Identification of transacting factors responsible for the tissue-specific expression of human glucose transporter type 2 isoform gene. Cooperative role of hepatocyte nuclear factors 1alpha and 3beta

Expression profiles of two types of human knee-joint cartilage

We have performed a comprehensive analysis of gene-expression profiles in human articular cartilage (hyaline cartilage) and meniscus (fibrocartilage) by means of a cDNA microarray consisting of 23,040 human genes. Comparing the profiles of the two types of cartilage with those of 29 other normal human tissues identified 24 genes that were specifically expressed in both cartilaginous tissues; these genes might be involved in maintaining phenotypes common to cartilage. We also compared the cartilage profiles with gene expression in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), and detected 22 genes that were differentially expressed in cells representing the two cartilaginous lineages, 11 specific to each type, which could serve as markers for predicting the direction of chondrocyte differentiation. Our data should also provide useful information about regeneration of cartilage, especially in support of efforts to identify cartilage-specific molecules as potential agents for therapeutic approaches to joint repair.

HNF-1alpha and endodermal transcription factors cooperatively activate Fabpl: MODY3 mutations abrogate cooperativity

Hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1alpha plays a central role in intestinal and hepatic gene regulation and is required for hepatic expression of the liver fatty acid binding protein gene (Fabpl). An Fabpl transgene was directly activated through cognate sites by HNF-1alpha and HNF-1beta, as well as five other endodermal factors: CDX-1, C/EBPbeta, GATA-4, FoxA2, and HNF-4alpha. HNF-1alpha activated the Fabpl transgene by as much as 60-fold greater in the presence of the other five endodermal factors than in their absence, accounting for up to one-half the total transgene activation by the group of six factors. This degree of synergistic interaction suggests that multifactor cooperativity is a critical determinant of endodermal gene activation by HNF-1alpha. Mutations in HNF-1alpha that result in maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY3) provide evidence for the in vivo significance of these synergistic interactions. An R131Q HNF-1alpha MODY3 mutant exhibits complete loss of synergistic activation in concert with the other endodermal transcription factors despite wild-type transactivation ability in their absence. Furthermore, whereas wild-type HNF-1alpha exhibited pairwise cooperative synergy with each of the other five factors, the R131Q mutant could synergize only with GATA-4 and C/EBPbeta. Selective loss of synergy with other endodermal transcription factors accompanied by retention of native transactivation ability in an HNF-1alpha MODY mutant suggests in vivo significance for cooperative synergy.

In silico searching of human and mouse genome data identifies known and unknown HNF1 binding sites upstream of beta-cell genes

HNF1-alpha is a transcription factor present in beta-cells. Mutations in the HNF1-alpha gene cause maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), but the exact mechanism is not known. Several studies have highlighted genes down-regulated in beta-cells lacking this gene, but it is not clear if these are directly regulated by HNF1-alpha. To better understand this, we used human and mouse genome data to examine 29 genes expressed in the beta-cell. Using an in silico approach (with software available at www.BindGene.org) we examined 2kb upstream of each gene for possible HNF1 binding sequences. In five genes we also examined 100kb upstream of each gene, but only the portions strongly conserved between humans and mice. We identified nine putative HNF1 binding sites upstream of seven genes (p<0.1 and good alignment between species or p<0.05). Six of these nine sites had some experimental corroboratory evidence and included the recently identified sites 6 and 45kb upstream of HNF4-alpha. Three novel sites were identified. These were 92bp upstream of SLC3A1, 52bp upstream of PCBD (DCOH), and 42202bp upstream of TCF2(HNF1-beta). In conclusion, our computer search identified some known HNF1 sites, and suggested three novel sites indicating these genes are very likely to be directly activated by HNF1. This should help in designing experiments to discover the mechanisms of beta-cell dysfunction due to HNF1 disruption.

