A novel DNA sequence motif in human and mouse genomes

Sci Rep. 2015 May 20:5:10444. doi: 10.1038/srep10444.

Abstract

We report a novel DNA sequence motif in human and mouse genomes. This motif has several interesting features indicating that it is highly likely to be an unknown functional sequence element. The motif is highly enriched in promoter regions. Locations of the motif sites in the genome have strong tendency to be clustered together. Motif sites are associated with increased phylogenetic conservation as well as elevated DNase I hypersensitivity (DHS) in ENCODE cell lines. Clustered motif sites are found in promoter regions of a substantial fraction of the protein-coding genes in the genome. All together, these indicate that the motif may have important functions associated with a large number of genes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Binding Sites / genetics
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
  • Conserved Sequence / genetics*
  • DNA / genetics*
  • Deoxyribonuclease I / metabolism*
  • Genome
  • Humans
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Mice
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nucleotide Motifs / genetics*
  • Phylogeny
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics*
  • Zinc Finger Protein Gli3

Substances

  • Gli3 protein, mouse
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Zinc Finger Protein Gli3
  • DNA
  • Deoxyribonuclease I