DNase I–hypersensitive sites enhance α1 (I) collagen gene expression in hepatic stellate cells

Y Yata, A Scanga, A Gillan, L Yang, S Reif, M Breindl… - Hepatology, 2003 - Elsevier
Liver fibrosis is characterized by a dramatic increase in the expression of type I collagen.
Several deoxyribonuclease (DNase) I–hypersensitive sites (HS) have been located in the
distal 5'-flanking region of the α1 (I) collagen gene that are specific to collagen-producing
cells. To assess the role of the DNase I–HS in regulating α1 (I) collagen gene expression in
hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), 3 transgenic mouse lines expressing collagen-α1 (I) reporter
genes were used (Krempen et al. Gene Expr 1999; 8: 151-163). The pCol9GFP transgene …