The present invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for increasing expression of transfected genes through the use of super-induction nucleic acid sequences, including highly structured RNA. In particular, co-transfection of super-induction nucleic acid sequences including, for example, shRNA encoding sequences, retroviral elements, and (in other embodiments) VA-RNA encoding sequences, is contemplated for enhancing the expression of co-transfected transgenes in a cell. More specifically, the super-induction sequences are contemplated for use, in one embodiment, with mammalian expression plasmids and gene therapy vectors for increasing transgenic protein activity levels in cells and tissues. In one embodiment, the super-induction sequences of the present inventions are contemplated for use with known DNA vaccination vectors for enhancing therapy or enhancing protective immunity.
