Regulation of POU4F3 gene expression in hair cells by 5′ DNA in mice

▶A 5′ genomic DNA fragment from the murine Pou4f3 gene directs gene expression to hair cells. ▶The pattern of expression suggests multiple hair cell enhancers in the Pou4f3 gene. ▶Three regions within this fragment are highly conserved across mammals. ▶Clustered E-boxes are consistent with class II bHLH transcription factor binding. ▶The class II factor ATOH1 binds to, and regulates expression directed by, the 5′ DNA fragment.