Isolation and characterization of the rat tyrosine aminotransferase gene

Relaxed evolution in the tyrosine aminotransferase gene tat in old world fruit bats (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae)

Frugivorous and nectarivorous bats fuel their metabolism mostly by using carbohydrates and allocate the restricted amounts of ingested proteins mainly for anabolic protein syntheses rather than for catabolic energy production. Thus, it is possible that genes involved in protein (amino acid) catabolism may have undergone relaxed evolution in these fruit- and nectar-eating bats. The tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT, encoded by the Tat gene) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the tyrosine catabolic pathway. To test whether the Tat gene has undergone relaxed evolution in the fruit- and nectar-eating bats, we obtained the Tat coding region from 20 bat species including four Old World fruit bats (Pteropodidae) and two New World fruit bats (Phyllostomidae). Phylogenetic reconstructions revealed a gene tree in which all echolocating bats (including the New World fruit bats) formed a monophyletic group. The phylogenetic conflict appears to stem from accelerated TAT protein sequence evolution in the Old World fruit bats. Our molecular evolutionary analyses confirmed a change in the selection pressure acting on Tat, which was likely caused by a relaxation of the evolutionary constraints on the Tat gene in the Old World fruit bats. Hepatic TAT activity assays showed that TAT activities in species of the Old World fruit bats are significantly lower than those of insectivorous bats and omnivorous mice, which was not caused by a change in TAT protein levels in the liver. Our study provides unambiguous evidence that the Tat gene has undergone relaxed evolution in the Old World fruit bats in response to changes in their metabolism due to the evolution of their special diet.

Tyrosine aminotransferase contributes to benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis in opium poppy

Tyrosine aminotransferase (TyrAT) catalyzes the transamination of L-Tyr and α-ketoglutarate, yielding 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid and L-glutamate. The decarboxylation product of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde, is a precursor to a large and diverse group of natural products known collectively as benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs). We have isolated and characterized a TyrAT cDNA from opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), which remains the only commercial source for several pharmaceutical BIAs, including codeine, morphine, and noscapine. TyrAT belongs to group I pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzymes wherein Schiff base formation occurs between PLP and a specific Lys residue. The amino acid sequence of TyrAT showed considerable homology to other putative plant TyrATs, although few of these have been functionally characterized. Purified, recombinant TyrAT displayed a molecular mass of approximately 46 kD and a substrate preference for L-Tyr and α-ketoglutarate, with apparent K(m) values of 1.82 and 0.35 mm, respectively. No specific requirement for PLP was detected in vitro. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry confirmed the conversion of L-Tyr to 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate. TyrAT gene transcripts were most abundant in roots and stems of mature opium poppy plants. Virus-induced gene silencing was used to evaluate the contribution of TyrAT to BIA metabolism in opium poppy. TyrAT transcript levels were reduced by at least 80% in silenced plants compared with controls and showed a moderate reduction in total alkaloid content. The modest correlation between transcript levels and BIA accumulation in opium poppy supports a role for TyrAT in the generation of alkaloid precursors, but it also suggests the occurrence of other sources for 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde.

Comparison of the tyrosine aminotransferase cDNA and genomic DNA sequences of normal mink and mink affected with tyrosinemia type II

Type II tyrosinemia, designated Richner-Hanhart syndrome in humans, is a hereditary metabolic disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance characterized by a deficiency of tyrosine aminotransferase activity. Mutations occur in the human tyrosine aminotransferase gene, resulting in high levels of tyrosine and disease. Type II tyrosinemia occurs in mink, and our hypothesis was that it would also be associated with mutation(s) in the tyrosine aminotransferase gene. Therefore, the transcribed cDNA and the genomic tyrosine aminotransferase gene were sequenced from normal and affected mink. The gene extended over 11.9 kb and had 12 exons coding for a predicted 454-amino-acid protein with 93% homology with human tyrosine aminotransferase. FISH analysis mapped the gene to chromosome 8 using the Mandahl and Fredga (1975) nomenclature and chromosome 5 using the Christensen et al. (1996) nomenclature. The hypothesis was rejected because sequence analysis disclosed no mutations in either cDNA or introns that were associated with affected mink. This suggests that an unlinked gene regulatory mutation may be the cause of tyrosinemia in mink.

Nuclear receptor LXRalpha is involved in cAMP-mediated human renin gene expression

The cAMP-signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the regulation of the renin gene, but the mechanism involved remains poorly understood. We have focused our studies of renin gene regulation on the unique cAMP responsive element (huREN/CNRE, -135 to -107) in the human renin promoter. We have cloned a protein that binds to this unique CNRE and demonstrated that this protein is liver X receptor-alpha (LXRalpha), a transcriptional factor of the nuclear receptor family. Transient expression of LXRalpha in human renin-producing Calu-6 cells increased cAMP inducibility of human renin promoter. Similarly, LXRalpha-stably transfected Calu-6 cells exhibited increased cAMP inducibility of renin promoter as well as the endogenous renin gene. Site-directed mutation of huREN/CNRE, which disrupted LXRalpha binding, decreased cAMP-induced transcriptional activity of human renin promoter. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the binding of LXRalpha derived from human juxtaglomerular cells, the main production site of renin in the kidney, to the huREN/CNRE in vivo. These results suggest that LXRalpha plays an important role in the cAMP-mediated regulation of human renin gene transcription by binding to CNRE.

