Sequence-specific DNA binding of the progesterone receptor to the uteroglobin gene: effects of hormone, antihormone and receptor phosphorylation

Progesterone and interferon tau regulate expression of polyamine enzymes during the ovine peri-implantation period

Progesterone (P4) and interferon tau (IFNT) are important for establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in ruminants. Agmatine and polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine) have important roles in the survival, growth, and development of mammalian conceptuses. This study tested the hypothesis that P4 and/or IFNT stimulate expression of genes and proteins involved in the metabolism and transport of polyamines in the ovine endometrium. Rambouillet ewes (n = 24) were surgically fitted with intrauterine catheters on Day 7 of the estrous cycle. They received daily intramuscular injections of 50 mg P4 in corn oil vehicle and/or 75 mg progesterone receptor antagonist (RU486) in corn oil vehicle from Days 8–15, and twice daily intrauterine injections (25 μg/uterine horn/day) of either control serum proteins (CX) or IFNT from Days 11–15, resulting in four treatment groups: 1) P4 + CX; 2) P4 + IFNT; 3) RU486 + P4 + CX; or 4) RU486 + P4 + IFNT. On Day 16, ewes were hysterectomized. The total amounts of arginine, citrulline, ornithine, agmatine, and putrescine in uterine flushings were affected (P < 0.05) by P4 and/or IFNT. P4 increased endometrial expression of SLC22A2 (P < 0.01) and SLC22A3 (P < 0.05) mRNAs. IFNT affected endometrial expression of MAT2B (P < 0.001), SAT1 (P < 0.01), and SMOX (P < 0.05) mRNAs, independent of P4. IFNT increased the abundance of SRM protein in uterine luminal (LE), superficial glandular (sGE), and glandular epithelia (GE), as well as MAT2B protein in uterine LE and sGE. These results indicate that P4 and IFNT act synergistically to regulate expression of key genes required for cell-specific metabolism and transport of polyamines in the ovine endometrium during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy.

Novel Variant Identified in the Enhancer Region of Host Transcription Factor, BRN3A, is a Significant Risk Factor for HPV-Induced Uterine Cervix Cancer

Among the HPV-mediated cervical cancers, cellular factor BRN3A has gained considerable attention due to its role in promoting an anti-apoptotic cellular environment and in facilitating epitheliotropic transformations of the host. The majority of previous studies looked at BRN3A's molecular characteristics; however, the possibility of genetic variations in BRN3A's auto-regulatory region in relation to cervical cancer risk has been underestimated until now. In a retrospective study in the Eastern UP population, India, we detected genetic variations in the cis-regulatory proximal enhancer region located around 5.6 kb upstream of transcription start site of BRN3A. Our analysis of PCR and DNA sequencing confirmed this novel SNP (BRN3A g.60163379A>G) within the auto-regulatory region of BRN3A. As compared to control subjects, cancer cases exhibited a 1.32-fold higher allele frequency (χ2 = 6.315, p = 0.012). In homozygous (GG) but not in heterozygous conditions, odds ratio (OR) analysis suggests a significant association of cancer risk with the SNP (OR = 2.60, p ≤ 0.004). We further confirmed using the functional analysis that this SNP increased the luciferase gene activity in HPV-positive cervical cancer SiHa cells that were exposed to progesterone. As a result of the association of polymorphisms in a non-coding region of an oncogene with increased cancer risks, we are suggesting that this genetic variation in non-coding region can be used in prediction, diagnosis, or predicting the progression of the disease.

Progesterone receptors, their isoforms and progesterone regulated transcription

This review discusses mechanisms by which progesterone receptors (PR) regulate transcription. We examine available data in different species and tissues regarding: (1) regulation of PR levels; and (2) expression profiling of progestin-regulated genes by total PRs, or their PRA and PRB isoforms. (3) We address current views about the composition of progesterone response elements, and postulate that PR monomers acting through "half-site" elements are common, entailing cooperativity with neighboring DNA-bound transcription factors. (4) We summarize transcription data for multiple progestin-regulated promoters as directed by total PR, or PRA vs. PRB. We conclude that current models and methods used to study PR function are problematical, and recommend that future work employ cells and receptors appropriate to the species, focusing on analyses of the effects of endogenous receptors targeting endogenous genes in native chromatin.

Uteroglobin: a steroid-inducible immunomodulatory protein that founded the Secretoglobin superfamily

Blastokinin or uteroglobin (UG) is a steroid-inducible, evolutionarily conserved, secreted protein that has been extensively studied from the standpoint of its structure and molecular biology. However, the physiological function(s) of UG still remains elusive. Isolated from the uterus of rabbits during early pregnancy, UG is the founding member of a growing superfamily of proteins called Secretoglobin (Scgb). Numerous studies demonstrated that UG is a multifunctional protein with antiinflammatory/ immunomodulatory properties. It inhibits soluble phospholipase A(2) activity and binds and perhaps sequesters hydrophobic ligands such as progesterone, retinols, polychlorinated biphenyls, phospholipids, and prostaglandins. In addition to its antiinflammatory activities, UG manifests antichemotactic, antiallergic, antitumorigenic, and embryonic growth-stimulatory activities. The tissue-specific expression of the UG gene is regulated by several steroid hormones, although a nonsteroid hormone, prolactin, further augments its expression in the uterus. The mucosal epithelia of virtually all organs that communicate with the external environment express UG, and it is present in the blood, urine, and other body fluids. Although the physiological functions of this protein are still under investigation, a single nucleotide polymorphism in the UG gene appears to be associated with several inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. Investigations with UG-knockout mice revealed that the absence of this protein leads to phenotypes that suggest its critical homeostatic role(s) against oxidative damage, inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer. Recent studies on UG-binding proteins (receptors) provide further insight into the multifunctional nature of this protein. Based on its antiinflammatory and antiallergic properties, UG is a potential drug target.

