Long-range gene control and genetic disease.
The past two decades have seen great progress in the elucidation of the genetic basis of human genetic disease. Many clinical phenotypes have been linked with mutations or deletions in specific causative genes. However, it is often less recognized that in addition to the integrity of the protein-coding sequences, human health critically also depends on the spatially, temporally, and quantitatively correct expression of those genes. Genetic disease can therefore equally be caused by disruption of the regulatory mechanisms that ensure proper gene expression. The term "position effect" is used in those situations where the expression level of a gene is deleteriously affected by an alteration in its chromosomal environment, while maintaining an intact transcription unit. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the possible mechanisms of a number of "position effect" disease cases and discuss the findings with respect to current models for genome organization and long-range control of gene expression.
Kleinjan
Dirk A
DA
MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom.
Lettice
Laura A
LA
D000818:Animals; D024201:Bystander Effect / Q000235:genetics; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000502:physiology; D018628:Gene Dosage / Q000502:physiology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D023061:Gene Order / Q000502:physiology; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000209:etiology*; D006609:High Mobility Group Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019901:Locus Control Region / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000502:physiology; D012045:Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid / Q000502:physiology; D055758:SOX9 Transcription Factor; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000502:physiology
D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; D006609:High Mobility Group Proteins; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D055758:SOX9 Transcription Factor; C527932:SOX9 protein, human; D015534:Trans-Activators; D014157:Transcription Factors