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. 1992 Apr;12(4):1592–1604. doi: 10.1128/mcb.12.4.1592

Expression of the CD4 gene requires a Myb transcription factor.

G Siu 1, A L Wurster 1, J S Lipsick 1, S M Hedrick 1
PMCID: PMC369602  PMID: 1347906

Abstract

We have analyzed the control of developmental expression of the CD4 gene, which encodes an important recognition molecule and differentiation antigen on T cells. We have determined that the CD4 promoter alone functions at high levels in the CD4+ CD8- mature T cell but not at the early CD4+ CD8+ stage of T-cell development. In addition, the CD4 promoter functions only in T lymphocytes; thus, the stage and tissue specificity of the CD4 gene is mediated in part by its promoter. We have determined that a Myb transcription factor binds to the CD4 promoter and is critical for full promoter function. Thus, Myb plays an important role in the expression of T-cell-specific developmentally regulated genes.

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