The transcription factor SOX17 is involved in the transcriptional control of the uteroglobin gene in rabbit endometrium

The transcription of the uteroglobin gene (ug) is induced by progesterone in the rabbit endometrium, primarily through the binding of the progesterone receptor to the distal region of the ug promoter. However, other transcription factors participate in the progesterone action. The proximal ug promoter contains several putative consensus sequences for the binding of various progesterone-dependent endometrial nuclear factors (Perez Martinez et al. [1996] Arch Biochem Biophys 333: 12-18), suggesting that several transcription factors might be implicated in the hormonal induction of ug. We report here that one of these progesterone-dependent factors specifically binds to the sequence CACAATG (-183/-177) of the rabbit ug promoter. This sequence (hereafter called element G') is very similar to the consensus sequence for binding of the SOX family of transcription factors. Mutation of the element G' reduced transcription from the ug promoter in transient expression experiments. The endometrial factor was purified and analyzed by nano-liquid chromatography and ion trap coupled mass spectrometry yielding two partial amino acid sequences corresponding to a region of SOX17 that is highly conserved inter-species. This identification was confirmed by immunological techniques using a specific anti-SOX17 antibody. In agreement with the above findings, overexpression of SOX17 in transfected endometrial cells increased transcription from the ug promoter. SOX17 gradually accumulated in the nucleus in vivo concomitant with the induction of ug expression by progesterone in the endometrium. Thus, these findings implicate, for the first time, SOX17 in the transcriptional control of rabbit ug.

The goat alphas1-casein gene: gene structure and promoter analysis

The level of alphas1-casein in goat milk shows strong variations determined by at least 15 alleles associated with four different efficiencies of protein synthesis. The nucleotide sequence of the whole goat alphas1-casein-encoding gene (CSN1S1) plus 1973 nucleotides at the 5' flanking region and 610 nucleotides at the 3' flanking region was determined and aligned with its bovine counterpart. The gene is spread over 16.7 kb and consists of 19 exons varying in length from 24 bp (exons 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13 and 16) to 385 bp (exon 19) and 18 introns from 90 bp of intron 10 to 1685 bp of intron 2. Furthermore, highly conserved sequences, mainly located in the 5' flanking region, were found between this gene and other casein-encoding genes. Finally, seven interspersed repeated elements (10 in the bovine CSN1S1 gene) were also identified at four different locations of the sequenced region: 5' untranscribed region and introns 2, 8 and 11.

cDNA sequence, 5′-flanking region, and promoter activity of the Neotomodon alstoni alstoni Clara cell secretory protein gene

To better understand the phylogenetic divergence and the species-specific characteristics of the Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP), we cloned the cDNA encoding the neotomodon CCSP (nCCSP) and analyzed its tissue-specific expression. The full-length cDNA is 451bp long and predicts an amino acid sequence of 93 residues. Northern blot analysis from different neotomodon tissues demonstrated that the mRNA of CCSP appears to be solely expressed in the lung. To study the transcriptional regulation of the CCSP gene, we cloned the 5'-flanking region of the nCCSP gene and compared its features with those previously reported for the hamster gene. The neotomodon and hamster genes share 89% sequence homology in their promoter region as well as a number of conserved cis-acting elements. However, in H441 cells the expression of a reporter gene driven by the nCCSP promoter was about 4-fold greater than its hamster counterpart. Functional analysis of progressive 5'-deletion mutants identified a region involved in the higher transcriptional activity of the neotomodon promoter.

Genomic organization, promoter, amino acid sequence, chromosomal localization, and expression of the human gene for CORS-26 (collagenous repeat-containing sequence of 26-kDa protein)

The murine gene for CORS-26 is located on mouse chromosome 15A2 and its expression has been reported to be restricted to fibroblasts, cartilage and kidney. Here, the complete genomic organization of the corresponding human CORS-26 gene with exon/intron boundaries and exon-specific primer combinations is presented. Additionally, a 1.2 kb fragment of the TATA box-containing promoter region was cloned and analyzed for putative transcription factor binding sites. The deduced amino acid sequence is presented completely. Northern blot analysis using a human multiple-tissue cDNA panel demonstrated expression of human CORS-26 mRNA in colon and small intestine. Additionally, RT-PCR analysis revealed expression of CORS-26 mRNA in placenta, fibroblasts and white adipose tissue. The chromosomal localization of the human CORS-26 gene was mapped to human chromosome 5p by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In humans, chromosomal imbalances on chromosome 5p were reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma. Therefore, a human bone tumor cDNA panel was investigated and a strong CORS-26 mRNA expression was found in osteosarcoma, chondroblastoma and giant cell tumor. The present data provide the basis for further investigation of CORS-26 gene regulation in the context of mesenchymal tissue development and in the pathogenesis of bone or skeletal disease.

Structure of the murine tenascin-R gene and functional characterisation of the promoter

The tenascin-R (TN-R) gene encodes a multidomain extracellular matrix glycoprotein belonging to the tenascin family. It is detectable mainly in oligodendrocytes and neuronal subpopulations of the central nervous system. In this report, we describe the structure of the 5'-region of the mouse TN-R gene and characterise the activity of its promoter. By in silico cloning and genome walking, we have deduced the organisation of the gene and identified the promoter sequence by 5'-RACE technology. TN-R transcripts in adult mouse brain contain non-coding exons 1 and 2 as demonstrated by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The promoter displays its activity in cultured cells of neural origin, but not in a fibroblast-like cell line or an undifferentiated teratocarcimoma cell line. As for the human and rat genes, the elements required for the full and cell type-specific activity of the promoter are contained in exon 1 and 167 bp upstream of this exon. The mouse TN-R promoter sequence is similar to that of rat and human in that it displays similarly unusual features: it lacks any classical TATA-box or CAAT-box, GC-rich regions or initiator elements. The promoter contains consensus sequences for binding of a variety of transcription factors, notably p53/p73 and glucocorticoid receptors.

