Thyroid hormone responsiveness in human growth hormone-related genes. Possible correlation with receptor-induced DNA conformational changes

Ets-1 p51 and p42 isoforms differentially modulate Stromelysin-1 promoter according to induced DNA bend orientation

The Stromelysin-1 gene promoter contains a palindrome of two Ets-binding sites (EBS) that bind the p51 and p42 isoforms of the human Ets-1-transcription factor. A previous study established that full gene transactivation is associated with a ternary complex consisting of two p51 bound to the two EBS on the promoter. p42, only able to bind one of the two EBS, induces only very weak activity. Here, we investigate the mechanism by which the Stromelysin-1 promoter discriminates between p51 and p42. The differential stoichiometry of the two Ets-1 isoforms arises from the Stromelysin-1 EBS palindrome. The ternary complex requires the presence of two inhibitory domains flanking the DNA-binding domain and the ability to form an intramolecular autoinhibition module. Most importantly, the p51-ternary and the p42-binary complexes induce DNA curvatures with opposite orientations. These results establish that differential DNA bending, via p51 and p42 differential binding, is correlated with the Stromelysin-1 promoter activation process.

Mammalian genome projects reveal new growth hormone (GH) sequences. Characterization of the GH-encoding genes of armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), bat (Myotis lucifugus), hyrax (Procavia capensis), shrew (Sorex araneus), ground squirrel (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus), elephant (Loxodonta africana), cat (Felis catus) and opossum (Monodelphis domestica)

Mammalian growth hormone (GH) sequences have been shown previously to display episodic evolution: the sequence is generally strongly conserved but on at least two occasions during mammalian evolution (on lineages leading to higher primates and ruminants) bursts of rapid evolution occurred. However, the number of mammalian orders studied previously has been relatively limited, and the availability of sequence data via mammalian genome projects provides the potential for extending the range of GH gene sequences examined. Complete or nearly complete GH gene sequences for six mammalian species for which no data were previously available have been extracted from the genome databases-Dasypus novemcinctus (nine-banded armadillo), Erinaceus europaeus (western European hedgehog), Myotis lucifugus (little brown bat), Procavia capensis (cape rock hyrax), Sorex araneus (European shrew), Spermophilus tridecemlineatus (13-lined ground squirrel). In addition incomplete data for several other species have been extended. Examination of the data in detail and comparison with previously available sequences has allowed assessment of the reliability of deduced sequences. Several of the new sequences differ substantially from the consensus sequence previously determined for eutherian GHs, indicating greater variability than previously recognised, and confirming the episodic pattern of evolution. The episodic pattern is not seen for signal sequences, 5' upstream sequence or synonymous substitutions-it is specific to the mature protein sequence, suggesting that it relates to the hormonal function. The substitutions accumulated during the course of GH evolution have occurred mainly on the side of the hormone facing away from the receptor, in a non-random fashion, and it is suggested that this may reflect interaction of the receptor-bound hormone with other proteins or small ligands.

Characterization of the 5'-flanking transcriptional regulatory region of chicken growth hormone gene

A 1727-bp fragment of 5'-flanking region of chicken growth hormone (cGH) gene has been cloned and sequenced. Various lengths of the 5'-flanking region (122 to 1775 bp) was linked to a luciferase reporter gene, and its transcriptional regulation was examined by an in vitro transient transfection coupled with luciferase assay. Our results demonstrated that pituitary-specific transcription factor, Pit-1, is necessary and sufficient to confer a strong tissue-specific expression. Co-transfection with goldfish or chicken Pit-1 expression vectors significantly restored the luciferase expression in HeLa cells. Site-directed mutagenesis and mobility gel-shift assays further confirmed the position of the Pit-1 binding site at -113/-104. Moreover, a repressive thyroid hormone response element (TRE) was identified at -137/-74, and we propose that interactions between the TRE and Pit-1 sites may be required for its repressive effect.

