Enhancer
Enhancer
Enhancer (pronunciation: /ɛnˈhænsər/) is a short region of DNA that can be bound by proteins (activators) to increase the likelihood that transcription of a particular gene will occur.
Etymology
The term "enhancer" was first used in the context of genetics in the late 20th century. It is derived from the English verb "enhance," which means to increase or improve the quality, value, or extent of something. In this case, the enhancer increases or improves the likelihood of gene transcription.
Function
Enhancers can be located upstream or downstream of the gene they regulate, and can be located at a considerable distance from the gene. They do not act on the gene they are nearest to, but are brought close to the gene they act on by DNA looping. Enhancers do not act on the promoter region itself, but are brought into proximity with the promoter by proteins that can bend DNA.
Related Terms
- Promoter (genetics): A region of DNA that initiates transcription of a particular gene.
- Transcription factor: A protein that controls the rate of transcription of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA.
- Gene expression: The process by which information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product.
- DNA looping: The phenomenon whereby DNA can bend and base pairs that are distant can be brought into close proximity.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Enhancer
- Wikipedia's article - Enhancer
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