Regulation of pdx-1 gene expression

The homeodomain-containing transcription factor pancreatic duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX-1) plays a key role in pancreas development and in beta-cell function. Upstream sequences of the gene up to about -6 kb show islet-specific activity in transgenic mice. Attempts to identify functional regulatory elements involved in the controlled expression of the pdx-1 gene led to the identification of distinct distal beta-cell-specific enhancers in human and rat genes. Three additional sequences, conserved between the mouse and the human 5'-flanking regions, two of which are also found in the chicken gene, conferred beta-cell-specific expression on a reporter gene, albeit to different extents. A number of transcription factors binding to and modulating the transcriptional activity of the regulatory elements were identified, such as hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-3beta, HNF-1alpha, SP1/3, and, interestingly, PDX-1 itself. A fourth conserved region was localized to the proximal promoter around an E-box motif and was found to bind members of the upstream stimulatory factor (USF) family of transcription factors. We postulate that disruption of pdx-1 cis-acting regulatory sequences and/or mutations or functional impairment of transcription factors controlling the expression of the gene can lead to diabetes.

Regulation of kidney-specific Ksp-cadherin gene promoter by hepatocyte nuclear factor-1beta

Kidney-specific cadherin (Ksp-cadherin) is a tissue-specific member of the cadherin family that is expressed exclusively in the kidney and developing genitourinary tract. Recent studies have shown that the proximal 250 bp of the Ksp-cadherin gene promoter are sufficient to direct tissue-specific gene expression in vivo and in vitro. The proximal 120 bp of the promoter are evolutionarily conserved between mouse and human and contain a DNase I hypersensitive site that is kidney cell specific. At position -55, the promoter contains a consensus recognition site for hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 (HNF-1). Mutations of the consensus HNF-1 site and downstream GC-boxes inhibit promoter activity in transfected cells. HNF-1alpha and HNF-1beta bind specifically to the -55 site, and both proteins transactivate the promoter directly. Expression of Ksp-cadherin is not altered in the kidneys of HNF-1alpha-deficient mice. However, expression of a gain-of-function HNF-1beta mutant stimulates Ksp-cadherin promoter activity in transfected cells, whereas expression of a dominant-negative mutant inhibits activity. These studies identify Ksp-cadherin as the first kidney-specific promoter that has been shown to be regulated by HNF-1beta. Mutations of HNF-1beta, as occur in humans with inherited renal cysts and diabetes, may cause dysregulated Ksp-cadherin promoter activity.

Foxa3 (HNF-3gamma) binds to and activates the rat proglucagon gene promoter but is not essential for proglucagon gene expression

Members of the Forkhead box a (Foxa) transcription factor family are expressed in the liver, pancreatic islets and intestine and both Foxa1 and Foxa2 regulate proglucagon gene transcription. As Foxa proteins exhibit overlapping DNA-binding specificities, we examined the role of Foxa3 [hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-3gamma] in control of proglucagon gene expression. Foxa3 was detected by reverse transcriptase PCR in glucagon-producing cell lines and binds to the rat proglucagon gene G2 promoter element in GLUTag enteroendocrine cells. Although Foxa3 increased rat proglucagon promoter activity in BHK fibroblasts, augmentation of Foxa3 expression did not increase proglucagon promoter activity in GLUTag cells. Furthermore, adenoviral Foxa3 expression did not affect endogenous proglucagon gene expression in islet or intestinal endocrine cell lines. Although Foxa3(-/-) mice exhibit mild hypoglycaemia during a prolonged fast, the levels of proglucagon-derived peptides and proglucagon mRNA transcripts were comparable in tissues from wild-type and Foxa3(-/-) mice. These findings identify Foxa3 as a member of the proglucagon gene G2 element binding-protein family that, unlike Foxa1, is not essential for control of islet or intestinal proglucagon gene expression in vivo.