Differential modulation of DNA conformation by estrogen receptors alpha and beta

The human estrogen receptor (ER) induces transcription of estrogen-responsive genes upon binding to estrogen and the estrogen response element (ERE). To determine whether receptor-induced changes in DNA structure are related to transactivation, we compared the abilities of ER alpha and ER beta to activate transcription and induce distortion and bending in DNA. ER alpha induced higher levels of transcription than ER beta in the presence of 17 beta-estradiol. In circular permutation experiments ER alpha induced greater distortion in DNA fragments containing the consensus ERE sequence than ER beta. Phasing analysis indicated that ER alpha induced a bend directed toward the major groove of the DNA helix but that ER beta failed to induce a directed DNA bend. Likewise, the ER alpha DNA binding domain (DBD) and hinge region induced a bend directed toward the major groove of the DNA helix, but the ER beta DBD and hinge region failed to bend ERE-containing DNA fragments. Using receptor chimeras we demonstrated that the ER alpha DBD C-terminal extension is required for directed DNA bending. Transient transfection assays revealed that appropriately oriented DNA bending enhances receptor-mediated transactivation. The different abilities of ER alpha and ER beta to induce change in DNA structure could foster or inhibit the interaction of regulatory proteins with the receptor and other transcription factors and help to explain how estrogen-responsive genes are differentially regulated by these two receptors.

AP-1 and T3RE cis elements operate as a functional unit in the transcriptional control of the human malic enzyme gene

The human malic enzyme (hME) promoter contains an inverted palindromic (IP4) 3,5,3'-triiodo-thyronine (T3) response element (T3RE) 15bp downstream from an activating protein-1 (AP-1) site. The purpose of this study was to analyze the functional relationship between both cis-acting elements. The following observations indicate that these two elements operate as a functional unit in controlling the human ME gene:T3 failed to stimulate transcription above the basal levels in cells overexpressing either TRb or TRb/retinoid acid receptor (RXR), indicating that TRbeta acts primarily as a transcriptional repressor in the context of the hME. Moreover, the finding of a repressive effect of TRbeta without DNA binding suggests the existence of both DNA-dependent and independent mechanisms of TRbeta-induced repression of transcription.

High-affinity binding sites to the vitamin D receptor DNA binding domain in the human growth hormone promoter

The regulation of the human growth hormone (hGH) gene by 1,25(OH)2D3 is a mechanism which is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the hGH gene has DNA recognition elements for the DNA binding domain of the vitamin D receptor. Using gel retardation assays and footprinting techniques, two high-affinity binding sites, denominated F1 and F2, were identified in the 5'-flanking sequence of hGH. The distal site, F1, located at -59 bp is made up of an imperfect direct repeat separated by 3 bp and showed a high degree of similarity with other known vitamin D response elements (VDREs). The proximal site, F2, located at -36 bp showed a single 7-bp sequence, which is different from other known VDREs. The location of both sites (F1 near the GHF-1/Pit-1 response element, F2 contacting the TATA box) suggests that the vitamin D receptor by itself or through interference with other transcriptional factors may modulate hGH expression.

The ligand insertion hypothesis in the genomic action of steroid hormones

Gene regulation by steroids is tightly coupled to hormone concentration and stereochemistry. A key step is binding of hormones to receptors which interact with consensus DNA sequences known as hormone response elements (HREs). The specificity and strength of hormone binding do not correlate well with hormonal activity suggesting an additional step involving recognition of ligand by the gene. Stereospecific fit of hormones between base pairs and correlation of fit with hormonal activity led to the proposal that such recognition involves insertion of hormone into DNA. Here, the feasibility of insertion was investigated using computer models of the glucocorticoid receptor DNA binding domain bound to its HRE. The site reported to accommodate glucocorticoids was found in the HRE and was exposed to permit unwinding at this locus. The resulting cavity in the unwound DNA/receptor interface fit cortisol remarkably well; cortisol formed hydrogen bonds to both the receptor and DNA. Current experimental evidence is generally consistent with ligand binding domains of receptors undergoing a conformational change which facilitates transfer of the ligand into the unwound DNA/receptor interface. We propose this step is rate limiting and alterations in receptor, DNA or hormone which attenuate insertion impair hormonal regulation of gene function.

DNA bending is induced by binding of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 heterodimer to its response element in the murine lipoprotein lipase promoter

The peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma 2 (PPAR gamma 2) is a critical transcriptional regulator of adipogenesis. Lipoprotein lipase is one of the earliest genes induced following exposure of pre-adipocytes to PPAR gamma 2 ligands such as the thiazolidinediones. A unique PPAR gamma 2 DNA recognition element was mapped to the region between -171 to -149 bp of the murine LPL promoter, based on transfection analysis of deletion constructs and gel retention assays using bacterially expressed, affinity purified recombinant proteins. Circular permutation analysis determined that binding of the PPAR gamma 2/retinoic acid X receptor (RXR) heterodimer to its LPL promoter recognition element induced DNA bending at an angle of approximately 46 degrees. Parallel studies using an optimal PPAR recognition element obtained a comparable bending angle of 56 degrees. This is the first demonstration that binding of a PPAR protein to its recognition element causes a distortion of the DNA configuration. It indicates that PPAR gamma 2 utilizes a common mechanism shared by other nuclear hormone receptor proteins reported to induce bending at their DNA binding sites.

