Cloning and characterization of the mouse neu promoter

We have isolated a genomic clone containing the mouse neu gene. The 5' end of the mouse neu gene was localized by Southern analysis, subcloned and characterized. DNA sequence analysis revealed that the promoter region is 67% G+C-rich and lacks a TATA box, although a CAAT box is present. By sequence comparison, we identified several consensus recognition sequences for general transcription factors such as Sp1, E4TF1, AP2, OTF-1 and GCF, as well as recognition sequences for RVF, E1A and GTG, which have recently been identified in the rat neu promoter. Functional promoter activity was demonstrated by the ability of the promoter to drive transcription of the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene. Using a series of 5'-end deletion mutants, we have identified multiple positive and negative cis-acting elements that regulate mouse neu gene transcription.