Structure of human monocyte chemotactic protein gene and its regulation by TPA.

Monocyte chemotactic protein released by endothelium plays an important role in inflammation, immune reactions and probably in atherogenesis. To elucidate the regulation of synthesis of this protein, the human gene encoding its synthesis was cloned and its nucleotide sequence was determined. This gene is composed of 3 exons of 145, 118 and 478 bp in length with 2 introns of 800 and 385 bp in length. Phorbol ester responsive elements (TRE) were found 129 and 157 bp upstream from the translation initiation site and the phorbol ester treatment of endothelial cell cultures elevated the transcript level of this gene.