Comparative genomics and experimental promoter analysis reveal functional liver-specific elements in mammalian hepatic lipase genes
2007

Functional liver-specific elements in mammalian hepatic lipase genes

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): van Deursen Diederik, Botma Gert-Jan, Jansen Hans, Verhoeven Adrie JM

Primary Institution: Erasmus MC

Hypothesis

The regulatory elements responsible for liver-specific expression of hepatic lipase genes are conserved among mammals.

Conclusion

The study identified two putative enhancer elements in the far upstream region of the hepatic lipase gene that are crucial for liver-specific transcription.

Supporting Evidence

  • Highly conserved elements were found in the proximal promoter region.
  • Two upstream elements increased transcriptional activity of the human HL promoter region.
  • Module B was crucial for basal transcription in liver cells.

Takeaway

Scientists found important parts of a gene that help it work only in the liver, and these parts are similar in different animals.

Methodology

The study involved genomic comparisons and promoter-reporter assays in hepatoma and non-hepatoma cells.

Limitations

The study may not identify all regulatory sequences due to the high stringency of conservation rules.

Statistical Information

P-Value

7*10-7

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2164-8-99

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