| abstract |
The present invention relates to utrons, RNA molecules which contain promoter regulatory motif(s) and DNA analogs thereof and DNA molecules that can be transcribed to produce the foregoing. In particular, the invention provides gene promoter suppressing nucleic acids which suppress transcription from a promoter of interest. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides the TSU gene, nucleotide sequences of the TSU gene and RNA, as well as fragments, homologs and derivatives thereof. Methods of isolating TSU genes are also provided. Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and pharmaceutical compositions are also provided. In particular, the invention relates to methods for cell replacement therapy, gene therapy or organ transplantation wherein TSU nucleic acids suppress MHC class I and II gene expression, thus preventing immuno-rejection of non-autologous cells or organs. The invention also provides methods for treatment of diseases or disorders by suppression of MHC class I, MHC class II, ICAM-1, B7-1, B7-2, and/or FcγR expression by provision of TSU function. |