Conserved major histocompatibility complex class II boxes--X and Y--are transcriptional control elements and specifically bind nuclear proteins.
A conserved sequence motif exists at the 5' end of all major histocompatibility complex class II genes. This motif consists of the 14-base X and Y boxes separated by a short stretch of variable sequence. In this report, we provide evidence that the X and Y boxes play an important role in controlling transcription of the murine class II gene E kappa alpha. We have developed transgenic mouse lines that carry E alpha genes cleanly deleted for either the X or Y box and have compared the expression of these mutant transgenes with that of a nondeleted control. Both the X and Y segments appear critical for accurate and efficient transcription of E kappa alpha. The most drastic effect is seen with gamma-interferon-treated macrophages, where deletion of the Y box completely abrogates transcription initiated by the normal promoter. In addition, we identify proteins from nuclear extracts that bind specifically to the X or Y box.
D000818:Animals; D002872:Chromosome Deletion; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005809:Genes, Regulator; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000235:genetics*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D051379:Mice; D009154:Mutation; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D007371:Interferon-gamma