cis-Regulatory Complexity within a Large Non-Coding Region in the Drosophila Genome

摘要: Analysis of cis-regulatory enhancers has revealed that they consist clustered blocks highly conserved sequences. Although most characterized reside near their target genes, a growing number studies have shown located over 50 kb from minimal promoter(s) are required for appropriate gene expression and many these 'long-range' found in genomic regions devoid identified exons. To gain insight into the complexity Drosophila sequences within exon-poor regions, we undertaken an evolutionary analysis 39 throughout genome. This survey expanses, clusters sequence (CSBs) positioned once every 1.1 kb, on average, typical cluster contains multiple (5 to 30 or more) CSBs been maintained at least 190 My divergence. As initial step toward assessing activity gene-free tested in-vivo enhancer 19 consecutive CSB middle 115 gene-poor region 3(rd) chromosome. Our each functions independently as specific spatial/temporal enhancer. In total, possess diversity regulatory functions, including dynamically activating defined patterns subsets cells discrete embryo, larvae and/or adult. We also observed multifunctional-that is, activate during developmental stages. By extending results rest genome, which 70,000 non-coding clusters, suggest function enhancers.