title: Use of matrix attachment regions (MARs) to minimize transgene silencing.
abstract: Matrix attachment regions (MARs) are operationally defined as DNA elements that bind specifically to the nuclear matrix in vitro. It is possible, although unproven, that they also mediate binding of chromatin to the nuclear matrix in vivo and alter the topology of the genome in interphase nuclei. When MARs are positioned on either side of a transgene their presence usually results in higher and more stable expression in transgenic plants or cell lines, most likely by minimizing gene silencing. Our review explores current data and presents several plausible models to explain MAR effects on transgene expression.
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695, USA. george_allen@ncsu.edu
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Spiker
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D020868:Gene Silencing; D006801:Humans; D015530:Nuclear Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011485:Protein Binding; D019076:Transgenes / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D004247:DNA