[Statistical analysis of enhancers of a series of eukaryotic genes]

Consensus sequences of transcription factors IRF, E12/E47, MBF1 and MyoD1 were represented as combination of the short oligonucleotide patterns ("enhansones"). The ad hoc computer program was employed for analysis of distribution and localization of these patterns on the sequences of interferons, immunoglobulins, metallothioneins and muscle-specific genes. The set of patterns was strictly specific for each gene family. In enhancer regions of almost all genes from mentioned families patterns were gathered in compact groups surrounding the operator sites. This empirical rule is true for genes where two conditions were fulfilled. (1) Operator site consists of tandem or inverted repeat of the short oligonucleotide motif, for instance GAAA-GAA in interferons or CCA-TGG in immunoglobulins. (2) Multiplication of the operator site leads to increase of enhancer activity because of cooperative interactions between transcriptions factors.