Ovomucoid promoter and methods of use

A recombinant DNA molecule comprising an isolated avian ovomucoid gene expression controlling region at least 95% identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO:

• 26 operably linked to a nucleic acid insert encoding a polypeptide.

An expression vector that integrates into a host cell comprising an avian ovomucoid gene expression controlling region a nucleotide sequence at least 95% identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO:

• 26 operably linked to a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide wherein the gene expression controlling region directs production of a transcript.

A method of expressing a heterologous polypeptide in a host cell comprising:

• transfecting a eukaryotic cell with a recombinant DNA molecule comprising an avian ovomucoid gene expression controlling region comprising a nucleotide sequence at least 95% identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO:
• 26 operably linked to a polypeptide encoding a polypeptide thereby making a transfected cell and
• culturing the transfecting cell in a medium suitable for expression of a heterologous polypeptide under the control of an avian ovomucoid gene expression controlling region encoded by the recombinant DNA molecule, thereby expressing a heterologous polypeptide in a host cell.