Abstract
Developmental regulation of astrocyte‐specific expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene reflects transition of immature glioblasts to mature astrocytes. Described here is the cloning and sequencing of the 5′‐flanking region of the mouse GFAP gene. It contains a glial‐specific positive cis‐acting regulatory element that directs preferential expression of a linked reporter gene when transfected into GFAP‐positive glioblasioma cells. Sequence analysis of this region revealed the presence of a putative AP‐1 binding site, implying a possible role for AP‐1 factors in the astroglial‐specific expression of the GFAP gene.