Human apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) is a major structural and functional protein component of high density lipoprotein (HDL). About 75% of protein content of HDL is ApoA-I. The main sites of ApoA-I synthesis in humans are liver and small intestine. Understanding of mechanisms for the tissue-specific transcription of apoA-I gene in tissues and organs other than liver and small intestine is lacking. Human apoA-I gene has two additional promoters. Here we study these two alternative promoters for human apoA-I gene, the proximal and the distal. We have mapped their transcription start sites and demonstrated their competition for the transcription of human apoA-I gene in cells and tissues other than hepatocytes and enterocytes.