Optimization of nb-4 and hl-60 differentiation for use in opsonophagocytosis assays

Production of effective vaccine formulations is dependent on the availability of assays for the measurement of protective immune responses. The development and standardization of in vitro human cell-based assays for functional opsonophagocytic antibodies require critical evaluation and optimization of the preparation of cells for the assay. We report evaluation of a number of protocols with two continuous cell lines (NB-4 and HL-60) for the provision of differentiated cells for use in functional assays. Flow cytometric analysis of CD11b antigen expression, as a marker of differentiation, indicated that all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) gave improved differentiation (>80% of cells differentiated at 96 h) when compared with dimethylformamide (DMF) (<60% of cells differentiated at 96 h). Morphological changes during differentiation toward a neutrophil-like phenotype were assessed by scanning electron microscopy. HL-60 and NB-4 cells treated with ATRA showed more spreading and flattening than cells treated with DMF, further evidence that they may have achieved a more differentiated phenotype. The number of cell divisions in culture appeared to be critical because cell lines maintained in exponential growth for >40 passages failed to express CD11b antigen or show morphological changes associated with differentiation after exposure to either differentiation-inducing reagent. Late-passage cells also demonstrated increased tolerance to DMF. Our results indicated that ATRA supplemented with vitamin D(3) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor affords robust, rapid, and reproducible differentiation of both cell types.

Progesterone stimulation of human insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-5 gene transcription in human osteoblasts is mediated by a CACCC sequence in the proximal promoter

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) is produced by osteoblasts and potentiates insulin-like growth factor mitogenic stimulation in osteoblast cell cultures. Progesterone (PG) increased IGFBP-5 expression in normal human osteoblasts and increased IGFBP-5 transcription in U2 human osteosarcoma cells. We developed a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter construct containing the human IGFBP-5 proximal promoter sequence, which includes TATA and CAAT boxes, and five putative PG response element half-sites. 10(-8) M PG increased promoter activity of this construct in U2 cells co-transfected with a PG receptor isoform A (PR(A)) expression vector. Analysis of 5' deletion constructs indicates that PG transactivation of IGFBP-5 promoter activity does not require the PG response element half-sites but does require the region -162 to -124 containing two tandem CACCC box sequences. Mutation of the proximal CACCC box at -139 eliminated PG transactivation. Gel shift assays using a -162 to -124 DNA fragment, U2 cell nuclear extracts, and purified PR(A) protein indicate that nuclear factors bind to a CACCC sequence at -139 and that PR(A) alters the pattern of transcription factor interaction with the CACCC sequence. Using a luciferase reporter construct containing base pairs -252 to +24 of the IGFBP-5 promoter, we found that both PR(A) and PR(B) isoforms mediated PG stimulation of promoter activity. These results suggest that PG may stimulate IGFBP-5 gene transcription via a novel mechanism involving PR and CACCC-binding factors.

Hormone-dependent recruitment of NF-Y to the uteroglobin gene enhancer associated with chromatin remodeling in rabbit endometrial epithelium

Expression of the rabbit uteroglobin gene is hormonally induced in cells of the endometrial epithelium during the preimplantation phase of pregnancy. Here we show that progesterone activation of the gene is mediated by two clusters of hormone responsive elements located between 2.4 and 2.7 kilobase pairs upstream of the transcriptional start site. Between these two clusters, genomic footprinting studies in the intact endometrial epithelium reveal the hormone-inducible occupancy of several cis-acting elements. One of the protected elements shows sequence homology to the consensus binding site of the transcription factor NF-Y, which binds to the element in gel shift experiments. This uteroglobin Y box is essential for enhancer activity in transient transfection experiments with endometrial and non-endometrial cell lines, in accordance with the ubiquitous expression of NF-Y. To understand why binding of this ubiquitous factor to the uteroglobin Y box in endometrium depends on hormone induction, we examined the chromatin structure of the relevant gene region. In the uninduced state, the enhancer region appears to be organized into positioned nucleosomes. Upon hormone induction, this nucleosomal pattern is lost and the enhancer region becomes hypersensitive to nucleases, suggesting that a hormone-induced change in the local chromatin structure unmasks previously unaccessible binding sites for transcription factors. Our results emphasize the limitations of using transient transfection assays for the functional analysis of cis-acting elements and underline the need for including the native chromatin organization in this kind of studies.

The loss of estrogen and progesterone receptor gene expression in human breast cancer

Hormone responsiveness is a critical determinant of breast cancer progression and management, and the response to endocrine therapy is highly correlated with the estrogen receptor (ER)3 and progesterone receptor (PR) status of tumor cells. Thus, key areas of study in breast cancer are those mechanisms that regulate ER and PR expression in normal and malignant breast tissues. One-third of all breast cancers lack ER and PR; these conditions are associated with less differentiated tumors and poorer clinical outcome. In addition, approximately one-half of ER-positive tumors lack PR protein and patients with this phenotype are less likely to respond to hormonal therapies than those whose tumors express both receptors. Since PR is induced by ER; its presence is a marker of a functional ER. In this review, we will discuss possible mechanisms for loss of ER and PR gene expression, especially structural changes within each gene including deletions, polymorphisms or methylation. Improved understanding of the pathways that lead to loss of ER and/or PR proteins should allow the development of better predictive indicators as well as novel therapeutic approaches to target these hormone-independent cancers.

Determinants for the repression of estrogen receptor transcriptional activity by ligand-occupied progestin receptors

There is considerable evidence for cross-talk between the estrogen and progestin signaling pathways, including examples of repression or attenuation of estrogen-stimulated endpoints by progestin receptor (PR) agonists and antagonists. We have previously described an experimental system for examining aspects of this cross-talk, namely the repression of estrogen receptor (ER) transcriptional activity by liganded PR (Kraus, W. L., Weis, K. E., Katzenellenbogen, B. S., Mol. Cell. Biol. 15 (1995) 1847-1857). Under promoter and cell type conditions where liganded PR was not a good activator of transcription, PR isoforms were shown to act as potent ligand-dependent repressors of ER transcriptional activity. In the current study, we have identified multiple determinants of this repression by systematically manipulating potentially important variables in this system (e.g. PR A:PR B ratio, sequence of the response elements, receptor structure, and ligand type). Alterations in several of these parameters had profound effects on the ability of PR to repress the activity of ER. Decreases in the PR A:PR B ratio and changes in the sequence of the progestin response element in the reporter gene construct abolished the repressive action of agonist-occupied PR A on ER transcriptional activity. In addition, point or deletion mutations in the amino-terminal A/B region of ER, including a triple point mutation which eliminates phosphorylation sites previously shown to be important in the activity of the receptor, made the ER more sensitive to the repressive actions of liganded PR. The PR ligands that promoted the most potent repression of ER activity were those with 11beta phenyl substitutions, suggesting that the phenyl moiety in the 11beta position is the important structural feature leading to strong repression. Interestingly, changes in the structure of the ER ligand and the sequence of the estrogen response element did not influence the magnitude of repression by PR. The fact that alterations in these check points along the estrogen signaling pathway had little or no effect on the magnitude of repression suggests that liganded PR interferes with the ability of ER to interact productively with the transcriptional machinery; in other words, PR-mediated repression occurs downstream of the events leading to the ligand-dependent conversion of ER to a transcriptionally active form. Our results indicate that a number of parameters which are naturally varied in vivo, such as the sequence of PR DNA binding sites and the PR A:PR B ratio, can dramatically alter the repression of ER activity by liganded PR, and may explain the differential affects of progestin-occupied PR on the expression of different estrogen regulated genes.

