DNA sequences required for transcription in vivo of the human corticotropin-beta-lipotropin precursor gene.

The cloned human corticotropin-beta-lipotropin precursor gene, when joined with an SV40 vector and introduced into COS monkey cells, is transcribed from its own promoter. The DNA sequences required for promoter function have been identified by using 5' deletion mutants of the fusion gene AT which contains the 5'-flanking sequence and capping site of the human corticotropin-beta-lipotropin precursor gene and the structural sequence of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene. The deletion of the sequence located between 53 and 59 bp upstream of the capping site enhances the transcription approximately 3-fold, while the deletion of the TATA box region abolishes the transcription.