Structure of the promoter for the human macrophage stimulating protein receptor gene

The macrophage stimulating protein receptor is a receptor protein tyrosine kinase of the met/hepatocyte growth factor receptor family. Binding of the macrophage stimulating protein to its receptor provokes changes in cell morphology and motility. Here we report the structure of the promoter of the gene coding for this receptor. The major transcription start sites have been identified. The 5' flanking region has characteristics of other receptor tyrosine kinase gene promoters, namely several GC boxes but the absence of a TATA box. Deletion analysis shows that multiple elements are needed for full promoter activity.