title: Cell-specific expression of a transfected human alpha 1-antitrypsin gene.
abstract: We have cloned the human alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT) gene and identified the promoter and the transcription initiation point. The cloned gene, following transfection, is expressed in a cell-specific manner, being transcribed in a human hepatoma cell line (Hep3B) but not in HeLa cells. We show that the 5' flanking region of the alpha 1-AT gene contains DNA sequences sufficient for efficient transcription in Hep3B but not in HeLa cells. This DNA sequence also activates, in a cell-specific manner, heterologous promoters such as that of SV40; however, the effect is only obtained in one orientation, suggesting that this cis-acting cell-specific element does not share all the features generally associated with enhancers. By cotransfection-competition experiments we also show the existence of a limiting trans-acting factor, essential for the expression of the alpha 1-AT gene in Hep3B cells.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ciliberto
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dente
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cortese
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; D002460:Cell Line; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004247:DNA; D004742:Enhancer Elements, Genetic; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008113:Liver Neoplasms; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012326:RNA Splicing; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000502:physiology*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014162:Transfection; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014157:Transcription Factors; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin; D004247:DNA