Triiodothyronine blocks potentiation of HL60 monocyte differentiation by anti-inflammatory agents and by steroids and induces apoptosis of all-trans retinoic acid "primed" cells

Sensitivity of the human promyeloid cell line HL60 to physiological differentiating agents [e.g. all-trans retinoic acid (all-trans RA) and 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin (D3)] is increased by exposure of cells to "anti-inflammatory agents" (e.g. indomethacin) and to steroids [e.g. medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA)] and post "priming" with a low dose (10(-8) M) of all-trans RA. Co-treatment of serum free-grown HL60 cells (HL60-ITS) with indomethacin and D3 reduces the dose of D3 required for monocyte differentiation from 10(-7) to 6.25 x 10(-9) M. This potentiating effect was observed to be almost absent when experiments where undertaken using serum-grown HL60 cells (HL60-FCS). The agent present in serum that interferes with indomethacin- and MPA-potentiation of the sensitivity of HL60 cells to D3 has been identified as the thyroid hormone 3,5,3'-L-triiodothyronine (T3). "Priming" of HL60-ITS cells with a low dose of all-trans RA reduces the amount of D3 required for the induction of monocyte differentiation to the same degree as co-treatment with either indomethacin or MPA (to 5 x 10(-9) M). However, the combined effect of all-trans RA "priming" and T3 treatment of HL60-ITS cells was induction of apoptosis. Treatment with either agent alone did not result in increased levels of apoptotic cells. These data reveal that T3 has an important influence on the capacity of HL60 cells to undergo differentiation and can promote apoptosis of these cells. Drug combinations, such as a differentiation potentiating agent, for example, indomethacin or MPA, and a differentiation inducer, for example, all-trans RA or D3, may have important therapeutic significance. Serum levels of T3 would be anticipated to influence the outcome.

Steroid receptor interactions with heat shock protein and immunophilin chaperones

We have provided a historical perspective on a body of steroid receptor research dealing with the structure and physiological significance of the untransformed 9S receptor that has often confused both novice and expert investigators. The frequent controversies and equivocations of earlier studies were due to the fact that the native, hormone-free state of these receptors is a large multiprotein complex that resisted description for many years because of its unstable and dynamic nature. The untransformed 9S state of the steroid and dioxin receptors has provided a unique system for studying the function of the ubiquitous, abundant, and conserved heat shock protein, hsp90. The hormonal control of receptor association with hsp90 provided a method of manipulating the receptor heterocomplex in a manner that was physiologically meaningful. For several steroid receptors, binding to hsp90 was required for the receptor to be in a native hormone-binding state, and for all of the receptors, hormone binding promoted dissociation of the receptor from hsp90 and conversion of the receptor to the DNA-binding state. Although the complexes between tyrosine kinases and hsp90 were discovered earlier, the hormonal regulation or steroid receptor association with hsp90 permitted much more rapid and facile study of hsp90 function. The observations that hsp90 binds to the receptors through their HBDs and that these domains can be fused to structurally different proteins bringing their function under hormonal control provided a powerful linkage between the hormonal regulation of receptor binding to hsp90 and the initial step in steroid hormone action. Because the 9S receptor hsp90 heterocomplexes could be physically stabilized by molybdate, their protein composition could be readily studied, and it became clear that these complexes are multiprotein structures containing a number of unique proteins, such as FKBP51, FKBP52, CyP-40, and p23, that were discovered because of their presence in these structures. Further analysis showed that hsp90 itself exists in a variety of native multiprotein heterocomplexes independent of steroid receptors and other 'substrate' proteins. Cell-free systems can now be used to study the formation of receptor heterocomplexes. As we outlined in the scheme of Fig. 1, the multicomponent receptor-hsp90 heterocomplex assembly system is being reconstituted, and the importance of individual proteins, such as hsp70, p60, and p23, in the assembly process is becoming recognized. It should be noted that our understanding of the mechanism and purpose of steroid receptor heterocomplex assembly is still at an early stage. We can now speculate on the roles of receptor-associated proteins in receptor action, both as individuals and as a group, but their actual functions are still vague or unknown. We can make realistic models about the chaperoning and trafficking of steroid receptors, but we don't yet know how these processes occur, we don't know where chaperoning occurs in the cell (e.g. Is it limited to the cytoplasm? Is it a diffuse process or does chaperoning occur in association with structural elements?), and, with the exception of the requirement for hormone binding, we don't know the extent to which the hsp90-based chaperone system impacts on steroid hormone action. It is not yet clear how far the discovery of this hsp90 heterocomplex assembly system will be extended to the development of a general understanding of protein processing in the cell. Because this assembly system is apparently present in all eukaryotic cells, it probably performs an essential function for many proteins. The bacterial homolog of hsp90 is not an essential protein, but hsp90 is essential in eukaryotes, and recent studies indicate that the development of the cell nucleus from prokaryotic progenitors was accompanied by the duplication of genes for hsp90 and hsp70 (698). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Expression of the 90K immunostimulator gene is controlled by a promoter with unique features

90K is a secreted glycoprotein with tumor suppressive functions, which is up-regulated in various types of cancer and in AIDS. In order to understand the regulation of its expression, the mouse 90K gene was isolated and analyzed. The gene spans about 8.8-kilobase pairs and consists of 6 exons and was localized on chromosome 11, region E. RNase protection identified one major transcription start site (+1) and three minor ones (-3, +32, +34). The mouse 90K gene was found to have a TATA-less promoter of unusual structure. The 2. 3-kilobase pair 5'-flanking region exhibited strong promoter activity in NIH 3T3 cells; however, it contained neither a TATA-box nor a SP1 site and was not GC-rich. No known initiator motif was found around the transcription start site. 5'- and 3'-deletions defined a minimal promoter of 51 base pairs (-66 --> -16), not including the start site, essential and sufficient for promoter activity. This minimal promoter showed increased activity after stimulation with interferon-gamma or poly(I.C), a substance mimicking viral infection. Essential for both inductions was the integrity of an interferon regulatory factor element within this sequence, a potential binding site for the anti-oncogenic transcription factor interferon regulatory factor-1.

