Characterization of a nuclear factor that binds to AP1-like element in the rat p53 promoter during liver regeneration

The human solute carrier family 11 member 1 protein (SLC11A1): linking infections, autoimmunity and cancer?

SLC11A1 is known to link infections, autoimmunity and cancers. A review is presented of the mechanisms by which a balance is maintained between infections caused by pathogens (viral, bacterial and protozoan; intracellular and extracellular) and disorders resulting from (acute or chronic) inflammation, and of the interactions that determine how the initial innate immune system directs subsequent acquired immune responses in human populations

Partial purification and characterization of an 80-kDa transcription factor binding to bHLH motif in the rat p53 promoter

E-box is one of potential cis-regulatory elements for the p53 gene. It was previously reported that USF bound to the E-box of the p53 gene. Recently, we demonstrated that an 80-kDa protein other than USF bound to the E-box and activated the transcription of the p53 gene. In the present study, the 80-kDa protein was partially purified and characterized. First, we confirmed that nuclear factors bound to the E-box in sequence-specific manner by the oligonucleotide competition assay. The binding protein to the E-box was partially purified by a sequence-specific DNA affinity chromatography. The active fraction was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and southwestern blotting assay, which showed that the 80-kDa protein was enriched. The binding activity of the 80-kDa protein was not decreased in the presence of 1.4 M urea. In addition, the binding activity was stable up to 50 degrees C. Treatment of EDTA showed that the 80-kDa protein did not require divalent cation such as Mg2+ for the maximum DNA binding activity. The competition assay with non-specific competitor, poly (dI-dC) showed that the 80-kDa protein had high affinity to its binding site. These biochemical properties provide useful insights into the 80-kDa nuclear factor binding to the p53 promoter.