LXRalpha functions as a cAMP-responsive transcriptional regulator of gene expression

LXRalpha is a member of a nuclear receptor superfamily that regulates transcription. LXRalpha forms a heterodimer with RXRalpha, another member of this family, to regulate the expression of cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase by means of binding to the DR4-type cis-element. Here, we describe a function for LXRalpha as a cAMP-responsive regulator of renin and c-myc gene transcriptions by the interaction with a specific cis-acting DNA element, CNRE (an overlapping cAMP response element and a negative response element). Our previous studies showed that renin gene expression is regulated by cAMP, at least partly, through the CNRE sequence in its 5'-flanking region. This sequence is also found in c-myc and several other genes. Based on our cloning results using the yeast one-hybrid system, we discovered that the mouse homologue of human LXRalpha binds to the CNRE and demonstrated that it binds as a monomer. To define the function of LXRalpha on gene expression, we transfected the renin-producing renal As4.1 cells with LXRalpha expression plasmid. Overexpression of LXRalpha in As4.1 cells confers cAMP inducibility to reporter constructs containing the renin CNRE. After stable transfection of LXRalpha, As4.1 cells show a cAMP-inducible up-regulation of renin mRNA expression. In parallel experiments, we demonstrated that LXRalpha can also bind to the homologous CNRE in the c-myc promoter. cAMP promotes transcription through c-myc/CNRE:LXRalpha interaction in LXRalpha transiently transfected cells and increases c-myc mRNA expression in stably transfected cells. Identification of LXRalpha as a cAMP-responsive nuclear modulator of renin and c-myc expression not only has cardiovascular significance but may have generalized implication in the regulation of gene transcription.

Induction of rat hepatic aryl sulfotransferase (SULT1A1) gene expression by triamcinolone acetonide: impact on minoxidil-mediated hypotension

The hypotensive agent minoxidil (6-imino-1, 2-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2-imino-4-piperidinopyrimidine) depends upon aryl sulfotransferase (SULT1)-catalyzed sulfation for its bioactivation. Previous reports suggest that glucocorticoids induce class-specific SULT1 and isoform-specific SULT1A1 gene expression in rat liver. In the present study, rats were treated with the glucocorticoid triamcinolone acetonide (TA, 5 mg/kg/day i.p. x 3 days) or its vehicle, 2% Tween-20, prior to minoxidil, and subsequent effects on mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and hepatic SULT1 gene expression were characterized. Minoxidil treatment (1.5 mg/kg) resulted in a steady decline in MAP values of 16.3 to 18.6% relative to basal control levels at 35 to 60 min following minoxidil injection. Pentachlorophenol (PCP, 40 micromol/kg i.p.), an inhibitor of SULT1 enzyme activity, effectively ablated the hypotensive effects of minoxidil. By contrast, pretreatment with TA significantly enhanced minoxidil-induced hypotension. Relative to vehicle-treated controls, TA-treated rats displayed a steeper rate of decline in MAP and more profound levels of hypotension with decreases in MAP following minoxidil administration of 27.8%. TA also produced significant increases in hepatic SULT1 mRNA expression (of 271%) and SULT1A1 immunoreactive protein levels (of 273%), relative to vehicle-treated controls. These results provide physiological evidence to support the biological relevance of SULT1A1 induction by glucocorticoids. The data indicate that steroid treatment induces SULT1A1 gene expression and, as a consequence, accentuates the hypotensive effects of minoxidil.

Regulation of sulfotransferase gene expression by glucocorticoid hormones and xenobiotics in primary rat hepatocyte culture

In the rat liver, hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase-a (HST-a) and aryl sulfotransferase IV (ASTIV) represent two major rat hepatic sulfotransferases that are important to xenobiotic metabolism. Prototypic CYP1A1 and CYP2B/3A inducers regulate rat hepatic sulfotransferase gene expression although not necessarily in a coordinate direction. It has been previously reported that in vivo treatment with CYP1A1 inducer 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) suppresses rat hepatic HST-a mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, HST-a and ASTIV mRNA levels become suppressed or induced, respectively, following in vivo treatment with phenobarbital (PB)-like CYP2B/3A inducers or prototypic CYP3A inducers such as glucocorticoid hormones. In the whole animal, sulfotransferase gene expression is modulated by members of the hypothalamic/pituitary-adrenal gonadal hormone axis. However, studies in primary rat hepatocyte culture suggest that prototypic P450 inducers regulate HST-a and ASTIV gene expression directly at the level of the hepatocyte. Glucocorticoid-mediated sulfotransferase expression was compared with the regulation of tyrosine amino transferase (TAT), a gene that is transcriptionally regulated by ligand bound glucocorticoid receptor. It was found that lower doses of dexamethasone (DEX, 10(-7) M) produced concomitant increases in ASTIV and TAT mRNA expression, whereas HST-a mRNA expression continued to rise as the DEX dose was increased through 10(-5) M. When hepatocytes were co-incubated with DEX and antiglucocorticoid/antiprogestin RU-486, DEX-stimulated HST-a mRNA expression was not significantly inhibited by RU-486, but ASTIV and TAT mRNA expression were inhibited to a similar extent. The results suggested that ASTIV, like TAT, is likely regulated by a classical glucocorticoid receptor mediated mechanism, whereas HST-a is probably regulated by glucocorticoids via an alternative mechanism. In contrast to the positive effects of glucocorticoid hormones, HST-a and ASTIV mRNA expression was negatively regulated by xenobiotics such as PB-like CYP2B/3A inducers or aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist CYP1A1 inducers. Incubation of primary cultured rat hepatocytes with PB or structurally dissimilar PB-like inducers clotrimazole, diphenylhydantoin, heptachlor, gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane or 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl suppressed HST-a and ASTIV mRNA levels. Also, incubation of primary cultured rat hepatocytes with CYP1A1 inducer beta-naphthoflavone or with archetypic AhR agonist, 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-p-dioxin (TCDD) markedly suppressed HST-a and ASTIV mRNA expression. These data suggest that the rat HST-a and ASTIV genes are positively regulated by glucocorticoid hormones and negatively regulated by xenobiotics as a result of molecular and cellular mechanisms that act directly on the hepatocyte.

