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Structure of the gene encoding CD34, a human hematopoietic stem cell antigen
A B Satterthwaite1, T C Burn, M M Le Beau
1Hematology/Oncology Division, Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.
Genomics
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Researchers characterized the human CD34 gene structure and identified its transcription start site. This work begins to uncover regulatory elements controlling CD34 expression in hematopoietic stem cells and leukemia.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Hematology
Background:
- CD34 is a cell surface antigen found on human hematopoietic stem cells, vascular endothelium, and certain leukemia cells.
- Its precise function remains largely unknown, necessitating investigation into its gene regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize the human CD34 gene locus.
- To identify the transcriptional start site and explore regulatory elements for tissue-specific expression.
Main Methods:
- Gene isolation and characterization of genomic structure.
- RNase protection assays to determine the transcriptional start site.
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for gene mapping.
Main Results:
- The human CD34 gene spans 26 kb and comprises 8 exons, similar to its murine counterpart.
- The transcriptional start site was mapped 258 bp upstream of the translational start site.
- The 5' untranslated region exhibits significant secondary structure; the CD34 locus maps to chromosome 1q32.
Conclusions:
- The study provides foundational characterization of the human CD34 gene structure and its transcriptional start site.
- This information is crucial for future investigations into the cis-acting regulatory elements governing CD34 expression in specific cell types, including stem cells and leukemia.