Isolation and characterization of a human glutathione S-transferase Ha1 subunit gene

We have isolated and characterized a human liver glutathione S-transferase Ha1 subunit gene. The gene spans approximately 12 kilobases and comprises seven exons separated by six introns. The transcription initiation site has been determined by primer extension analysis. A TATA box is located 26 nucleotides upstream from the transcription initiation site, an adenine residue. RNA blot analysis reveals that the gene is expressed at significantly higher levels in human liver than in HepG2 cells. The isolation and characterization of a human glutathione S-transferase Ha1 subunit gene should facilitate a detailed analysis of its transcriptional regulation.