POZ domain transcription factor, FBI-1, represses transcription of ADH5/FDH by interacting with the zinc finger and interfering with DNA binding activity of Sp1

The POZ domain is a protein-protein interaction motif that is found in many transcription factors, which are important for development, oncogenesis, apoptosis, and transcription repression. We cloned the POZ domain transcription factor, FBI-1, that recognizes the cis-element (bp -38 to -22) located just upstream of the core Sp1 binding sites (bp -22 to +22) of the ADH5/FDH minimal promoter (bp -38 to +61) in vitro and in vivo, as revealed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The ADH5/FDH minimal promoter is potently repressed by the FBI-1. Glutathione S-transferase fusion protein pull-down showed that the POZ domains of FBI-1, Plzf, and Bcl-6 directly interact with the zinc finger DNA binding domain of Sp1. DNase I footprinting assays showed that the interaction prevents binding of Sp1 to the GC boxes of the ADH5/FDH promoter. Gal4-POZ domain fusions targeted proximal to the GC boxes repress transcription of the Gal4 upstream activator sequence-Sp1-adenovirus major late promoter. Our data suggest that POZ domain represses transcription by interacting with Sp1 zinc fingers and by interfering with the DNA binding activity of Sp1.

Functional analysis of the rat bile salt export pump gene promoter

The 5' flanking region of the bile salt export pump (Bsep) gene was systematically analysed to provide the basis for understanding the mechanisms which regulate Bsep transcription. In addition substrates and drugs were investigated for their ability to alter Bsep promoter activity. Bsep promoter function was restricted to hepatocyte derived HepG2 cells. The 5' deletional analysis revealed a biphasic shape of reporter gene activities, indicating a suppressive element between nucleotides -800 and -512. Two consensus sites for the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) were located at nucleotides -473 and -64. The latter was characterized as functionally active in bile acid-mediated feed-back regulation of Bsep transcription. Bsep promoter activity was reduced by rifampin and beta-estradiol. The anti-estrogen tamoxifen stimulated promoter activity. Dexamethasone, hydrocortisone and phenobarbital had no effect on Bsep promoter activity. In conclusion, the data suggest that transcriptional regulation of the Bsep gene can be modulated by a number of endogenous compounds and xenobiotics. FXR was a major regulatory factor, mediating bile acid feed-back stimulation of Bsep transcription.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor-1alpha recruits the transcriptional co-activator p300 on the GLUT2 gene promoter

Mutations in the hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1alpha gene have been linked to subtype 3 of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), a disease characterized by a primary defect in insulin secretion. Here we show that the human GLUT2 gene is closely regulated by HNF-1alpha via sequences downstream of the transcriptional start site by interaction with transcriptional co-activator p300. The promoter region of the human GLUT2 gene was subcloned into luciferase expression plasmids that were transfected together with HNF-1alpha expression plasmid into a pancreatic beta-cell line, HIT-T15, to evaluate transcriptional activities. HNF-1alpha enhanced human GLUT2 promoter activity sixfold. Site-direct mutagenesis and footprint analyses showed that the HNF-1alpha binding site (+200 to +218) is critical in human GLUT2 gene expression. Furthermore, mammalian two-hybrid and immunoprecipitation studies revealed the transactivation domain of HNF-1alpha (amino acids 391-540) to interact with both the NH(2)-terminal region (amino acids 180-662) and the COOH-terminal region (amino acids 1,818-2,079) of p300. These findings demonstrated that HNF-1alpha binds to the 5'-untranslated region of GLUT2 and that p300 acts as a transcriptional co-activator for HNF-1alpha. In addition, these results provided new insight into the regulatory function of HNF-1alpha by suggesting a molecular basis for human GLUT2 gene expression.

