Transcriptional vs. translational fusion

[scatterbrain8]

What is the difference between transcriptional and translational fusion?

As I understand it, transcriptional fusion places a reporter, like lacZ, downstream of the promoter of your gene of interest (so it does not include your entire gene). Is this the same thing in a translational fusion?

What data does translational fusion give you that transcriptional fusion doesn't? The way I have come to understand it, the transcriptional fusion will still allow for B-gal to be translated and then you can measure its activity to determine relative transcription levels... is this anywhere near correct?


thanks

 

[Nino MMP]

Transcriptional fusion is when a reporter gene, such as lacZ, is fused to the promoter of your gene of interest. This allows for the transcription of the reporter gene to be measured in order to determine the levels of expression of the gene of interest. Translational fusion is when the gene of interest is fused to a reporter gene. This allows for the expression and activity of the reporter gene to be measured in order to determine the levels of expression and translation of the gene of interest. Thus, translational fusions give you information on both expression and translation levels, while transcriptional fusions only give you information on expression levels.