Overview
The Locus Control Region (LCR) is a region of DNA located upstream to certain genes and is responsible for the level of expression of the gene. It acts as an enhancer by increasing the rate of transcription, and is composed of various DNA elements that influence gene expression. The LCR is an important part of gene regulation, as it helps control gene expression in response to environmental and physiological stimuli. It has been implicated in a number of diseases, such as cancers, where its presence or absence can lead to changes in gene expression and ultimately, disease progression. Furthermore, the LCR is being used as a target for gene therapy, in which its presence can be used to regulate expression of a gene that has been inserted into the genome.