TUMOR TYPE II HEXOKINASE TRANSCRIPTION REGULATORY REGIONS

摘要

The present invention relates to a tumor promoter involved in the regulation of glucose catabolism in neoplastic tissues. In particular, this promoter region contains numerous response elements that are involved in regulation of transcription of the Type II hexokinase gene in tumor cells. Such elements are of value for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, such as in controlling tumor growth. In addition, the entire promoter region (about 4.3 kbp) or regulatory segments (response elements) contained therein may be used for expression of naturally-occurring or foreign proteins. Such proteins may be derived from mammalian cells and expressed under the control of transcription factors that bind to specific response elements within the tumor Type II hexokinase promoter. Finally, the promoter is useful in gene therapeutic approaches to diseases including diabetes and cancer.