The regulation of alpha globin- molecular mechanisms and therapeutics

Question 1

What is the relationship between an enhancer and a promotor?

Answer 1

A promotor promotes transcription of a gene

the enhancer regulates when this transcription occurs

Question 2

How does the structure of DNA affect its transcription?

Answer 2

The tails are positively charged
the DNA is negatively charged and this hides the DNA
when the tails are acetylated they stick out and expose the DNA opening the chromatin
If you methylate this causes heterochromatin which is closed

Question 3

Explain the control of globin chain synthesis

Answer 3

• Proximal promoters: work in ‘normal’ 5’ to 3’ direction only. Promote RNA polymerase binding via TATA.
• Proximal enhancers: Work in either direction. Increase promoter activity by encouraging transcription factor (TF) binding to promoters,
• Distant Locus control region (LCR): loops around to come close to gene and recruits mediators that encourange TF binding to promoters.