Eukaryotic enhancers: common features, regulation, and participation in diseases

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2015 Jun;72(12):2361-75. doi: 10.1007/s00018-015-1871-9. Epub 2015 Feb 26.

Abstract

Enhancers are positive DNA regulatory sequences controlling temporal and tissue-specific gene expression. These elements act independently of their orientation and distance relative to the promoters of target genes. Enhancers act through a variety of transcription factors that ensure their correct match with target promoters and consequent gene activation. There is a growing body of evidence on association of enhancers with transcription factors, co-activators, histone chromatin marks, and lncRNAs. Alterations in enhancers lead to misregulation of gene expression, causing a number of human diseases. In this review, we focus on the common characteristics of enhancers required for transcription stimulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatin / genetics
  • Chromatin / metabolism*
  • Disease / genetics*
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Histones / genetics
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Histones
  • Transcription Factors