Maintaining HNF6 expression prevents AdHNF3beta-mediated decrease in hepatic levels of Glut-2 and glycogen

The hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (HNF-3) proteins are members of the Forkhead Box (Fox) family of transcription factors that play important roles in regulating expression of genes involved in cellular proliferation, differentiation, and metabolic homeostasis. In previous studies we increased liver expression of HNF-3beta by using either transgenic mice (transthyretin HNF-3beta) or recombinant adenovirus infection (AdHNF3beta), and observed diminished hepatic levels of glycogen, and glucose transporter 2 (Glut-2), as well as the HNF-6, HNF-3, HNF-1alpha, HNF-4alpha, and C/EBPalpha transcription factors. We conducted the present study to determine whether maintaining HNF-6 protein expression during AdHNF3beta infection prevents reduction of hepatic levels of glycogen and the earlier-mentioned genes. Here, we show that AdHNF3beta- and AdHNF6-infected mouse liver displayed increased hepatic levels of glycogen, Glut-2, HNF-3gamma, HNF-1alpha, and HNF-4alpha at 2 and 3 days postinfection (PI). Furthermore, restoration of hepatic glycogen levels after AdHNF3beta and AdHNF6 coinfection was associated with increased Glut-2 expression. AdHNF6 infection alone caused a 2-fold increase in hepatic Glut-2 levels, suggesting that HNF 6 stimulates in vivo transcription of the Glut-2 gene. DNA binding assays showed that only recombinant HNF-6 protein, but not the HNF-3 proteins, binds to the mouse -185 to -144 bp Glut-2 promoter sequences. Cotransfection assays in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells with either HNF-3 or HNF-6 expression vectors show that only HNF-6 provided significant transcriptional activation of the Glut-2 promoter. In conclusion, these studies show that the hepatic Glut-2 promoter is a direct target for HNF-6 transcriptional activation.

Chronic acarbose-feeding increases GLUT1 protein without changing intestinal glucose absorption function

As alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, the antidiabetic drug acarbose reduces postprandial glucose levels by retarding the intestinal digestion of polysaccharides. However, it is unknown if acarbose also affects the expression of intestinal glucose transporters, especially the Na(+)-glucose cotransporter (SGLT1) and the glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT2. To unravel this question, Wistar rats received standard powdered chow either without (control) or with acarbose (40 mg acarbose/100 g chow) for 40 days. While food intake was slightly enhanced by acarbose, the drug had no influence on weight gain or plasma glucose and insulin levels. The acarbose-treatment did not alter the SGLT1 and GLUT2 gene expression in both upper and middle small intestine, whereas GLUT1 protein was increased by 75% in middle small intestine. Despite the territorial change in GLUT1 protein, the intestinal glucose absorption in an acarbose-free perfusion study was unaltered. In conclusion, the chronic use of acarbose did not alter the acarbose-free glucose absorption profile.

Adenovirus-mediated increase in HNF-3beta or HNF-3alpha shows differences in levels of liver glycogen and gene expression

We previously generated a transgenic mouse line (T-77) in which increased hepatic expression of the hepatocyte nuclear factor-3beta (HNF-3beta) protein was used to assess its role in hepatocyte-specific gene transcription. The T-77 transgenic mice displayed elevated serum bile acid and bilirubin levels and a complete absence of hepatic glycogen storage. These postnatal liver defects were associated with diminished expression of hepatocyte genes involved in gluconeogenesis and bile acid transport as well as reduced levels of hepatocyte transcription factors. In this study, we show that mouse tail vein injections of adenovirus expressing the rat HNF-3beta (AdHNF3beta) cDNA efficiently increased its levels throughout the liver lobule and recapitulated the T-77 transgenic liver phenotype within several days postinfection. Likewise, the AdHNF3beta-infected liver phenotype was associated with reduced hepatic expression of genes involved in glucose homeostasis, bile acid transport, and bilirubin conjugation, which were not found with control adenovirus infections. These studies show that adenovirus-mediated gene transfer is an effective method for rapid hepatic increases in transcription factor levels to determine in vivo target genes. In contrast, AdHNF3alpha-infected liver displayed only a transient reduction in hepatic glycogen levels and was associated with less severe decreases in hepatic expression of gluconeogenic and bilirubin metabolism genes. Consistent with these findings, only T-77 transgenic and AdHNF3beta-infected liver exhibited diminished hepatic expression of the HNF-6 transcription factor, suggesting that reduced HNF-6 levels contribute to diminished HNF-3beta-specific transcriptional activity.

