Non-coding transcripts far upstream of the epsilon-globin gene are distinctly expressed in human primary tissues and erythroleukemia cell lines.
Non-coding exons of epsilon-globin mRNA originating within the 236 kb upstream region of the epsilon-globin gene were identified in human primary tissues and K562 cells. One predominant type of upstream epsilon mRNA, which originated in the -76 kb region 5' to the epsilon gene, was present in human primary tissues, whereas 11 other isoforms were identified in K562 cells. Fragment from the -76 kb region possessed promoter activity and a prominent DNase I hypersensitive site was formed in the region approximately 2 kb 5' to the -76 kb promoter in human fetal liver, but not in K562 cells. The promoter activity in the -236 kb region resided in a retrotransposon in K562 cells. A DNase I hypersensitive site was formed at the -236 kb promoter in K562 cells, but not in human fetal liver. We discussed these results in the context of intergenic transcription and chromatin opening in the beta-globin gene cluster.
Xiang
Ping
P
Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Fang
Xiangdong
X
Yin
Wenxuan
W
Barkess
Grainne
G
Li
Qiliang
Q
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005914:Globins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D004915:Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D016366:Open Reading Frames / Q000235:genetics; D009928:Organ Specificity; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D014157:Transcription Factors; D005914:Globins