Variants within the 5'-flanking regions of bovine milk-protein-encoding genes. III. Genes encoding the Ca-sensitive caseins αs1, α s2 and β

The 5'-flanking regions of the Ca-sensitive casein-encoding gene family were analysed for DNA variants by automated DNA sequencing of 13 cows belonging to seven breeds. About 1 kbp of each 5'-flanking region, including non-coding exon I, was amplified by PCR and sequenced bidirectionally. A total number of 34 variable sites (17 for the α s1, 10 for the α s2, and 7 for the β casein encoding gene) was identified. Variants were computer-analysed for location in putative regulatory sites in order to predict potential influences on gene expression.

Phosphorylation of Ser211 in the chicken progesterone receptor modulates its transcriptional activity

The chicken progesterone receptor has been shown to be phosphorylated in vivo at four major sites. Previous studies have shown that mutation of one of the hormone-dependent phosphorylation sites, Ser530, to alanine decreases the transcriptional activity of the receptor under conditions where ligand is limited. Here, we present evidence for the functional significance of another phosphorylation site, Ser211. Mutation of Ser211 to alanine results in a decrease in the transcriptional activity of the receptor and affects the phosphorylation-dependent decrease in mobility of the receptor in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The degree of reduction in transcriptional activity is dependent on both the cell type and the reporters used in the studies but is independent of hormone concentration, suggesting that phosphorylation at Ser211 regulates the activity of the receptor through a mechanism distinct from Ser530 phosphorylation.

Evidence for a second pathway in the action mechanism of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Significance of Ah-receptor mediated activation of protein kinase under cell-free conditions

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) when administered directly to a nuclear-free subcellular homogenate of guinea pig adipose tissue, caused a significant rise in protein kinase activities within 1-10 min. Such a rapid response was not expected, based on the classic transcriptional mechanism of action for TCDD, i.e. TCDD first binds with its cytosolic Ah-receptor, translocates into the nucleus, dimerizes with "arnt" (a nuclear transcription factor), and activates genes containing "xenobiotic-responsive element" (XRE). The above actions of TCDD on protein kinases were clearly blocked by two specific Ah-receptor blockers, even under cell- and nucleus-free conditions. TCDD-induced increases in protein phosphorylation occurred mainly in cytosolic preparations (i.e. 100,000 g supernatant) devoid of nucleus, microsomes and plasma membranes and were still observed in the presence of inhibitors of protein phosphatases. Furthermore, TCDD caused a rise in protein tyrosine kinase activity in a purified Ah-receptor preparation, as well as in an isolated heat shock protein 90 complex preparation containing the Ah-receptor. This activation took place in the presence of actinomycin D and cycloheximide, indicating a portion of TCDD's action that is unrelated to de novo protein synthesis in this process. We have also obtained evidence indicating that this action of TCDD triggers the protein kinase mediated growth factor signal transduction pathway, such as stimulation of mitogen activated protein kinase 2 and tyrosine kinase activity. These results clearly support the view that the basic action pathway for such a TCDD-induced activation of protein kinases is distinctly different from its conventional action pathway involving changes in gene transcription in the nucleus.

Cloning and characterization of the mouse gene encoding mammary-derived growth inhibitor/heart-fatty acid-binding protein

From a mouse genomic library we isolated and characterized a gene, Fabph1, encoding mammary-derived growth inhibitor (MDGI)/heart fatty-acid-binding protein (H-FABP). Exon sequences were identical with a MDGI-encoding cDNA isolated previously from the mammary gland of pregnant mice. The product of this gene has also been detected in heart, where it had been termed H-FABP. It has an intron/exon structure similar to other FABP-encoding genes. In addition to this expressed gene, we isolated a related intronless pseudogene, Fabph-ps, with an open reading frame which was highly conserved when compared with Fabph1. Fabph1 was positioned on chromosome (Chr) 4 using interrelated sequence locus, Fabph-rs1, to Chr 8. A Mus spretus-specific related sequence, Fabph-rs2, was identified on Chr 17 by analysis of interspecies crosses. The 5'-flanking region of Fabph1 contains putative transcription factor-binding elements which could account for its constitutive expression in muscle tissue, as well as for its developmental stage-dependent expression in mammary epithelium.

Oligomeric structures of cytosoluble estrogen-receptor complexes as studied by anti-estrogen receptor antibodies and chemical crosslinking of intact cells

The structure of estrogen-receptor complexes recovered in cytosolic extracts of MCF-7 cells treated with hormone at 2 degrees was probed by chemical crosslinking of intact cells and sample analysis with four monoclonal anti-estrogen receptor antibodies. When MCF-7 cells were treated with either glutaraldehyde or dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate), cytosoluble estrogen-receptor complexes consisted of two major forms sedimenting as 4 S monomers and 8-9 S salt-resistant oligomers. By high salt sucrose density gradient centrifugation, we could observe that the four monoclonal anti-estrogen receptor antibodies bound different forms of receptor complexes from crosslinked cells. While H222 and H226 antibodies could interact with any form we detected, the D75 and D547 monoclonals could only recognize those showing sedimentation coefficients lower than 7 S. When cytosolic extracts from [35S]-methionine-labeled cells were subjected to immunoprecipitation with H222 and D75 anti-estrogen receptor antibodies, electrophoretic analysis of material extracted from immunoprecipitates revealed the presence of 65 kDa estrogen receptors. If extracts were prepared from crosslinked cells, instead, two more components with estimated molecular masses of 220 and 100 kDa were specifically immunoprecipitated by the H222 antibody, whereas only the 100 kDa component and the estrogen receptor were found in immunoprecipitates obtained with the D75 monoclonal. When estrogen-receptor complexes were immunopurified from extracts prepared after cells had been crosslinked with dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate), and the oligomers were dissociated by treatment with beta-mercaptoethanol, electrophoretic analysis of our samples showed that only the 65 kDa estrogen receptor and a 50 kDa protein were selectively immunoprecipitated by anti-estrogen receptor antibodies. We concluded that the structures of cytosoluble estrogen-receptor complexes in MCF-7 cells treated with hormone at 2 degrees C, include oligomeric forms which contain a 50 kDa non-steroid binding protein.