Differences in binding of hepatic nuclear proteins from lean and obese rats to the 5'-upstream region of tyrosine aminotransferase

The glucocorticoid effects on liver tyrosine aminotransferase mRNA levels have been studied in young, lean, and obese Zucker (fa/fa) rats and 5'-upstream regions of the tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) gene have been used in gel retardation studies to investigate nuclear protein binding. Hepatic TAT mRNA levels were increased in obese fa/fa rats but were normalized seven days after adrenalectomy. Corticosterone replacement to adrenalectomized rats restored the increased levels of TAT mRNA in the obese animals. A 60-bp fragment of upstream TAT DNA (-2463 to -2403) was identified which showed higher levels of band shifting after incubation with hepatic nuclear proteins of obese rats compared with the proteins from lean animals. This differential level of gel retardation was substantially reduced by alkaline phosphatase treatment of nuclear proteins. Gel retardation was reduced when nuclear proteins were prepared from adrenalectomized obese rats, and increased with nuclear proteins from adrenalectomized rats replaced with corticosterone. DNA affinity chromatography and gel electrophoresis identified three proteins of approximately 58, 62, and 65 kDa in the DNA-protein complex. Increased amounts of these three proteins were purified from nuclei of obese rats. HNF3 alpha antibodies induced hypershift of the gel retardation pattern implicating HNF3 alpha as one of the proteins that binds to the 60 bp DNA fragment. The data support the hypothesis that decreased phosphorylation of nuclear proteins in obese rats is glucocorticoid-dependent and may contribute to the altered transcriptional activity of glucocorticoid-responsive genes.

Induction of P-glycoprotein mRNA by protein synthesis inhibition is not controlled by a transcriptional repressor protein in rat and human liver cells

Recent studies have suggested that a labile transcriptional repressor protein is important in the regulation of pgp mRNA expression. However, cycloheximide (CHX) the protein synthesis inhibitor used, can increase mRNAs by either stabilizing the mRNA transcript or directly activating gene transcription. To determine whether CHX posttranscriptionally increased pgp mRNA, we compared the effect of CHX, which inhibits protein synthesis by stabilizing polysomes, with puromycin (PURO), which inhibits protein synthesis by polysome destabilization. In rat hepatocytes, CHX induced pgp2 mRNA, and the increase was proportional to the degree of protein synthesis inhibition. In contrast, despite almost complete inhibition of protein synthesis, PURO did not induce pgp2 mRNA. Further studies demonstrated that PURO pretreatment could block pgp2 mRNA induction by CHX. Likewise, in cultures of primary human hepatocytes CHX, but not PURO, induced MDR1 mRNA. A polymerase chain reaction assay was developed to assess whether CHX treatment altered the length of the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of pgp2. CHX treatment time dependently increased the length of the pgp2 3'-UTR. To determine whether CHX acts as a transcriptional agonist, we performed nuclear run-off analysis and found no increase in pgp2 gene transcription compared to untreated control. Further, transcription studies were performed by transiently transfecting HepG2 cells with plasmids containing 5' segments of human MDR1 fused with the reporter chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). These plasmids were not transcriptionally activated by CHX. In summary, our results cast doubt on the existence of a labile transcriptional repressor protein for pgp. Furthermore, these are the first studies to demonstrate that polysomal destabilization by PURO can block CHX induction of pgp.

Identification of a silencer module which selectively represses cyclic AMP-responsive element-dependent gene expression

The cyclic AMP (cAMP)-inducible promoter from the rat lactate dehydrogenase A subunit gene (LDH A) is associated with a distal negative regulatory element (LDH-NRE) that represses inherent basal and cAMP-inducible promoter activity. The element is of dyad symmetry, consisting of a palindromic sequence with two half-sites, 5'-TCTTG-3'. It represses the expression of an LDH A/chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene in a dose-dependent, orientation- and position-independent fashion, suggesting that it is a true silencer element. Uniquely, it selectively represses cAMP-responsive element (CRE)-dependent transcription but has no effect on promoters lacking a CRE sequence. The repressing action of LDH-NRE could be overcome by cotransfection with LDH A/CAT vector oligonucleotides containing either the LDH-NRE or CRE sequence. This suggests that the reversal of repression was caused by the removal of functional active, limiting transacting factors which associate with LDH-NRE as well as with CRE. Gel mobility shift, footprinting, and Southwestern blotting assays demonstrated the presence of a 69-kDa protein with specific binding activity for LDH-NRE. Additionally, gel supershift assays with anti-CREB and anti-Fos antibodies indicate the presence of CREB and Fos or antigenically closely related proteins with the LDH-NRE/protein complex. We suggest that the LDH-NRE and CRE modules functionally interact to achieve negative modulation of cAMP-responsive LDH A transcriptional activity.

