Going the distance: a current view of enhancer action

Science. 1998 Jul 3;281(5373):60-3. doi: 10.1126/science.281.5373.60.

Abstract

In eukaryotes, transcription of genes by RNA polymerase II yields messenger RNA intermediates from which protein products are synthesized. Transcriptional enhancers are discrete DNA elements that contain specific sequence motifs with which DNA-binding proteins interact and transmit molecular signals to genes. Here, current models regarding the role of enhancers in the regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II are presented.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic*
  • Humans
  • Locus Control Region
  • Models, Genetic
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic*
  • Transcriptional Activation

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • RNA Polymerase II