Long-range control of gene expression: emerging mechanisms and disruption in disease.

ABSTRACT: Transcriptional control is a major mechanism for regulating gene expression. The complex machinery required to effect this control is still emerging from functional and evolutionary analysis of genomic architecture. In addition to the promoter, many other regulatory elements are required for spatiotemporally and quantitatively correct gene expression. Enhancer and repressor elements may reside in introns or up- and downstream of the transcription unit. For some genes with highly complex expression patterns--often those that function as key developmental control genes--the cis-regulatory domain can extend long distances outside the transcription unit. Some of the earliest hints of this came from disease-associated chromosomal breaks positioned well outside the relevant gene. With the availa

SUBMITTER: Kleinjan DA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1196435 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature