Response elements are short sequences ofDNA within a genepromoter orenhancer region that are able to bind specifictranscription factors and regulatetranscription ofgenes.
Under conditions of stress, a transcription activator protein binds to the response element and stimulates transcription. If the same response element sequence is located in the control regions of different genes, then these genes will be activated by the same stimuli, thus producing a coordinated response.
Ahormone response element (HRE) is a short sequence ofDNA within thepromoter of a gene, that is able to bind to a specifichormone receptor complex and therefore regulatetranscription.[1] The sequence is most commonly a pair ofinverted repeats separated by three nucleotides, which also indicates that the receptor binds as adimer. Specifically, HRE responds to steroid hormones, as the activated steroid receptor is the transcription factor binding HRE. This regulates the transcription of genes signalled by the steroid hormone.
A gene may have many different response elements, allowing complex control to be exerted over the level and rate of transcription.[2]
HRE are used intransgenic animal cells asinducers of gene expression.
Examples of HREs include estrogen response elements and androgen response elements.
Examples of response elements include: