Adipose-specific promoter region of human aromatase cytochrome P450 gene

摘要

The present invention relates generally to the control and regulation of estrogen biosynthesis. Estrogen biosynthesis is catalyzed by a microsomal enzyme, aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom; the product of the CYP19 gene). Tissue-specific expression of P450arom is determined by the use of tissue-specific promoters which give rise to P450arom transcripts with unique 5' noncoding sequences. Two unique 5'-untranslated exons of the CYP19 gene, I.3 and I.4., which are present in adipose tissue and adipose stromal cells (ASC) in culture have been identified. I.3-specific sequence is expressed in adipose tissue as well as in ACS maintained under all culture conditions, I.4-specific sequence is apparently present only in breast adipose tissue, and ACS stimulated with gluocorticoids.