Negative regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes

Gene expression is mainly regulated at the transcription level. For the specific regulation of gene expression, two components are required: one is the cis-element that is the short DNA sequence in the regulatory region of the gene, and the other is the trans-acting factor that binds to the cis-element. This complex then interacts with the initiation complex, including RNA polymerase II, and regulates the gene expression. Although many elements and factors are reported as involved in the gene activation, little is known about the negative regulation of gene expression. In this study, analyses of the regulatory regions in glutathione transferase P and growth inhibitory factor genes are presented, and the mechanisms of the negative regulation are discussed. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd