The nucleic acid sequence of the human Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter-2 Gene (hEAAT2) promoter, a nucleic acid sequence that hybridizes to the hEAAT2 promoter nucleic acid sequence under stringent hybridization conditions, and a nucleic acid sequence that is functionally equivalent to the hEAAT2 promoter sequence are provided, as are vectors containing these nucleic acid sequences. In addition, methods for the use of these nucleic acids to achieve tissue- or cell-specific gene expression are provided, as are methods for the use of these hEAAT2 promoter nucleic acids to identify agents that can modulate glutamate transport or the activity of the glutamate promoter. Such agents may be useful in the prevention, palliation or treatment of neurodegenerative and/or cerebrovascular diseases.
HUMAN EXCITATORY AMINO ACID TRANSPORTER-2 GENE PROMOTER AND USES THEREOF