Identification and functional characterization of regulatory elements of the glutamine synthetase gene from rat liver

Hepatic glutamine synthetase (GS) shows a unique expression pattern limited to a few hepatocytes surrounding the terminal hepatic veins. Starting from the genomic clone of the rat GS gene, lambda GS1 [Van de Zande, L. P. G. W., Labruyère, W. T., Arnberg, A. C., Wilson, R. H., Van den Bogaert, A. J. W., Das, A. T., Frijters, C., Charles, R., Moorman, A. F. M. & Lamers, W. H. (1990) Gene (Amst.) 87, 225-232] additional genomic clones containing up to 9 kb of 5'flanking region were isolated in order to characterize cis-acting elements involved in the regulation of GS expression. Sequence analysis of the 5'flanking region up to -2520 bp revealed a putative AP2-binding site at -223 bp and a second GC box at -2343 bp in addition to the canonical TATA, CCAAT and GC boxes found proximal to the transcription-start site. A possible negative glucocorticoid-responsive element (GRE) and regions with very weak similarity to a GRE and to a known silencer element were noted at -506 bp, -406 bp and at -798 bp, respectively. Within the sequenced part of the 5'flanking region no known regulatory elements associated with liver-specific gene expression were found except for a putative HNF3-binding site at -896 bp. Functional analysis by transient transfection assays using constructs with the pSSCAT or the pXP1 vector revealed that the elements present within the first 153 bp and particularly the first 368 bp of upstream sequence constitute an active promoter the activity of which is decreased by additional sequences up to -2148 bp. The presence of dexamethasone led to a 2-4-fold increase in the promoter activity of all these constructs. Using the heterologous truncated thymidine-kinase-gene promoter of the plasmid pT81-luc a strong enhancer element was located between -2520 bp and -2148 bp. Its activity was not affected by dexamethasone but was negatively influenced by flanking sequences in both directions. This enhancer was also effective with the homologous GS promoter (-153 to +59 bp) and the heterologous full thymidine-kinase-gene promoter (pT109luc). No further enhancers were found up to -6200 bp. Using the same approach, a second enhancer was found between +259 bp and +950 bp within the first intron. Deoxyribonuclease-I hypersensitivity studies confirmed the presence of a hypersensitive site between +350 bp and +550 bp and suggested a second site between +850 bp and +1200 bp.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Isolation and characterization of the rat gene encoding glutamate dehydrogenase

The concentration of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) varies strongly between different organs and between different regions within organs. To permit further studies on the regulation of GDH expression, we isolated and characterized the rat gene encoding the GDH protein. This gene contains 13 exons and spans approximately 34 kbp. The GDH gene is present as a single, autosomally located copy in the Wistar rat genome, but shows an extensive restriction-fragment-length polymorphism for several enzymes. Promoter activity of the 5'-flanking sequence is shown by transient transfection experiments. The 5'-flanking sequence contains a TTAAAA sequence at position -29, instead of a consensus TATA box and, like many other TATA-less promoters, is characterized by a very high G + C content. In addition, consensus sequences for the binding sites of the transcription factors Sp1 and Zif268 are present in the G + C-rich upstream region.

Molecular cloning and functional expression of a brain-specific somatostatin receptor

The PCR and conventional library screening were used to clone the brain-specific somatostatin receptor rSSTR-4 from a rat genomic library. The deduced amino acid sequence encodes a protein of 384 amino acids and displays structural and sequence homologies with members of the G protein-receptor superfamily. The amino acid sequence of rSSTR-4 is 60% and 48% identical to that of somatostatin receptors SSTR-1 and SSTR-2, respectively, two recently cloned subtypes. Competition curve analysis of the binding properties of the receptor transiently expressed in COS-1 cells revealed a higher apparent affinity for somatostatin 14 than for somatostatin 28. In contrast, the somatostatin analogs SMS 201-995, IM 4-28, and MK-678 failed to displace specific binding in transfected cells. These characteristics resemble the pharmacological binding properties of the previously described brain-specific somatostatin-receptor subtype. Examination of the tissue distribution of mRNA for rSSTR-4 revealed expression limited to various brain regions with highest levels in the cortex and hippocampus. Thus, based on the pharmacology and tissue localization of this receptor, we conclude that rSSTR-4 represents a brain-specific somatostatin receptor.

Cloning of the rat gene encoding choline acetyltransferase, a cholinergic neuron-specific marker

The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is synthesized by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT; EC 2.3.1.6). Since the expression of ChAT in the nervous system is restricted to cholinergic neurons, it serves as a specific marker for these neurons. In Alzheimer disease, ChAT activity is markedly reduced in the affected brain areas. Nerve growth factor can increase the ChAT activity of brain cholinergic neurons in vitro and in vivo. We have cloned the rat ChAT gene and identified one 5' noncoding exon and 14 exons that account for the entire coding sequence. The exon organization is compared with the protein domains conserved during evolution. These exons are distributed over at least 64 kilobases in the rat genome; the largest intron is at least 14 kilobases long. Within a 0.7-kilobase region immediately upstream of the confirmed sequence of the noncoding exon, TATA-like elements and numerous potential binding sites for transcription factors are found, including AP-1, Sp1, octamer-binding factor(s), CTF/NF-1, and the nuclear oncoprotein Myb.