Characterization of thyroid hormone response elements in the gene for chicken malic enzyme. Factors that influence triiodothyronine responsiveness

Transcription of the gene for malic enzyme in chick embryo hepatocytes is stimulated about 30-fold by triiodothyronine (T3). T3 responsiveness is mediated by seven direct repeat hexamers that resemble T3 response elements (T3REs); these elements are located far upstream in the 5'-flanking DNA (Hodnett, D. W., Fantozzzi, D. A., Thurmond, D. C., Klautky, S. A., MacPhee, K. G., Estrem, S. T., Xu, G., and Goodridge, A. G. (1996) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 334, 309-324). In transiently transfected hepatocytes, single copies of six of these elements conferred varying degrees of T3 responsiveness to linked reporter genes. In gel electrophoretic mobility shift analyses, the T3REs bound retinoid X receptor (RXR)-T3 receptor (TR) heterodimers and non-RXR/TR factors present in nuclear extracts prepared from hepatocytes. Binding of the non-RXR/TR factors was specific to individual T3REs and was unaffected by antibodies to TR or RXR. Mutagenesis of binding sites for proteins specific for T3REs 2-5 altered binding of the proteins and T3 responsiveness. These factors appear to bind to and alter function of T3REs without binding directly to TR, differentiating their actions from other TR cofactors; they were tentatively characterized as co-repressors, inhibitors, and activators of T3RE function. Together with RXR and TR, they modulate T3 responsiveness of the gene for chicken malic enzyme.

Androgen-dependent protein interactions within an intron 1 regulatory region of the 20-kDa protein gene

The 20-kDa protein gene is androgen regulated in rat ventral prostate. Intron 1 contains a 130-base pair complex response element (D2) that binds androgen (AR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) but transactivates only with AR in transient cotransfection assays in CV1 cells using the reporter vector D2-tkCAT. To better understand the function of this androgen-responsive unit, nuclear protein interactions with D2 were analyzed by DNase I footprinting in ventral prostate nuclei of intact or castrated rats and in vitro with ventral prostate nuclear protein extracts from intact, castrated, and testosterone-treated castrated rats. Multiple androgen-dependent protected regions and hypersensitive sites were identified in the D2 region with both methods. Mobility shift assays with 32P-labeled oligonucleotides spanning D2 revealed specific interactions with ventral prostate nuclear proteins. Four of the D2-protein complexes decreased in intensity within 24 h of castration. UV cross-linking of the androgen-dependent DNA binding proteins identified protein complexes of approximately 140 and 55 kDa. The results demonstrate androgen-dependent nuclear protein-DNA interactions within the complex androgen response element D2.

DNA bending is induced by binding of the glucocorticoid receptor DNA binding domain and progesterone receptors to their response element

Circular permutation analysis was used to determine the degree of DNA bending induced by binding of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) DNA binding domain (DBD), the human progesterone receptor (PR) DBD, PR-A:A and PR-B:B homodimers, and PR-A:B heterodimers to the glucocorticoid response element/progesterone response element (GRE/PRE). The bending angles induced by the GR DBD and the PR DBD were approximately 28 degrees and 25 degrees, respectively. The PR-B:B and PR-A:A homodimers and the PR-A:B heterodimers all induced similar DNA bending angles of 72-77 degrees. The substantially greater DNA bend induced by full-length PR compared to the PR DBD indicates that sequences outside the classic zinc finger DNA binding domain may play an important role in the interaction of PR with the GRE/PRE. Because PR-A:A and PR-B:B homodimers and the PR-A:B heterodimers induce similar DNA bends, the different abilities of the PR-A and PR-B isoforms to activate transcription are not due to differences in their abilities to distort DNA structure.