Beta-cell-targeted expression of a dominant-negative hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 alpha induces a maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY)3-like phenotype in transgenic mice

Mutations in the transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 alpha (HNF-1 alpha) cause maturity-onset diabetes of the young 3, a severe form of diabetes characterized by pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction. We have used targeted expression of a dominant-negative mutant of HNF-1 alpha to specifically suppress HNF-1 alpha function in beta-cells of transgenic mice. We show that males expressing the mutant protein became overtly diabetic within 6 wk of age, whereas females displayed glucose intolerance. Transgenic males exhibited impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, detected both in vivo and in the perfused pancreas. Pancreatic insulin content was markedly decreased in diabetic animals, whereas the glucagon content was increased. Postnatal islet development was altered, with an increased alpha-cell to beta-cell ratio. beta-Cell ultrastructure showed signs of severe beta-cell damage, including mitochondrial swelling. This animal model of maturity-onset diabetes of the young 3 should be useful for the further elucidation of the mechanism by which HNF-1 alpha deficiency causes beta-cell dysfunction in this disease.

Foxa3 (hepatocyte nuclear factor 3gamma ) is required for the regulation of hepatic GLUT2 expression and the maintenance of glucose homeostasis during a prolonged fast

The winged helix transcription factors, hepatocyte nuclear factors 3alpha, -beta, and -gamma (HNF-3, encoded by the Foxa1, -a2, and -a3 genes, respectively), are expressed early in embryonic endoderm and play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in liver and pancreas. Foxa1 has been shown to be required for glucagon secretion in the pancreas, whereas Foxa2 is critical for the regulation of insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells. Here we address the role of Foxa3 in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. Mice homozygous for a null mutation in Foxa3 appear normal under fed conditions. However, when fasted, Foxa3(-/-) mice have a significantly lower blood glucose compared with control mice. The fasting hypoglycemia in Foxa3(-/-) mice could not be attributed to defects in pancreatic hormone secretion, ketone production, or hepatic glycogen breakdown. Surprisingly, mRNA levels for several gluconeogenic enzymes were up-regulated appropriately in fasted Foxa3(-/-) mice, despite the fact that the corresponding genes had been shown to be activated by FOXA proteins in vitro. However, the mRNA for the plasma membrane glucose transporter GLUT2 was decreased by 64% in the fasted and 93% in the fed state, suggesting that efflux of newly synthesized glucose is limiting in Foxa3(-/-) hepatocytes. Thus, Foxa3 is the dominating transcriptional regulator of GLUT2 expression in hepatocytes in vivo. In addition, we investigated the hepatic transcription factor network in Foxa3(-/-) mice and found that the normal activation of HNF-4alpha, HNF-1alpha, and PGC-1 induced by fasting is attenuated in mice lacking Foxa3.

Sequence and functional analysis of GLUT10: a glucose transporter in the Type 2 diabetes-linked region of chromosome 20q12-13.1

