Structure of a chromosomal gene for human interferon beta.

We have cloned and analyzed a chromosomal DNA segment containing the human interferon beta(1) gene from a human gene library. The nucleotide sequence of the protein-coding and the noncoding regions of the chromosomal gene was identical to the cDNA sequence reported previously. In the region upstream from the putative transcription initiation site, significant nucleotide sequence homology was observed between interferon beta(1) and alpha(1) genes. This region thus may play a role in expression of the interferon genes. From the sequence data and the result of nuclease S1 mapping experiments, we conclude that, like the interferon alpha(1) gene, the interferon beta(1) gene is devoid of intervening sequences.