Structural analysis of the gene encoding human aromatase cytochrome P-450, the enzyme responsible for estrogen biosynthesis

Abstract

The structural gene encoding aromatase cytochrome P-450 (P-450AROM) was isolated from human genomic DNA. The gene spans at least 52 kilobases and is composed of 10 exons, the first of which is untranslated. Analysis of the transcription initiation site of human P-450AROM mRNA reveals the differential use of 1 of 3 consecutive G residues at the cap site. DNA sequence analysis indicates that the gene has a putative TATA (ATAAAA) sequence at -23 base pairs (bp) and putative CAAT binding sequences beginning at -41, -67, and -83 bp. The 5'-flanking region contains sequences similar to consensus sequences of cis-acting elements defined as regulators of aromatase gene expression. These putative sequences include a cAMP regulatory element at -211 bp, an AP1 (protein kinase C) site at -54 bp, and glucocorticoid regulatory elements at -352 bp and within the first intron at +346 bp. There appears to be only one gene encoding P-450AROM in the human genome. Two major species of human P-450AROM mRNA (3.4 and 2.9 kilobases) are derived from the use of two polyadenylation signals.