We have carried out a detailed sequence and functional analysis of a novel human facilitative glucose transporter, designated GLUT10, located in the Type 2 diabetes-linked region of human chromosome 20q12-13.1. The GLUT10 gene is located between D20S888 and D20S891 and is encoded by 5 exons spanning 26.8 kb of genomic DNA. The human GLUT10 cDNA encodes a 541 amino acid protein that shares between 31 and 35% amino acid identity with human GLUT1-8. The predicted amino acid sequence of GLUT10 is nearly identical in length to the recently described GLUT9 homologue, but is longer than other known members of the GLUT family. In addition, we have cloned the mouse cDNA homolog of GLUT10 that encodes a 537 amino acid protein that shares 77.3% identity with human GLUT10. The amino acid sequence probably has 12 predicted transmembrane domains and shares characteristics of other mammalian glucose transporters. Human and mouse GLUT10 retain several sequence motifs characteristic of mammalian glucose transporters including VP497ETKG in the cytoplasmic C-terminus, G73R[K,R] between TMD2 and TMD3 (PROSITE PS00216), VD92RAGRR between TMD8 and TMD9 (PROSITE PS00216), Q242QLTG in TMD7, and tryptophan residues W430 (TMD10) and W454 (TMD11), that correspond to trytophan residues previously implicated in GLUT1 cytochalasin B binding and hexose transport. Neither human nor mouse GLUT10 retains the full P[E,D,N]SPR motif after Loop6 but instead is replaced with P186AG[T,A]. A PROSITE search also shows that GLUT10 has lost the SUGAR TRANSPORT 2 pattern (PS00217), a result of the substitution G113S in TMD4, while all other known human GLUTs retain the glycine and the pattern match. The significance of this substitution is unknown. Sites for N-linked glycosylation are predicted at N334ATG between TMD8 and TMD9 and N526STG in the cytoplasmic C-terminus. Northern hybridization analysis identified a single 4.4-kb transcript for GLUT10 in human heart, lung, brain, liver, skeletal muscle, pancreas, placenta, and kidney. By RT-PCR analysis, GLUT10 mRNA was also detected in fetal brain and liver. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, human GLUT10 exhibited 2-deoxy-D-glucose transport with an apparent Km of approximately 0.3 mM. D-Glucose and D-galactose competed with 2-deoxy-D-glucose and transport was inhibited by phloretin. The gene localization and functional properties suggest a role for GLUT10 in glucose metabolism and Type 2 diabetes.

A pancreatic beta -cell-specific enhancer in the human PDX-1 gene is regulated by hepatocyte nuclear factor 3beta (HNF-3beta ), HNF-1alpha, and SPs transcription factors

The PDX-1 transcription factor plays a key role in pancreas development. Although expressed in all cells at the early stages, in the adult it is mainly restricted to the beta-cell. To characterize the regulatory elements and potential transcription factors necessary for human PDX-1 gene expression in beta-cells, we constructed a series of 5' and 3' deletion fragments of the 5'-flanking region of the gene, fused to the luciferase reporter gene. In this report, we identify by transient transfections in beta- and non-beta-cells a novel beta-cell-specific distal enhancer element located between -3.7 and -3.45 kilobases. DNase I footprinting analysis revealed two protected regions, one binding the transcription factors SP1 and SP3 and the other hepatocyte nuclear factor 3beta (HNF-3beta) and HNF-1alpha. Cotransfection experiments suggest that HNF-3beta, HNF-1alpha, and SP1 are positive regulators of the herein-described human PDX-1 enhancer element. Furthermore, mutations within each motif abolished the binding of the corresponding factor(s) and dramatically impaired the enhancer activity, therefore suggesting cooperativity between these factors.

Hepatic nuclear factor 1-alpha directs nucleosomal hyperacetylation to its tissue-specific transcriptional targets

Mutations in the gene encoding hepatic nuclear factor 1-alpha (HNF1-alpha) cause a subtype of human diabetes resulting from selective pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction. We have analyzed mice lacking HNF1-alpha to study how this protein controls beta-cell-specific transcription in vivo. We show that HNF1-alpha is essential for the expression of glut2 glucose transporter and L-type pyruvate kinase (pklr) genes in pancreatic insulin-producing cells, whereas in liver, kidney, or duodenum tissue, glut2 and pklr expression is maintained in the absence of HNF1-alpha. HNF1-alpha nevertheless occupies the endogenous glut2 and pklr promoters in both pancreatic islet and liver cells. However, it is indispensable for hyperacetylation of histones in glut2 and pklr promoter nucleosomes in pancreatic islets but not in liver cells, where glut2 and pklr chromatin remains hyperacetylated in the absence of HNF1-alpha. In contrast, the phenylalanine hydroxylase promoter requires HNF1-alpha for transcriptional activity and localized histone hyperacetylation only in liver tissue. Thus, different HNF1-alpha target genes have distinct requirements for HNF1-alpha in either pancreatic beta-cells or liver cells. The results indicate that HNF1-alpha occupies target gene promoters in diverse tissues but plays an obligate role in transcriptional activation only in cellular- and promoter-specific contexts in which it is required to recruit histone acetylase activity. These findings provide genetic evidence based on a live mammalian system to establish that a single activator can be essential to direct nucleosomal hyperacetylation to transcriptional targets.

