Structure of a Chromosomal Gene for Human Interferon β

We have cloned and analyzed a chromosomal DNA segment containing the human interferon β₁ gene from a human gene library. The nucleotide sequence of the protein-coding and the noncoding regions of the chromosomal gene was identical to the cDNA sequence reported previously. In the region upstream from the putative transcription initiation site, significant nucleotide sequence homology was observed between interferon β₁ and α₁ genes. This region thus may play a role in expression of the interferon genes. From the sequence data and the result of nuclease S1 mapping experiments, we conclude that, like the interferon α₁ gene, the interferon β₁ gene is devoid of intervening sequences.