DNA variants within the 5'-flanking region of milk-protein-encoding genes II. The β-lactoglobulin-encoding gene

For the detection of polymorphisms within the 5'-flanking region of the β-lactoglobulin (-LG) -encoding gene a nucleotide sequence containing 795 bp of the promoter and 59 bp of exon I was cloned and sequenced. After comparing the sequence from the DNA of 11 diverse cows (different breeds and milk-protein yields), 14 singlebp substitutions were identified within the 5'-flanking region and two in the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of exon I. Some of the variants are located in potential binding sites for trans-acting factors or in the 5'-UTR. A PCR-based RFLP analysis was performed, and the genotypes of an additional 60 cows were identified at five variable 5'-flanking sites. The results reveal three frequent combinations between the A and B alleles of the protein-coding region and the novel 5'-flanking DNA variants. This finding may explain the differences of the protein-variant-dependent β-LG synthesis (A>B) observed in vivo. A sequence comparison of the bovine and ovine promoters reveals an homology of 92.8% and shows a higher degree of conservation between positions -600 and -300.

Physiology of the steroid-thyroid hormone nuclear receptor superfamily

Glucocorticoids, other steroid hormones, thyroid hormones and vitamin-derived hormones (including retinoids) all exert their effects by the regulation of hormone-responsive target genes within the cell nucleus. These hormones bind to a series of specific nuclear receptor proteins that function as hormone-inducible transcription factors. The receptors are structurally homologous, are related to the avian erythroblastosis oncogene v-erbA, and exhibit remarkable evolutionary conservation. Together they form the steroid-thyroid hormone nuclear receptor superfamily. This chapter describes the structure and functions of the various family members and highlights the differences and similarities that occur between individual receptor proteins. Type I receptors, which include glucocorticoid receptor and other steroid receptor proteins, interact as homodimers with target sequences of DNA containing two receptor binding sites arranged as a palindrome. Type II receptors, which include receptors for retinoids, thyroid hormone and vitamin D3, bind as heterodimers (or homodimers) to DNA sequences in which two or more receptor-binding sites are arranged as a direct repeat or as other more complex configurations. The complexity of both receptor-DNA and receptor-receptor interactions predicts the potential for considerable cross-talk between various hormone-activated pathways. Thus, the specificity of hormone action and its regulation is discussed in relation to the structural and functional characteristics of the receptors and their molecular mechanisms of action. Finally, potential sites of regulation of hormone action, from circulating hormone levels in the periphery to their delivery to the cell and final site of action in the nucleus, are highlighted to provide a perspective for the following chapters in this volume and to indicate their clinical significance.

Phosphorylation of immunopurified rat liver glucocorticoid receptor by the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase

We have examined phosphorylation of the rat liver glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and GR-associated protein kinase (PK) activity in the immunopurified receptor preparations. Affinity labeling of hepatic cytosol with [3H]dexamethasone 21-mesylate showed a covalent association of the steroid with a 94 kDa protein. GR was immunopurified with antireceptor monoclonal antibody BuGR2 (Gametchu & Harrison, Endocrinology 114: 274-279, 1984) to near homogeneity. A 23 degrees C incubation of the immunoprecipitated protein A-Sepharose adsorbed GR with [gamma-32P]ATP,Mg2+ and the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent PK (cAMP-PK) from bovine heart, led to an incorporation of radioactivity in the 94 kDa protein. Phosphorylation of GR was not evident in the absence of the added kinase. Of the radioinert nucleotides (ATP, GTP, UTP or CTP) tested, only ATP successfully competed with [gamma-32P]ATP demonstrating a nucleotide specific requirement for the phosphorylation of GR. Other divalent cations, such as Mn2+ or Ca2+, could not be substituted for Mg2+ during the phosphorylation reaction. Phosphorylation of GR was sensitive to the presence of the protein kinase inhibitor, H-8, an isoquinoline sulfonamide derivative. In addition, the incorporation of radioactivity into GR was both time- and temperature-dependent. The phosphorylation of GR by cAMP-PK was independent of the presence of hsp-90 and transformation state of the receptor. The results of this study demonstrate that GR is an effective substrate for action of cAMP-PK and that the immunopurified protein A-Sepharose adsorbed GR lacks intrinsic kinase activity but can be conveniently used for the characterization of the phosphorylation reaction in the presence of an exogenous kinase.

Molecular biology of cadherins in the nervous system

Cadherins are cell-cell adhesion molecules belonging to the Ca(2+)-dependent cadherin superfamily. In the last few years the number of cadherins identified in the nervous system has increased considerably. Cadherins are integral membrane glycoproteins. They are structurally closely related and interspecies homologies are high. The function is mediated through a homophilic binding mechanism, and intracellular proteins, directly or indirectly connected to the cadherins and the cytoskeleton, are necessary for cadherin activity. Cadherins have been implicated in segregation and aggregation of tissues at early developmental stages and in growth and guidance of axons during nervous system development. These functions are modified by changes in type(s) and amount of cadherins expressed at different developmental stages. The regulatory elements guiding cadherin expression are currently being elucidated.

