The 5'-flanking region and core regulatory domains that underlie neuronal specific expression of the human gamma -aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor beta 1 subunit gene are identified herein. Sequence analysis, mapping of transcriptional initiation sites, and transfection of reporter gene constructs into primary cultures demonstrate that neuronal and region specific activity resides in a TATA-less minimal promoter of 186 bp, comprising an initiator, the major transcriptional start site, a presumptive TFIID binding site, and an enhancer. Enhancer sequence contained within a 326 bp region at the 5'-end of the minimal promoter is essential for activity but not for tissue specificity. Moreover, beta 1 promoter activity is subjected to autologous inhibition, indicating that GABA-induced receptor mRNA downregulation results from an inhibition of gene transcription. Regulation of neurotransmitter receptor gene expression plays an important role in nervous system development and function, and impaired gene regulation may underlie the etiology of certain neurological diseases.
DNA COMPRISING A NEURON-SPECIFIC TRANSCRIPTIONAL PROMOTER AND ITS USE IN A GENE THERAPY VECTOR