Different DNA elements can modulate the conformation of thyroid hormone receptor heterodimer and its transcriptional activity

Thyroid-hormone receptors (TRs) form heterodimers with retinoid-X receptors (RXRs) on thyroid-hormone-response elements (TREs). However, it is not known whether the formation of liganded TR/RXR heterodimer on a TRE alone is sufficient to dictate transcriptional activity. We designed several mutated DR4s (half-sites arranged as direct repeats with a nucleotide gap of 4) that bound TR/RXR heterodimers preferentially, and employed them to characterize functional and biochemical properties of the heterodimers on DNA. Although TR/RXR heterodimer binding was similar on some of the mutated DR4s, transient transfection assays showed that TRalpha failed to support triiodothyronine (T3)-stimulated transcription on "inactive" DR4s but mediated basal repression on both "active" and inactive mutated DR4. T3 binding assays showed that the mutated DR4s did not affect T3 binding to the heterodimer. Finally, partial proteolysis studies revealed that binding of active DR4 elements and T3 to the heterodimer synergistically enhanced heterodimerization-induced protease resistance of TR, but not RXR, in the heterodimer. These results suggest that: 1) liganded TR/RXR heterodimer binding to a DR4 is not sufficient for transcriptional activation of the target gene, and 2) DNA sequences in specific TREs may modify T3-mediated transcription by affecting the conformation of the liganded heterodimer.

Identification of functional positive and negative thyroid hormone-responsive elements in the rat apolipoprotein AI promoter

Transcription of the antiatherogenic protein apolipoprotein AI is regulated by the thyroid hormone, L-triiodothyronine. Transient transfection and electrophoretic mobility shift assays were used to identify the cis-acting elements involved. In transient transfection assays, hormone bound to either thyroid hormone receptor alpha or beta exerts a positive effect through a thyroid hormone response element, site A (-208 to -193). In the absence of site A, liganded receptor alpha or beta have a negative effect on promoter activity. This negative effect is mediated by a 40 bp fragment spanning nucleotides -46 to -7. Closer examination of this region of the gene shows there to be a negative thyroid hormone response element at position -25 to -20 which is fused to the 3' end of the TATA element. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays show that bacterially expressed chicken or rat thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1 binds to site A, either as a homodimer or as a heterodimer with the human 9-cis-retinoic acid receptor alpha. In contrast, the negative thyroid hormone responsive element binds chicken thyroid hormone receptor alpha exclusively as a monomer. Site-directed mutagenesis of the negative thyroid hormone response element abolished the inhibitory effects of the hormone and increased basal promoter activity by up to 40-fold. These data suggest that functional positive and negative thyroid hormone response elements coexist within the rat apolipoprotein AI promoter and both elements contribute to the control of apolipoprotein AI gene expression.

Control of growth hormone synthesis

A large body of research, primarily in the rodent and human species, has elucidated many of the details regarding the control of GH synthesis and release. Cell type-specific transcriptional control has been identified as the main mechanism of the somatotroph-specific expression of GH. The recent detailed analysis in rodents and humans of a highly specific transcriptional activator protein, PIT-1, has opened several new areas of study. This is especially true for research in the farm animal species, where PIT-1 has been cloned and its binding elements on the GH gene are being investigated in a number of economically important species. Genetic and biochemical analyses of PIT-1 and other GH regulators have shown the central role of PIT-1 not only in the cell-autonomous stimulation of GH gene transcription, but also in the participation of PIT-1 in the response at the GH gene to exogenous hormones such as RA and TH. PIT-1 has been implicated in the proliferative development of the pituitary itself, in the maintenance of anterior pituitary cell types once cell types are defined, and in the mechanism by which the hypothalamic signal for GH release is transduced. However, PIT-1 by itself does not activate the GH gene, so that additional unknown factors exist that need to be identified to fully understand the cell type-specific activation of the GH gene. In addition, GH gene regulatory elements acting through well-characterized systems such as TH have seemingly different effects; the specific context of the regulatory elements relative to the promoter elements appear to be crucial. These contextual details of GH gene regulation are not well understood for any species and need to be further studied to be able to make predictions for particular elements and regulatory mechanisms across species. The regulation of the pulsatile secretion of GH by GHRH and SRIH is reasonably well understood after the cloning and analysis of the two releasing factors and their receptors. Modification or manipulation of the pathways involved in the regulation of GH secretion is a potential means of enhancing the lean tissue growth of meat animals. However, further understanding of the systems controlling the in vivo release of GH is needed before such manipulations are likely to be productive. Several other research questions regarding the control of GH expression and release remain to be answered. What is the biochemical connection between exogenous signal transduction (i.e., GRH/GHRH-R, TR, ER, RAR) and PIT-1 at the GH gene? Are there additional coactivators or repressors of GH that respond to cAMP levels? Do ubiquitous regulatory factors such as GHF-3 and Zn-15, identified thus far only in the rat, exist in humans or livestock? Zn-15 is expected to be found in many mammalian species, because its recognition sequence between the PIT-1 binding sites is highly conserved across mammals (Figure 2). What is the mechanism causing GH levels to drop during aging? Does PIT-1 expression decrease during the lifespan of animals? Is it possible to increase GH gene expression within target tissues by directing the expression of PIT-1 to these tissues via transgenesis, or are other factors limiting in peripheral tissues so that the lack of PIT-1 expression is not the deciding factor? Finally, is there genetic variation in the expression of GHRH and/or SRIH or in their respective receptors? These questions are relevant to and could be investigated in several of the livestock species.