Paradoxical transcriptional activation of rat liver cytochrome P-450 3A1 by dexamethasone and the antiglucocorticoid pregnenolone 16 alpha-carbonitrile: analysis by transient transfection into primary monolayer cultures of adult rat hepatocytes

The family 3A cytochromes P-450, among the most abundant members of this supergene family of microsomal hemoproteins expressed in animal and human liver, are inducible by glucocorticoids but also by such antiglucocorticoids as pregnenolone 16 alpha-carbonitrile (PCN). To investigate the mechanism for this nonclassical glucocorticoid effect, we analyzed the ability of 1.5 kilobases of DNA or of its successive subsegments isolated from the 5' flanking region of the rat CYP3A1 structural gene to modulate transcription of a reporter gene consisting of a viral promoter coupled to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) structural gene (expression vector pBLCAT2) and transiently expressed in a homologous cell system consisting of primary monolayer cultures of adult rat hepatocytes in which CYP3A1 mRNA and protein are inducible. The CAT activity measured after chimeric gene constructions were transferred into the cultured rat hepatocytes by lipofection increased as much as 7.2-fold if the cells were treated with dexamethasone (DEX). One CYP3A1 fragment (positions -220 to -56; 164 base pairs), which does not contain a traditional glucocorticoid responsive element, conferred dose-dependent DEX responsiveness independent of its orientation but not its position in pBLCAT2. This construction was activated by addition of PCN to the cultures and was synergistically induced by PCN plus DEX. In contrast, induction of CAT activity in cultures containing MMTVCAT, a plasmid containing the CAT gene controlled by the mouse mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat, was unaffected by PCN treatment, required lower concentrations of DEX for a maximal response, and was inhibited by treatment with DEX plus PCN. We conclude that a primary mechanism for induction of CYP3A1 is stimulated transcription through a pathway activated by steroid hormones.

Ablation of stimulation of a cAMP-responsive promoter in CHO cell lines defective in their cAMP-dependent protein kinase system

We have studied the requirement for an intact cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) system to regulate cAMP-mediated gene transcription in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Wild-type CHO cells and mutant CHO cell lines selected for their resistance to the growth inhibitory effect of 8-Br-cAMP and defective in their PKA system were transiently transfected with reporter plasmids containing 2.5 and 3.0 kb of the 5'-flanking sequence of the rat tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) gene promoter. This segment of DNA contains no CRE-like sequences, yet wild-type transfectants exhibited a specific increase in TAT promoter activity following growth in medium containing 8-Br-cAMP. In CHO cell lines defective in their PKA, the transfected TAT promoter failed to respond to cAMP treatment. We conclude that an intact PKA system is necessary for the cAMP-mediated increase in TAT promoter activity in CHO cells and that there is no requirement for a CRE to see this effect.

Effects of dexamethasone and cAMP on tyrosine aminotransferase expression in cultured fetal rat hepatocytes

Fetal hepatocyte cultures were used to investigate tyrosine aminotransferase (TyrAT) expression during development. Previous studies showed that TyrAT is synthesized by hepatocytes isolated from 15-day-gestation fetuses maintained in culture for two or more day, then exposed to dexamethasone. TyrAT expression was essentially undetectable on the first day of culture of hepatocytes derived from 15-day-gestation, or less mature, fetuses. Dexamethasone and cAMP are potent inducers of TyrAT and they synergistically induce TyrAT to extremely high levels when added simultaneously to cultured fetal hepatocytes. The effects of dibutyryl-cAMP (Bt2cAMP) alone and in combination with dexamethasone on TyrAT expression are investigated. Hepatocytes isolated from 15-day-gestation fetuses exposed to both inducers possessed detectable levels of TyrAT activity and mRNA on day 1 of culture, and this increased by day 3. In contrast, hepatocytes exposed to either inducing agent alone were essentially negative on day 1, but positive on day 3. This was shown to be a consequence of transcription. When 13-day-gestation hepatocytes were maintained in culture under identical conditions detectable levels of TyrAT mRNA were evident on day 1, and this increased by day 3. Immunocytochemical studies revealed that the appearance and subsequent increase in TyrAT production elicited by dexamethasone and Bt2cAMP were due to changes in the proportion of hepatocytes expressing the enzyme. Therefore, in the presence of both dexamethasone and Bt2cAMP, TyrAT expression can be detected in some cells at an earlier stage of liver development than reported previously.

Genomic organization of the rat aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) locus: partial analysis reveals divergence from the Drosophila dopa decarboxylase (DDC) gene structure

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) is responsible for the conversion of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and L-5-hydroxytryptophan to dopamine and serotonin, respectively, which are important neurotransmitters. We characterized genomic clones derived from the rat AADC locus by Southern blot and nucleotide sequencing analyses to explore the exonal organization of the gene. Our results suggest that the rat AADC gene is relatively large, containing at least 12 exons and spanning at least 40 kb in the rat genome. In this study, nine exons corresponding to 71% of the published cDNA sequence were identified, the smallest of which was as short as 20 base pairs (bp). In the Drosophila dopa decarboxylase (DDC) gene, the sequences homologous to these nine exons are all present in the fourth exon. This implies that either multiple intron sequences have been added to the vertebrate AADC gene or alternatively, deleted from the invertebrate gene after the divergence of vertebrates and invertebrates during evolution.

Occurrence of oligopurine.oligopyrimidine tracts in eukaryotic and prokaryotic genes

A program to analyse the length and frequency distribution of specific base tracts in genomic sequences is described. The frequency of oligopurine.oligopyrimidine tracts (R.Y. tracts) in a data base of 163 transcribed genes is analysed and compared. The complete genomes of SV40 virus, N. tobacum chloroplast, yeast 2 micron plasmid, bacteriophage lambda, plasmid pBR322 and the E. coli lac operon are also analyzed. A highly significant overrepresentation of oligopurine and oligopyrimidine tracts is observed in all eukaryotic genes examined, as well as in the chloroplast genome. The overrepresentation is evident in all gene subregions of the chloroplast, in the following order: intergenic regions, 3' downstream and 5' upstream (promoter), 5' and 3' untranslated, introns and coding regions. In genes coding for basic proteins, oligopurine rather than oligopyrimidine tracts are found on the coding stand. In prokaryotic genes only the longest R.Y. tracts (greater than or equal to 12) are found in excess, and are concentrated near regulatory regions. While a structural role for R.Y. tracts is most likely in intergenic regions, a functional role, as initiation sites for strand separation, is proposed for regulatory gene regions.

