Characterization of a Novel Transcription Factor Binding to the Regulatory Regions of the Human Pro-α1(I) Collagen Gene

We have identified a novel transcription factor TGP (TG Binding Protein) that binds to the consensus sequence 5′-TGTGGGGTGG-3′ in the promoter and intron of the human pro-α1(I) collagen gene. This recognition sequence, or sequences closely resembling these sequences, was also identified in the pro-α1(I) and pro-α2(I) collagen genes of other species. Competition experiments revealed that TGP is related to but distinguishable from the Ap4/5 family of transcription factors and that it can be separated from Ap4/5 according to size.