The 1994 Upjohn Award Lecture. Molecular and genetic approaches to the study of signal transduction in the adrenal cortex

This review highlights contributions from my laboratory in which the sites and mechanisms of action of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the adrenal cortex have been explored. Early studies showing that ACTH stimulates adrenal steroidogenesis by interacting with specific receptors at the cell surface are summarized. Next, the development of a strategy of genetic analysis to define the signalling events that follow ACTH interaction with its receptor is described. This strategy involved the isolation and characterization of mutant adrenal cell lines harboring specific defects in the ACTH-responsive steroidogenic pathway. I describe the isolation and characterization of several of these mutants and demonstrate how these mutants have helped to establish obligatory roles for adenylyl cyclase, cyclic AMP (cAMP), and cAMP-dependent protein kinase in the steroidogenic actions of ACTH. Finally, some of our studies on the regulated expression of the steroidogenic cytochrome P450 enzymes in Y1 adrenal cells are reviewed. These latter studies have led to the discovery of a novel promoter element and transcription factor (designated steroidogenic factor 1) that participates in the coordinate expression of these cytochrome P450 enzymes and that is required for their regulated expression by ACTH and cAMP.

The nuclear hormone receptor gene superfamily

The nuclear hormone receptor gene superfamily encodes structurally related proteins that regulate transcription of target genes. These macromolecules include receptors for steroid and thyroid hormones, vitamins, and other proteins for which no ligands have been found. These receptors have modular domains. The DNA-binding domain directs the receptors to bind specific DNA sequences as monomers, homodimers, or heterodimers. The ligand-binding domain responds to binding of the cognate hormone; this domain and the amino terminal domain interact with other transcription factors. Nuclear receptor-specific actions are derived from a combination of diverse elements, including availability of ligand, receptors, and nonreceptor factors; target-site structure; interactions with other proteins, such as the general transcription factors; and influences of other signaling pathways. These interactions result in ligand-regulated and ligand-independent effects on initiation of transcription of the target genes. Understanding the mechanisms of nuclear receptor action will enhance our knowledge of transcription and hormone influences on disease and facilitate the design of drugs with greater therapeutic value.

Intrinsically bent DNA in a eukaryotic transcription factor recognition sequence potentiates transcription activation

Many eukaryotic transcription factors induce DNA bending on binding to their recognition sequences. DNA bending could play a structural role by altering contacts between the protein and DNA. Alternatively, DNA bending could play a more direct role in transcription activation. To distinguish between these possibilities, we inserted two to eight copies of the intrinsic bending sequence, AAAAAACGTG, into a minimal promoter containing only a TATA box. The intrinsic DNA bending sequence was a potent activator of transcription in both in vivo transfection experiments and in a cell-free transcription system. A protein binds to the intrinsic bending sequence with high specificity in gel mobility shift assays and was required for its transcription in cell-free extracts. The intercalator, distamycin, which eliminates the ability of the sequence to bend, specifically reduced its transcription by about 60%. Mutations in the sequence which abolished DNA bending reduced transcription by approximately 70% in vivo. Competition gel mobility shift assays showed that the transcription factor bound equally well to mutants in which DNA bending was abolished and to the intrinsic bending sequence. These data indicate that DNA bending can play a direct role in the activation of eukaryotic transcription.