Epsilon globin gene transcripts originating upstream of the mRNA cap site in K562 cells and normal human embryos

RNA transcribed from the human epsilon globin gene was studied in K562 cells and human embryos of 5-10 weeks gestation. Using both primer extension and S1 analysis RNA molecules were found which extend 53 +/- 1 bp, 55 +/- 1 bp and 270 +/- 1 bp upstream from the first coding base and are colinear with the gene. The first pair of molecules represent transcripts initiating at the canonical cap site but the other species represents a transcript over 200 nucleotides longer which initiates upstream of the CAAT and ATAA boxes.