Promoter characterization and expression of the gene coding for the human GM2 activator protein

Genomic clones of the human GM2 activator protein have been isolated and an alyzed. The 5 ' region of the gene demonstrated promoter activity as ascert ained by its ability to drive luciferase gene expression in transfected COS cells. This sequence contains GC rich region and several putative promoter elements were present, including Spl, AP2, cAMP-responsive element, and B- cell-specific activating protein. Analysis of tissue distribution of the GM 2 activator protein gene revealed tissue-specific variations in transcript levels. Placenta, bone marrow, mammary gland, bladder, lymph node, and sple en had the highest mRNA levels.