Transcriptional regulation of immunoglobulin heavy chain and T-cell receptor beta chain genes

Abstract

We have identified factors that bind to functionally important regions in IgH chain promoters and enhancer. One promoter factors is identical to u-EBP-E, an enhancer binding protein. Several promoter-binding proteins are present preferentially in either B cells or fibroblasts although most enhancer-binding proteins have a ubiquitous distribution. Additional characterization of these factors will further our understanding of the mechanisms by which IgH promoters and enhancers interact to achieve B-cell restricted and developmental stage-specific expression of IgH genes. The identification of a TCR beta chain enhancer will allow us to pursue similar questions with respect to the regulated expression this locus.