Glucocorticoids locally disrupt an array of positioned nucleosomes on the rat tyrosine aminotransferase promoter in hepatoma cells

Transcriptional activation by steroid hormones is often associated with the appearance of a DNase I hypersensitive site resulting from a local alteration of the nucleoprotein structure of the promoter. For the mouse mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat, a viral promoter under glucocorticoid control, a model has been proposed: the appearance of the hormonodependent DNase I hypersensitive site reflects the displacement of a single precisely positioned nucleosome associated with the glucocorticoid responsive elements. To determine if such a mechanism is of general relevance in transcriptional activation by steroid hormones, we have investigated the nucleosomal organization of the rat tyrosine aminotransferase promoter over a 1-kilobase region that contains the glucocorticoid regulatory target. This region displays a hormonodependent DNase I hypersensitive site. In the absence of hormone, micrococcal nuclease digestion of nuclei demonstrates the presence of positioned nucleosomes, with cutting sites centered around positions -3080, -2900, -2700, -2800, -2255, and -2040. Treatment of the cells with dexamethasone induces a disruption of the chromatin structure over a relatively short stretch of DNA (approximately positions -2400 to -2650) that overlaps two nucleosomes. These observations suggest a strong similarity in the role of chromatin structure in glucocorticoid-dependent transcriptional activation of mouse mammary tumor virus and tyrosine aminotransferase promoters.

mRNA levels and methylation patterns of the tyrosine aminotransferase gene in aging inbred rats

We have examined the mRNA levels and methylation patterns of the liver-specific tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) gene in inbred female rats aged 6, 24 and 36 months. Northern hybridization analysis of total RNA showed a 65% decrease in the steady state transcript level of TAT in the liver of 24- and 36-month old rats as compared to 6-month old animals. The TAT gene as studied by Southern hybridization analysis using the isoschizomers Hpa II and Msp I was found to be hypomethylated in the liver as compared to spleen and brain at six CpG sites within the gene. Methylation at these sites remained unchanged during aging.

Chromatin structures of the rat tyrosine aminotransferase gene relate to the function of its cis-acting elements

The relationship between DNase I-hypersensitive sites (HSs) and transcriptional enhancers of the rat tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) gene was examined by comparing HSs in and around the TAT gene with the activity of the corresponding DNA sequences in transient transfection assays. In this manner, we identified two HSs as liver-specific enhancers. Of three hepatoma cell lines examined, only one sustained TAT mRNA levels comparable to those of liver. In this cell line, both enhancers were strongly active, and strong hypersensitivity in chromatin over the enhancers was evident. The other two hepatoma cell lines had reduced levels of TAT mRNA and no or altered hypersensitivity over either the enhancers or the promoter. One of these lines carried a negative regulator of the TAT gene, the tissue specific extinguisher Tse-1. This cell line exhibited all HSs characteristic of the strongly active gene except at the promoter; however, one enhancer was inactive even though hypersensitive in chromatin. In a TAT-nonexpressing cell line, inactivity of both enhancers correlated with absence of the respective HSs. We conclude that although hypersensitivity in chromatin necessarily accompanies cell-type-specific enhancer activity, the occurrence of cell-type-specific HSs does not imply that the underlying sequences harbor enhancers active in transient transfection assays.

Isolation and characterization of the human tyrosine aminotransferase gene

Structure and sequence of the human gene for tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) was determined by analysis of cDNA and genomic clones. The gene extends over 10.9 kbl and consists of 12 exons giving rise to a 2,754 nucleotide long mRNA (excluding the poly(A)tail). The human TAT gene is predicted to code for a 454 amino acid protein of molecular weight 50,399 dalton. The overall sequence identity within the coding region of the human and the previously characterized rat TAT genes is 87% at the nucleotide and 92% at the protein level. A minor human TAT mRNA results from the use of an alternative polyadenylation signal in the 3' exon which is present but not used at the corresponding position in the rat TAT gene. The non-coding region of the 3' exon contains a complete Alu element which is absent in the rat TAT gene but present in apes and old world monkeys. Two functional glucocorticoid response elements (GREs) reside 2.5 kb upstream of the rat TAT gene. The DNA sequence of the corresponding region of the human TAT gene shows the distal GRE mutated and the proximal GRE replaced by Alu elements.

Chromatin structures of the rat tyrosine aminotransferase gene relate to the function of its cis-acting elements

The relationship between DNase I-hypersensitive sites (HSs) and transcriptional enhancers of the rat tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) gene was examined by comparing HSs in and around the TAT gene with the activity of the corresponding DNA sequences in transient transfection assays. In this manner, we identified two HSs as liver-specific enhancers. Of three hepatoma cell lines examined, only one sustained TAT mRNA levels comparable to those of liver. In this cell line, both enhancers were strongly active, and strong hypersensitivity in chromatin over the enhancers was evident. The other two hepatoma cell lines had reduced levels of TAT mRNA and no or altered hypersensitivity over either the enhancers or the promoter. One of these lines carried a negative regulator of the TAT gene, the tissue specific extinguisher Tse-1. This cell line exhibited all HSs characteristic of the strongly active gene except at the promoter; however, one enhancer was inactive even though hypersensitive in chromatin. In a TAT-nonexpressing cell line, inactivity of both enhancers correlated with absence of the respective HSs. We conclude that although hypersensitivity in chromatin necessarily accompanies cell-type-specific enhancer activity, the occurrence of cell-type-specific HSs does not imply that the underlying sequences harbor enhancers active in transient transfection assays.

