Analysis of the promoter region and the N-propeptide domain of the human proα2(I) collagen gene

We have located the exon coding for the start site of transcription of the human proα2(I) collagen gene. Comparison with the homologous region of other fibrillar collagen genes has confirmed the existence of a consensus sequence (CATGTCTA-n-TAGACATG) capable of forming a hairpin secondary structure possibly involved in the regulation of collagen biosynthesis. Sequence comparison of the chronosomal regions at the 5′ end of the proα1(I) and proα2(I) collagen genes failed to identify unique DNA elements potentially mediating comon regulatory siguals. Sequencing of four exons coding for the N-terminal propeptide has determined most of its structure and it has implied the existence of smaller coding units similar to the 11 end 18 bp exons originally described in the avien gene. © 1985 IRL Press Limited.