Dimerization of the RU486-bound calf uterine progesterone receptor

Dimerization of the RU486-bound progesterone receptor was studied by measuring the Hill coefficient of RU486 binding in calf uterine cytosol at receptor concentrations between 0.3 and 15 nM. The limiting value of the Hill coefficient at high receptor concentrations was 1.38 +/- 0.01. The limiting value of the Hill coefficient at low receptor concentrations was 1.05 +/- 0.03. The dimerization constant, defined as the concentration of receptor at which the Hill coefficient was midway between the limiting values, was 2.6 +/- 0.1 nM. In contrast, the dimerization constant of the progesterone-bound receptor, which was measured using the same approach, is 7 nM [Skafar, D. F. Biochemistry 30 (1991) 6148-6154]. The results presented here support and quantify the observation that the RU486-bound progesterone receptor will dimerize at lower receptor concentrations than the progesterone-bound receptor.

Phosphorylation of chicken oviduct progesterone receptor by cAMP-dependent protein kinase

Phosphorylation of immunopurified chicken oviduct progesterone receptor (PR) was studied in intact cells and under cell-free conditions. Cytosol PR was isolated by incubation with anti-PR monoclonal antibody alpha PR22 adsorbed to protein A-Sepharose and suspended in a reaction mixture containing 10 mM Mg2+, 0.1 mM [gamma-32P]ATP, and the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAMP-PK) from bovine heart. All three major proteins of avian PR (PR-A, 79 kDa; PR-B, 110 kDa; 90 kDa) incorporated 32P-radioactivity on serine residues. The phosphorylation reaction was inhibited by synthetic inhibitors of protein kinases, H-8 and 20-residue peptide IP20. A 40 degrees C preexposure of PR oligomer increased phosphorylation of the 90-kDa protein, known to be a heat-shock protein (hsp-90). The extent of the phosphorylation reaction was temperature-dependent as the 32P-incorporation into PR-A and PR-B increased gradually, showing a maximum at 37 degrees C. Multiple phosphopeptides (4-7) were resolved by two-dimensional electrophoresis chromatography following cleavage of 32P-labeled peptides with trypsin. Both A and B forms of receptor showed similar phosphorylation patterns with B receptor digestion exhibiting two to three additional peptides. Under physiological conditions, preincubation of oviduct mince with forskolin, a regulator of intracellular cAMP levels, caused a greater extent of phosphorylation of PR-A and PR-B proteins. The results of this study demonstrate that chicken oviduct PR is an excellent substrate for the action of cAMP-PK in vitro and that this enzyme may be a physiological regulator of progesterone action in the oviduct.

Tissue-specific and hormonally regulated expression of the puromycin N-acetyltransferase-encoding gene under control of the rabbit uteroglobin promoter in transgenic mice

Transgenic mice bearing two fragments of the rabbit uteroglobin 5'-flanking region fused to the new reporter gene (pac) encoding puromycin N-acetyltransferase (PAC) showed a different pattern of expression. Transgenic lines (C0.4) harboring a 404-bp fragment (-396/+8) had a uterus-specific expression slightly inducible by estrogen, lacking detectable expression in other tissues where the uteroglobin-encoding gene is naturally expressed in rabbit. Transgenic lines (C3.2) bearing a longer fragment of 3.2-kb (-3254/+8) showed hormonally regulated expression in the uterus and the male genital tract, and detectable expression in the lung. In addition, the nonstimulated uterine expression of the transgene was higher in C0.4 lines than in C3.2 lines. It could be concluded that all sequences required for uterus-specific expression should be present within the 404-bp fragment, and that other upstream (-396) sequences are responsible for expression in the lung and male genital tract, as well as for a possible down modulation of expression in the uterus.

In two genes, synergism of steroid hormone action is not mediated by cooperative binding of receptors to adjacent sites

Synergistic action of multiple steroid hormone response elements (HREs) has been proposed to be due to cooperative binding of receptors. We have studied the cooperativity of steroid hormone receptor binding to synergistic HREs in two natural genes. In the mouse mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat that contains four progesterone receptor binding sites, no cooperativity in receptor binding was observed between the single distal and the three proximal sites whereas a low level of cooperativity in receptor binding (about 2-fold) was found between the three proximal sites. This contrasted with the very strong synergism of these four HREs in stimulation of transcription. In the chicken vitellogenin II gene upstream sequences, an estrogen and a progestin response elements act synergistically. In this case again, no cooperativity of binding of the estrogen and progesterone receptors to their respective binding sites was observed. We therefore conclude that cooperative receptor binding may not always be required for synergistic action of multiple HREs.

Nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of the progesterone receptor

The nuclear localization of the progesterone receptor is mediated by two signal sequences: one is constitutive and lies in the hinge region (between the DNA and steroid binding domains), the other is hormone dependent and is localized in the second zinc finger of the DNA binding domain. The use of various inhibitors of energy synthesis in cells expressing permanently or transiently the wild-type receptor or a receptor mutated within the nuclear localization signals, demonstrated that the nuclear residency of the receptor reflects a dynamic situation: the receptor diffusing into the cytoplasm and being constantly and actively transported back into the nucleus. The existence of this nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttle mechanism was confirmed by receptor transfer from one nucleus to the other in heterokaryons. Preliminary evidence was obtained, using oestrogen receptor, that this phenomenon may be of general significance for steroid receptors.

Differences in the binding mechanism of RU486 and progesterone to the progesterone receptor

The binding mechanism of the antagonist RU486 to the progesterone receptor was compared with that of the agonists progesterone and R5020. Both progesterone and RU486 bound to the receptor with a Hill coefficient of 1.2, indicating the binding of each ligand is positive cooperative. However, when each ligand was used to compete with [3H]progesterone for binding to the receptor at receptor concentrations near 8 nM, at which the receptor is likely a dimer, the competition curve for RU486 was significantly steeper than the curves for progesterone and R5020 (p less than 0.001). This indicated that a difference in the binding mechanism of RU486 and progesterone can be detected when both ligands are present. In contrast, at receptor concentrations near 1 nM, at which the receptor is likely a monomer, the competition curves for all three ligands were indistinguishable (p = 0.915). These results indicate that RU486 and agonists have different binding mechanisms for the receptor and further suggest that this difference may be related to site-site interactions within the receptor.

