基因座控制区（英语：Locus control regions，LCR）的定义是以组织特异性及拷贝数依赖的方式将相关基因的表达增强到生理学水平的异位染色质位点。这一概念源于：发育和细胞世系特异性的基因调控不仅依赖于如启动子、增强子和沉默子等邻近基因的组件，还依赖于多种顺式调控组件及动态染色质改变等长程相互作用。

早在20年之前就已鉴定了LCR。转基因小鼠研究中，将LCR鉴定为β-球蛋白基因表达的正常调控所必须的。现有多种模型解释LCR是如何以远距离的方式发挥转录调控作用：

The locus control region (LCR) is a long-range cis-regulatory element that enhances expression of linked genes at distal chromatin sites. It functions in a copy number-dependent manner and is tissue-specific, as seen in the selective expression of β-globin genes in erythroid cells. Expression levels of genes can be modified by the LCR and gene-proximal elements, such as promoters, enhancers, and silencers. The LCR functions by recruiting chromatin-modifying, coactivator, and transcription complexes. Its sequence is conserved in many vertebrates, and conservation of specific sites may suggest importance in function.