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The Control of Expression of the α-Globin Gene Cluster

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Abstract

The α-globin gene cluster is located at the very tip of the short arm of chromosome 16. It produces the α-like globins, which is combined with the β-like globins to form hemoglobin, and its mutants cause α-thalassemia, which is one of the most common genetic diseases. Its expression shows a tissue and developmental stage specificity that is balanced with that of the β-globin gene cluster. In this article, we summarize the research on the control of expression of the α-globin gene cluster, mainly with respect to the α—major regulatory element (α-MRE): HS-40, the tissue-specific and developmental control of its expression, and its chromosomal environment. In summary, the α-globin gene cluster is expressed in an open chromosomal environment; HS-40, the 5-flanking sequence, the transcribed region, and the 3-flanking sequence interact to fully regulate its expression.Int J Hematol. 2002;76:420-426.

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  1. National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100005, Beijing, P. R., China

    Hua-bing Zhang, De-Pei Liu & Chih-Chuan Liang

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  1. Hua-bing Zhang
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Correspondence to De-Pei Liu.

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Hua-bing, Z., De-Pei, L. & Chih-Chuan, L. The Control of Expression of the α-Globin Gene Cluster. Int J Hematol 76, 420–426 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02982807

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