Locus control region

A locus control region (LCR) is a long-range cis-regulatory element that enhances expression of linked genes at distal chromatin sites. It functions in a copy number-dependent manner and is tissue-specific, as seen in the selective expression of β-globin genes in erythroid cells.[1] Expression levels of genes can be modified by the LCR and gene-proximal elements, such as promoters, enhancers, and silencers. The LCR functions by recruiting chromatin-modifying, coactivator, and transcription complexes.[2] Its sequence is conserved in many vertebrates, and conservation of specific sites may suggest importance in function.[2] It has been compared to a super-enhancer as both perform long-range cis regulation via recruitment of the transcription complex.[3]

  1. ^ Li Q, Peterson KR, Fang X, Stamatoyannopoulos G (November 2002). "Locus control regions". Blood. 100 (9): 3077–86. doi:10.1182/blood-2002-04-1104. PMC 2811695. PMID 12384402.
  2. ^ a b Levings PP, Bungert J (March 2002). "The human beta-globin locus control region". European Journal of Biochemistry. 269 (6): 1589–99. doi:10.1046/j.1432-1327.2002.02797.x. PMID 11895428.
  3. ^ Gurumurthy A, Shen Y, Gunn EM, Bungert J (January 2019). "Phase Separation and Transcription Regulation: Are Super-Enhancers and Locus Control Regions Primary Sites of Transcription Complex Assembly?". BioEssays. 41 (1): e1800164. doi:10.1002/bies.201800164. PMC 6484441. PMID 30500078.