[Exon-intron structure and organization of the 5'-terminal region of the human p53 gene].

S1 mapping and nucleotide sequencing were used for localization of exon-intron junctions of the human p53 gene. The 3'-end of the gene was localized 12 nucleotides downstream AATAAA sequence, though an mRNA, 94 nucleotides shorter, was observed in one tumor. No typical promoter sequences were found at the 5'-end of the gene. In cell-free HeLa extracts transcription of RNA initiates within the sequence of possible hairpin-loop structure. Organization of the promoter region of the human p53 gene is discussed.