The rat preprotachykinin A (rPPT-A) gene is expressed in restricted populations of neurons and endocrine cells, including a subset of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. As part of a study to investigate the DNA sequences responsible for tissue-specific expression of the gene, we have determined the sequence of the 5' flanking DNA to 3350 bp upstream of the transcription start site. The sequenced region encodes a number of putative transcription factor binding sites which may play important roles in the regulation of rPPT-A gene transcription.