Syndecan enhancer element and syndecan stimulation of cellular differentiation

摘要

Methods are provided for altering levels of syndecan within a cell. The methods include enhancing syndecan expression via administration of growth factors, preventing suppression of syndecan expression via administration of anti-steroid agents, and altering syndecan biochemistry within the cell. The methods are used to induce or maintain cellular differentiation, and to decrease the growth of malignant cells. Application of the methods to the treatment of patients, including humans, is provided. A syndecan enhancer element, novel proteins that activate the enhancer element, non-human transgenic animals comprising this enhancer element linked to a structural gene, and the use of this enhancer element to regulate the expression of syndecan and other genes are also provided. The enhancer element can also be used to target expression of a gene to wound sites.