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Beta Globin Locus

Understanding the control of the developmentally regulated switch of gene expression within the beta-globin locus is a main focus of research today. Clearly, globin gene transcription switches from embryonic to fetal to adult forms in humans and embryonic to adult in chickens during development. The expression of the genes on the beta-globin locus is controlled by a series of both general and tissue-restricted transcription factors. In addition, recent models of globin switching have focused on competition and cooperation between enhancers, promoters, and the locus control region (Bulger and Groudine, 1999). In this paper we will analyze both the human and chicken £]-globin locus. From this, we identify the similarities and differences of the locus among the two species and present different methods involved in activation.

The £]-Globin Gene is one of two genes that make up a multigene family. Members of a multigene family not only share DNA-sequence homology, but also have gene products that are functionally associated (Klug and Cummings, 566). The globin genes of vertebrates¡¦ expression are both developmentally and temporally regulated (Choi and Engel, 1986; Dolan et. al, 1981). The tw

o regions that make up the globin gene family include the alpha-globin and beta-globin genes (Ioudinkova et. al, 2002; Online: Bridges). These two genes are

necessary for the formation of an effective hemoglobin molecule. This complete molecule then functions to carry oxygen in the blood (Online: Bridges).

Some topics in this essay:
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