Regulatory sequence

A regulatory sequence (also called a regulatory region or a regulatory area) is a segment of DNA where regulatory proteins such as transcription factors bind preferentially. These regulatory proteins bind to short stretches of DNA called regulatory regions, which are appropriately positioned in the genome, usually a short distance 'upstream' of the gene being regulated. By doing so, these regulatory proteins can recruit another protein complex, called the RNA polymerase. In this way, they control gene expression and thus protein biosynthesis.

Regulatory sequences can also be found in messenger RNA, but they are generally not as well studied as those in DNA. They may be bound by RNA-binding proteins or RNAs (e.g. miRNAs).

Research to find all regulatory regions in the genomes of all sorts of organisms is under way.

Examples

 * CAAT box
 * CCAAT box
 * Operator (biology)
 * Pribnow box
 * TATA box
 * SECIS element, mRNA
 * Polyadenylation signals, mRNA
 * A-box
 * Z-box
 * C-box
 * E-box
 * G-box

For the insulin gene
Regulatory sequences for the insulin gene are:
 * A5
 * Z
 * negative regulatory element (NRE)
 * C2
 * E2
 * A3
 * cAMP response element
 * A2
 * CAAT enhancer binding (CEB)
 * C1
 * E1
 * G1