August 2013

Ahituv study provides new insights into enhancer gene regulation

Research led by UCSF scientists has provided fresh insight into the operation of DNA sequences in the genome that regulate gene expression.

The new study looked at the effects of inserting nearly 5,000 synthetic regulatory element sequences into mice as well as human liver cells. Specifically, these were enhancers, snippets of DNA which, when bound by protein molecules called transcription factors, contribute to gene activation.