Open AccessComparison of the 5′ upstream putative regulatory sequences of three members of the α 2u ‐globulin gene family
Author(s) -
WINDERICKX Joris,
DIJCK Patrick,
DIRCKX Luc,
VOLCKAERT Guido,
ROMBAUTS Wilfried,
HEYNS Walter,
VERHOEVEN Guido
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
european journal of biochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1432-1033
pISSN - 0014-2956
DOI - 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1987.tb11470.x
Subject(s) - promoter , biology , gene , homology (biology) , enhancer , genetics , gene family , tata box , microbiology and biotechnology , regulatory sequence , exon , regulation of gene expression , gene expression
We have isolated and characterized seven members of the α 2u ‐globulin gene family from a rat genomic library. The 5′ upstream region (up to 1250 base pairs starting from the Eco RI site in exon 2) of three clones was sequenced. The major transcriptional start points were located 25 base pairs downstream from the ‘TATA' box. A very high degree of homology was observed over the entire studied region. Two of the examined genes displayed structural features which suggest that their expression may be impeded. A high degree of homology was observed between the promotor regions of α 2u ‐globulin and those of the major urinary protein (MUP) multigene family of the mouse. A remarkable feature is the variable length of an A‐rich region between the putative ‘CAAT’ and the ‘TATA’ consensus sequences. The size of this region differs markedly between MUP and α 2u ‐globulin and between different members of the α 2u ‐globulin gene family. Comparison of the α 2u ‐globulin promotor with the corresponding region of other androgen‐dependent genes (the C 1 , C 2 and C 3 subunits of prostatic steroid binding protein) reveals the presence of an A‐rich region of homology located approximately 378 base pairs upstream from the cap site in the α 2u ‐globulin genes. This region compares well with a sequence of putative enhancer function previously demonstrated in the α‐fetoprotein promotor and in the immunoglobulin heavy chain promoter.