Dynamics of α-globin locus chromatin structure and gene expression during erythroid differentiation of human CD34+ cells in culture

Our results indicate that remodeling of the upstream elements may be the primary event in activation of α-globin gene expression. Activation of α-globin genes upon EPO treatment involves initial binding of Pol II, downregulation of pre-existing factors like NF-E2, removal of CTCF from the locus, then rebinding of CTCF in an altered pattern, and concurrent or subsequent binding of transcription factors like GATA-1.