Cell and Developmental Biology University of Michigan

My research focus addresses how the Locus Control Region(LCR)directs the expression of the five human beta globin genes. Despite extensive research in the beta globin gene field, the molecular basis of how the LCR directs the transcription of the beta globin genes still remains controversial. The LCR directs the expression of the five human beta-type globin genes (e , Gg, Ag, d, a & b) in a temporal and developmental specific manner. Our lab and many others have exploited the use of transgenic mice harboring the LCR and the human beta globin genes within a yeast artificial chromosome(YAC). The developmental expression pattern of the human beta globin YAC in transgenic mice is only slightly different than the expression in humans. Introducing mutations within the human beta globin YAC via homologous recombination in yeast allows us to generate different transgenic mouse lines and analyze the various expression patterns of the human globin genes. This will lead to the further understanding of mammalian transcriptional gene regulation.