The human beta-interferon gene enhancer is under negative control.
The human beta-interferon gene is regulated by an inducible enhancer element. Analysis of the effect of deletions within this element on beta-interferon transcription indicates that this enhancer is under negative control. Deletion of sequences from the 3' end of the enhancer leads to a dramatic increase in the basal level of beta-interferon mRNA and a decrease in the induction ratio. The remaining 5' region of the enhancer can act as a strong constitutive transcription element, and it shares considerable homology with sequences known to be required for the activity of constitutive viral enhancers. We conclude that the beta-interferon enhancer consists of a constitutive transcription element and a negative regulatory sequence that prevents enhancer activity prior to induction. Thus, derepression of a constitutive transcription element appears to play a key role in the control of human beta-interferon gene expression.
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S
Goodbourn
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H
Burstein
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T
Maniatis
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002460:Cell Line; D002872:Chromosome Deletion; D004742:Enhancer Elements, Genetic; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005809:Genes, Regulator; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012689:Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
D007370:Interferon Type I; D012333:RNA, Messenger