Isolation and sequencing of two alpha-globin genes alpha (A) and alpha (D) in pigeon and evidence for embryo-specific expression of the alpha (D) -globin gene
Ikehara, T.; Eguchi, Y.; Kayo, S.; Takei, H.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 234(2): 450-453
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0006-291X PMID: 9177291 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1997.6667
Accession: 008926544
By screening a pigeon genomic DNA library, we isolated a recombinant phage clone containing the alpha(A)-globin gene. The DNA sequence of the approximately 6kbp-long insert fragment of the phage clone was determined. The sequence suggested the existence of pigeon alpha(D)-globin gene located 3.1 kbp upstream from the alpha(A)-globin gene. The expression of the alpha(D)-globin in late embryo was also shown by the N-terminal amino-acid sequence of the intact globin chain. These results show that two adult alpha-globin genes, alpha(A) and alpha(D), exist in the pigeon genome, and the alpha(D)-globin is expressed at the late embryo stage. The stage-specific expression suggests the existence of regulatory elements and factors interacting to inhibit transcription at the adult stage.