Nucleotide sequence of rat liver tyrosine aminotransferase gene fragment

The sequence of a 3677 nucleotide EcoRI fragment was determined that codes for part of the rat liver tyrosine aminotransferase gene. The sequence was compared with the previously determined cDNA sequence and the intron and exon boundaries were deduced.

Regulation of cytosolic aspartate aminotransferase mRNAs in the Fao rat hepatoma cell line by dexamethasone, insulin and cyclic AMP

Glucocorticoid hormones increase the activity of cytosolic aspartate aminotransferase (cAspAT) in the Fao rat hepatoma cell line. Maximal increase (6-10-fold) was observed 48 h following the addition of the glucocorticoid agonist dexamethasone at a concentration of 0.1 microM. The effect of dexamethasone was specific since it was not mimicked by sex steroids and was inhibited by the glucocorticoid antagonist RU 486. Insulin (0.1 microM) inhibited by more than 50% the induction of cAspAT by glucocorticoids. The cAMP analog, 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (Br8cAMP, 0.5 mM), potentiated the effect of dexamethasone (2-3-fold) and partially relieved the inhibitory effect of insulin on the induction by dexamethasone. Both insulin and Br8-cAMP had no significant effect on basal activity. The mitochondrial isoenzyme was insensitive to the various hormonal treatments. Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of two major (2.1-kb and 1.8-kb) and one minor (4-kb) mRNA species hybridizing with a rat cAspAT probe. The regulation of these mRNAs by glucocorticoids, insulin and cAMP correlated with the variation of the cAspAT activity, suggesting that these hormones act at the pretranslational level. We compared the regulation of cAspAT mRNAs with those of tyrosine aminotransferase mRNA. Both were similarly increased by dexamethasone but the latter was also increased by cAMP even in the absence of the glucocorticoid agonist. In addition, the increase in tyrosine aminotransferase mRNA was inhibited by cycloheximide whereas the increase in cAspAT mRNAs was not. These results show that there are significant differences in the regulation of cAspAT and tyrosine aminotransferase by glucocorticoids and other hormones, although both enzymes probably contribute to the same metabolic pathway.

Hepatocyte differentiation in vitro: initiation of tyrosine aminotransferase expression in cultured fetal rat hepatocytes

A fetal rat hepatocyte culture system has been used to study the molecular mechanisms of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) gene expression during development. It has previously been shown that TAT activity can be detected in 19-d, but not 15-d, gestation hepatocytes on the first day of culture (Yeoh, G. C. T., F. A. Bennett, and I. T. Oliver. 1979. Biochem. J. 180:153-160). In this study enzyme activity, synthesis, and mRNA levels were determined in hepatocytes isolated from 13-, 15-, and 19-d gestation rats maintained in culture for 1, 2, or 3 d and exposed to dexamethasone. TAT expression is barely detectable in 13-d gestation hepatocytes even after 3 d in culture. Hepatocytes isolated from 15-d gestation fetuses have undetectable levels of enzyme activity and synthesis on the first day of culture; both can be assayed by days 2 and 3. TAT mRNA levels in these hepatocytes, measured by hybridization with a specific cDNA, increase substantially during culture. TAT activity, synthesis, and mRNA are evident on the first and subsequent days of culture in 19-d gestation hepatocytes. Transcription measurements in isolated nuclei indicate that the increase in TAT mRNA in 15- and 19-d gestation hepatocytes is associated with an increase in transcription of the gene. Immunocytochemical studies demonstrated that the increase in TAT expression correlated with an increase in the proportion of hepatocytes expressing the enzyme, rather than a simultaneous increase in all hepatocytes. These results support the proposal that a subpopulation of 15-d fetal hepatocytes undergo differentiation in culture with respect to TAT.

Hormonal regulation of TSE1-repressed genes: evidence for multiple genetic controls in extinction

Somatic cell hybrids formed by fusing hepatoma cells with fibroblasts generally fail to express liver functions, a phenomenon termed extinction. Previous studies demonstrated that extinction of the genes encoding tyrosine aminotransferase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and argininosuccinate synthetase is mediated by a specific genetic locus (TSE1) that maps to mouse chromosome 11 and human chromosome 17. In this report, we show that full repression of these genes requires a genetic factor in addition to TSE1. This conclusion is based on the observation that residual gene activity was apparent in monochromosomal hybrids retaining human TSE1 but not in complex hybrids retaining many fibroblast chromosomes. Furthermore, TSE1-repressed genes were hormone inducible, whereas fully extinguished genes were not. Analysis of hybrid segregants indicated that genetic loci required for the complete repression phenotype were distinct from TSE1.

5' flanking sequence and structure of a gene encoding rat 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase

The synthesis and degradation of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, a ubiquitous stimulator of glycolysis, are catalyzed by 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase (EC 2.7.1.105) and fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (EC 3.1.3.46), respectively. In liver, these two activities belong to separate domains of the same 470-residue polypeptide. Various mRNAs have been described for this bifunctional enzyme, which is controlled by hormonal and metabolic signals. To understand the origin and regulation of these mRNAs, we have characterized rat genomic clones encoding the liver isozyme, which is regulated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase, and the muscle isozyme, which is not. We describe here a 55-kilobase gene that encodes these isozymes by alternative splicing from two promoters. Each of the putative promoters was sequenced over about 3 kilobases and found to include nucleotide motifs for binding regulatory factors. The two isozymes share the same 13 exons and differ only by the first exon that, in the liver but not in the muscle isozyme, contains the serine phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The gene was assigned to the X chromosome. An analysis of the exon limits of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase in relation to its functional domains and to its similarity with other proteins plus its G + C content at the third codon position suggests that this gene originates from several fusion events.

