Expression of the human beta globin gene and 5'-deletion mutants in erythroleukemic mouse cells studied by DNA mediated gene transfer

A recombinant plasmid pTKH beta GHp-3 carrying genomic human DNA sequences coding for the beta globin gene covalently linked to the thymidine kinase gene of HSV-1 and the ampicillin resistance region of a bacterial plasmid has been constructed. Using Bal 31 exonuclease, deletion mutants have been obtained from a single HpaI site located 800 bp upstream the 5' end of the beta globin gene and towards the cap site. Recipient mouse erythroleukemic Friend TK- cells were transformed with these molecules. Analysis of donor DNA sequences in transformed cells by Southern blotting and filter hybridization has demonstrated the presence of full length multiple copies. RNA isolated from transformed non-induced Friend cells, carrying one or the other of the donor human beta globin deletion mutants, has been analysed by Northern blot and spot hybridization analyses. Evidence has been obtained which suggests that DNA sequences located upstream the CCAAT box (at -76 bp from the cap site) are required for optimal levels of human beta globin specific RNA in transformed cells.