Abstract
We describe experiments showing that the 5'-flanking region of the human alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene contains transcription control elements with characteristics of enhancers. The enhancer activity was detected and characterized by the ability to direct the expression of a linked chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene in transfected AFP-producing hepatoma cells in culture. The enhancer activity is cell-specific in that it occurs in hepatoma cells producing AFP, but not in non-AFP-producing hepatoma or nonhepatic cells. The active elements can direct CAT expression in conjunction with the SV40 promoter in an orientation- and position-independent manner. The sequences important for enhancer activity reside in the 400-base pair region between 3.3 and 3.7 kilobase pairs upstream of the AFP gene. This and proximal upstream regions contain multiple enhancer "core"-like sequences and other stretches of potential biological significance.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