Rat gene 33: analysis of its structure, messenger RNA and basal promoter activity

Several overlapping cDNA and genomic DNA clones corresponding to mRNA g33 and gene 33, respectively, were isolated and characterized. The mRNA g33 molecule is 2971 nt in length, exclusive of a poly(A+) tail, and encodes a putative 459 amino acid protein (49,946 daltons). The 13.2 kbp gene consists of four exons, three introns, and has two initiation sites located 27 and 30 bp downstream from a TATA box. Transfection of H4IIE cells with a fusion gene 33 (-1900 to +32)/luciferase construct (pSL330A) gave rise to readily detectable luciferase activity. In addition, primer extension analysis of the gene 33/luciferase mRNA transcribed in these experiments showed that transcription initiates in the gene 33 DNA at two sites consistent with those found in vivo. Analysis of the effect of 5' deletions on basal promoter activity showed that, in relation to the promoter activity of pSL330A, approximately 40% of the activity is lost between -1643 and -1050, another approximately 40% between -550 and -475, and deletion to -55 causes a total loss of detectable luciferase activity.

Hormonal regulation of TSE1-repressed genes: evidence for multiple genetic controls in extinction

Somatic cell hybrids formed by fusing hepatoma cells with fibroblasts generally fail to express liver functions, a phenomenon termed extinction. Previous studies demonstrated that extinction of the genes encoding tyrosine aminotransferase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and argininosuccinate synthetase is mediated by a specific genetic locus (TSE1) that maps to mouse chromosome 11 and human chromosome 17. In this report, we show that full repression of these genes requires a genetic factor in addition to TSE1. This conclusion is based on the observation that residual gene activity was apparent in monochromosomal hybrids retaining human TSE1 but not in complex hybrids retaining many fibroblast chromosomes. Furthermore, TSE1-repressed genes were hormone inducible, whereas fully extinguished genes were not. Analysis of hybrid segregants indicated that genetic loci required for the complete repression phenotype were distinct from TSE1.

Establishment and partial characterization of SV40 virus-immortalized hepatocyte lines of normal and lethal mutant mice carrying a deletion on chromosome 7

Deletions in chromosome 7 of the mouse have been shown to cause failure of expression of various hepatocyte-specific genes in newborn deletion homozygotes, including the gene encoding tyrosine amino transferase (TAT) (EC 2.6.1.5) (Gluecksohn-Waelsch, 1979). Primary liver cultures of newborn albino deletion mutant mice (c14CoS/c14CoS) and of phenotypically normal mice (c14CoS/cch or cch/cch) were infected with SV40 virus and multiplying hepatocytes selected in arginine-deficient medium containing epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin, and hydrocortisone (HC). Resulting normal (NMH-ch) and mutant (NMH-m14) hepatocyte lines expressing integrated viral transforming sequences did not senesce, they multiplied autonomously of EGF in medium with insulin plus HC, and they retained hepatocyte-specific functions. Both lines synthesized arginine and contained albumin and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) mRNAs. TAT-specific mRNA was detected in normal but not in mutant hepatocyte lines. A fragment of the mouse tyrosinase gene, known to map at the albino locus (c) within the region deleted in the c14CoS mutant, hybridized with a 2.5 kb EcoRI fragment of normal NMH-ch DNA, whereas this fragment was undetectable in mutant NMH-m14 DNA. These immortalized hepatocyte lines reflect important properties of normal and mutant liver tissues from which they were derived. The deletion mutant mouse cell lines may be useful for complementation studies involving sequences corresponding to the deletions that encode regulatory gene(s) involved in the control of inducible expression of certain hepatocyte-specific genes such as TAT.

A liver-specific nuclear protein that binds to the distal promoter element of the rat tyrosine aminotransferase gene

Using a gel retardation assay and exonuclease III footprinting, we have analyzed sequence-specific DNA-binding nuclear factors which interact with the distal promoter element of the rat tyrosine aminotransferase gene. A factor called LspA1, binding to a sequence that resembles the consensus binding site for the transcription factor Ap-1, was shown to be present in adult rat-liver nuclear protein extracts but not in the extracts from embryonic liver or spleen nuclei.

Negative control elements and cAMP responsive sequences in the tissue-specific expression of mouse renin genes

The 5' flanking regions of the mouse renin genes (Ren1d and Ren2d) contain putative negative control and cAMP responsive elements. Sequence analysis shows additionally that these putative control elements in the Ren2d gene are interrupted by a 160-base-pair insertion. To document the functions of these elements, we isolated these regions and fused them to the reporter gene chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), which was linked upstream to a thymidine kinase (TK) promoter (pUTKAT1). The chimeric constructs were transfected into mouse pituitary tumor AtT-20 and human choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells. At the basal unstimulated condition, Ren1d 5' flanking sequence in the sense orientation inhibited basal CAT expression from the TK promoter of pUTKAT1, whereas the same sequence in the antisense orientation did not. The 5' flanking region of Ren2d had no inhibitory effect on basal CAT expression. These data demonstrate that the negative control element is functional in Ren1d but is nonfunctional in Ren2d, suggesting that the 160-base-pair insertion in Ren2d interferes with the function of the negative control elements. In response to 8-bromo-cAMP, both renin genes increased transcription 3-fold, suggesting a functional cis action of the cAMP responsive element in both genes. These data may be important in the understanding of the regulation of the tissue-specific expression of mouse renin genes.