Locus control regions (LCRs)

Locus control regions (LCRs) are specialized DNA elements that act like regulatory hubs, ensuring that specific genes are turned on at the right time and in the correct amounts. They coordinate the activity of gene clusters, especially those involved in making essential proteins like hemoglobin. LCRs work by modifying the surrounding chromatin (DNA packaging), making the gene area more accessible to the cell's machinery that reads genes. This precise regulation is crucial for normal development and function, and disruptions in LCRs can lead to diseases.