ИСТИНА

Dual reporters have proven instrumental in the discovery and characterisation of novel instances of unconventional translation mechanisms such as ribosomal frameshifting, stop codon readthrough and initiation by internal ribosomal entry sites (IRESes). The principle is based on encoding two reporters within the same mRNA so that the expression of one reporter is dependent on the studied mechanism while the other acts as a control. Unfortunately, test sequences inserted between two reporters may alter the expression or activity of either reporter for reasons other than changes in translation. These artefacts may lead to false positives and mistaken reports appearing in the literature. While mistakes should be expected, inspected, respected and corrected, could we avoid or at least minimise repeating the same mistakes? In an attempt to protect ourselves and future researchers from stepping on the same rake, we are developing guidelines on the reporting and interpretation of data obtained with dual reporter assays that we hope will be adopted by the community. We will present our current progress on this work and welcome contributions from other researchers wishing to support this effort.