Long-range regulation of alpha-globin gene expression

Douglas R Higgs, Douglas Vernimmen, Bill Wood

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, there has been an increasing awareness that gene expression can be regulated by multiple cis-acting sequences located at considerable distances (10-1000 kb) from the genes they control. Detailed investigation of a few specialized mammalian genes, including the genes controlling the synthesis of hemoglobin, provide important models to understand how such long-range regulatory elements act. In general, these elements contain a high density of evolutionarily conserved, transcription factor-binding sites and in many ways resemble the upstream regulatory elements found adjacent to the promoters of genes in simpler organisms, differing only in the distance over which they act. We have investigated in detail how the remote regulatory elements of the alpha-globin cluster become activated as hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) undergo commitment, lineage specification, and differentiation to form red blood cells. In turn, we have addressed how, during this process, the upstream elements control the correct spatial and temporal expression from the alpha-gene promoter which lies approximately 60 kb downstream of these elements. At present too few loci have been studied to determine whether there are general principles underlying long-range regulation but some common themes are emerging.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLong-Range Control of Gene Expression
EditorsVeronica van Heyningen, Robert E. Hill
PublisherElsevier
Pages143-73
Number of pages31
Volume61
ISBN (Print)978-0-12-373881-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008

Publication series

NameAdvances in Genetics
PublisherElsevier

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