The invention relates to a chimeric promoter construct useful for neuronal cell specific gene expression. The invention provides a recombinant nucleic acid molecule that comprises a neuronal cell specific promoter such as platelet-derived growth factor .beta.-chain promoter, operably linked to a heterologous enhancer which enhances the transcriptional activity of the promoter, such as cytomegalovirus immediate early gene enhancer. The promoter construct according to the invention can increase and prolong gene expression in neuronal cells and may be advantageously used in gene therapy of neuronal disorders.