is that one of the proteins can be used as a transfection marker/selector. The vector contains multiple cloning sites for insertions of polypeptide-encoding nucleotide sequences. Positive clones can be easily selected when performing cloning using ampicillin. Overall, this vector provides a convenient way to express dual proteins in a single mammalian cell.