Demonstration of a human ∈-globin gene silencer with studies in transgenic mice

Abstract

The human ∈-globin gene displays normal developmental regulation in transgenic mice; it is expressed only in embryonic and in definitive erythroid cells. We show here that deletion of a negative element located between -182 and -467 bp upstream of the ∈-globin gene cap site results in continuation of ∈ gene expression in the definitive erythroblasts of the fetal liver and in the red blood cells of adult transgenic mice. These data provide direct in vivo evidence that cis acting silencing elements are involved in the developmental control of the ∈-globin gene. © 1992 by The American Society of Hematology.