Quantitative electron microscopic analysis of DNA-protein interactions

Electron microscopy offers a unique potentiality to visualize individual molecules. For the last 30 years it has been used to study the structure and the interactions of various biological macromolecules. The contribution of electron microscopy is important because of its capacity to demonstrate the existence of conformational structures such as kinks, bents, loops, etc., either on naked DNA, or on DNA associated with various proteins or ligands. Increasing interest was given to such observations when it was found that they provide a direct visualization of interacting molecules involved in DNA metabolism and gene regulation. Technical advances in the preparation of the specimens, their observation in the electron microscope, and the image processing by computers have allowed the shifting from qualitative to quantitative analysis, as illustrated by a few examples from our laboratory.

Mechanisms controlling steroid receptor binding to specific DNA sequences

Mammalian progesterone receptors activated by hormone binding in nuclei of intact cells exhibit substantially higher binding activity for specific DNA sequences than receptors bound with hormone and activated in cell-free cytosol. Differences in DNA-binding activity occur despite the fact that both activated receptor forms sediment at 4S on sucrose gradients and are apparently dissociated from the heat shock protein 90. This suggests that hormone-induced release of heat shock protein 90 from receptors is necessary, but not sufficient for maximal activation of DNA binding. This report is a review of studies from our laboratories that have examined the role of receptor interaction with other nuclear protein factor(s), and receptor dimerization in solution, as additional regulatory steps involved in the process of receptor activation and binding to specific gene sequences.

Effects of antiestrogen versus antiprogestin on transformed and nontransformed steroid receptors

In order to determine if different physicochemical properties exist among antihormone-receptor complexes, we have compared the interaction of the antiprogestin RU486 with progesterone receptor (PR) versus the triphenylethylene antiestrogen H1285 (4-(N,N-diethyl-aminoethoxy)-4'-methoxy-alpha-(p-hydroxyphenyl-alp ha'- ethylstilbene] with estrogen receptor (ER) from rabbit uterine tissue. Contrary to other reports, we observed no difference in the sedimentation properties of transformed PR (4S) when bound by the antagonist RU486 versus the progesterone agonist R5020 in either cytosol or DEAE partially-purified receptor preparations analyzed on sucrose gradients containing 0.3 M KCl. In addition, we found no difference in the sedimentation properties of these receptor preparations in the presence of 10 mM sodium molybdate: the nontransformed RU486-PR and nontransformed R5020-PR both sedimented as a 6S species. These same results were obtained when the receptor preparation and gradient analysis were performed in the absence of monothioglycerol. Likewise, there was no change in the sedimentation properties of the transformed PR when the receptor, partially purified in the absence of molybdate, was analyzed on sucrose gradients containing 10 mM sodium molybdate to prevent receptor alteration during centrifugation. From DNA-cellulose assays performed with partially purified PR in the absence of molybdate we determined that the 4S form of R5020-PR and RU486-PR is transformed receptor; whereas in the presence of molybdate, the 6S species is nontransformed. In contrast, we found a different pattern of sedimentation when comparing transformed antiestrogen-receptor complexes with transformed estrogen-receptor complexes. In this case, transformed H1285-ER sedimented as 6S and estradiol-ER sedimented as 4S. We conclude from these experiments that these two antihormones, RU486 and H1285, may have different mechanisms of action in their antagonism of steroid hormone action. Antiestrogen stabilizes the salt-transformed ER as a dimer while antiprogestin appears to permit dissociation of the oligomeric form of the receptor to the monomeric form.

Steroid hormone receptors and in vitro transcription

Steroid hormone receptors are ligand-inducible transcription factors that exhibit potent effect on gene expression in living cells. Precise dissection of their mode of action at the molecular level can best be carried out in functional cell-free systems. This article will describe the benefits of such systems and review their development up to the recent establishment of steroid receptor-dependent in vitro transcription. Subsequent advances in our knowledge of receptor function arising from the exploitation of this powerful experimental tool will be described. Particular emphasis will be placed upon two key problems: the role of steroid hormone in receptor action and the mechanisms by which steroid receptors activate gene transcription.

Structure of the gene encoding rabbit beta-casein

The entire rabbit beta-casein-encoding gene and 400 bp upstream were sequenced. Eight introns, located essentially at a position similar to the corresponding gene in other species, were found. Strong homology with several casein-encoding genes from rabbit and from other species was observed in the upstream region of the gene. Repeated sequences of unknown function were also located within introns.

Steroid hormone receptors

In the three decades since the original discovery of receptors for steroid hormones, much has been learned about the biochemical processes by which these regulatory agents exert their effects in target tissues. The intracellular receptor proteins are potential transcription factors, needed for optimal gene expression in hormone-dependent cells. They are present in an inactive form until association with the hormone converts them to a functional state that can react with target genes. Transformation of the receptor protein to the nuclear binding form appears to involve the removal of both macromolecular and micromolecular factors that act to keep the receptor form reacting with DNA. Much of the native receptor is present in the nucleus, loosely bound and readily extractable, but for some and possibly all steroid hormones, some receptor is in the cytoplasm, perhaps in equilibrium with a nuclear pool. Methods have been developed for the stabilization, purification, and characterization of receptor proteins, and through cloning and sequencing of their cDNAs, primary structures for these receptors are now known. This has led to the recognition of structural similarities among the family of receptors for the different steroid hormones and to the identification of regions in the protein molecule responsible for the various aspects of their function. Monoclonal antibodies recognizing specific molecular domains are available for most receptors. Despite the knowledge that has been acquired, many important questions remain unsolved. How does association with the steroid remove factors keeping the receptor protein in its native state, and how does binding of the transformed receptor to the response element in the promoter region enhance gene transcription? Once it has converted the receptor to the nuclear binding state, is there a further role for the steroid in modulating transcription? Still not entirely clear is the involvement of phosphorylation and/or dephosphorylation in hormone binding, receptor transformation, and transcriptional activation. Less vital to basic understanding but important in the overall picture is whether the native receptors for gonadal hormones are entirely confined to the nucleus or whether there is an intracellular distribution equilibrium. With the effort now being devoted to this field, and with the application of new experimental techniques, especially those of molecular biology, our understanding of receptor function is progressing rapidly. The precise mechanism of steroid hormone action should soon be completely established.