Characterization of the mouse islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit-related protein gene promoter by in situ footprinting: correlation with fusion gene expression in the islet-derived betaTC-3 and hamster insulinoma tumor cell lines

Glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) is a multicomponent system located in the endoplasmic reticulum comprising a catalytic subunit and transporters for glucose-6-phosphate, inorganic phosphate, and glucose. We have recently cloned a novel gene that encodes an islet-specific G6Pase catalytic subunit-related protein (IGRP) (Ebert et al., Diabetes 48:543-551, 1999). To begin to investigate the molecular basis for the islet-specific expression of the IGRP gene, a series of truncated IGRP-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) fusion genes were transiently transfected into the islet-derived mouse betaTC-3 and hamster insulinoma tumor cell lines. In both cell lines, basal fusion gene expression decreased upon progressive deletion of the IGRP promoter sequence between -306 and -66, indicating that multiple promoter regions are required for maximal IGRP-CAT expression. The ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction footprinting technique was then used to compare trans-acting factor binding to the IGRP promoter in situ in betaTC-3 cells, which express the endogenous IGRP gene, and adrenocortical Y1 cells, which do not. Multiple trans-acting factor binding sites were selectively identified in betaTC-3 cells that correlate with regions of the IGRP promoter identified as being required for basal IGRP-CAT fusion gene expression. The data suggest that hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 may be important for basal IGRP gene expression, as it is for glucagon, GLUT2, and Pdx-1 gene expression. In addition, binding sites for several trans-acting factors not previously associated with islet gene expression, as well as binding sites for potentially novel proteins, were identified.

Regulation of glucose-6-phosphatase gene expression by protein kinase Balpha and the forkhead transcription factor FKHR. Evidence for insulin response unit-dependent and -independent effects of insulin on promoter activity

Glucose-6-phosphatase plays an important role in the regulation of hepatic glucose production, and insulin suppresses glucose-6-phosphatase gene expression. Recent studies indicate that protein kinase B and Forkhead proteins contribute to insulin-regulated gene expression in the liver. Here, we examined the role of protein kinase B and Forkhead proteins in mediating effects of insulin on glucose-6-phosphatase promoter activity. Transient transfection studies with reporter gene constructs demonstrate that insulin suppresses both basal and dexamethasone/cAMP-induced activity of the glucose-6-phosphatase promoter in H4IIE hepatoma cells. Both effects are partially mimicked by coexpression of protein kinase Balpha. Coexpression of the Forkhead transcription factor FKHR stimulates the glucose-6-phosphatase promoter activity via interaction with an insulin response unit (IRU), and this activation is suppressed by protein kinase B. Coexpression of a mutated form of FKHR that cannot be phosphorylated by protein kinase B abolishes the regulation of the glucose-6-phosphatase promoter by protein kinase B and disrupts the ability of insulin to regulate the glucose-6-phosphatase promoter via the IRU. Mutation of the insulin response unit of the glucose-6-phosphatase promoter also prevents the regulation of promoter activity by FKHR and protein kinase B but only partially impairs the ability of insulin to suppress both basal and dexamethasone/cAMP-stimulated promoter function. Taken together, these results indicate that signaling by protein kinase B to Forkhead proteins can account for the ability of insulin to regulate glucose-6-phosphatase promoter activity via the IRU and that other mechanisms that are independent of the IRU, protein kinase B, and Forkhead proteins also are important in mediating effects of in insulin on glucose-6-phosphatase gene expression.