Identification of a glucose response element in the promoter of the rat glucagon receptor gene

Misrouting of glucagon and stathmin-2 towards lysosomal system of α-cells in glucagon hypersecretion of diabetes

Glucagon hypersecretion from the pancreatic α-cell is a characteristic sign of diabetes, which exacerbates fasting hyperglycemia. Thus, targeting glucagon secretion from α-cells may be a promising approach for combating hyperglucagonemia. We have recently identified stathmin-2 as an α-cell protein that regulates glucagon secretion by directing glucagon toward the endolysosomal system in αTC1-6 cells. We hypothesized that disruption of Stmn2-mediated trafficking of glucagon to the endolysosomes in diabetes contributes to hyperglucagonemia. In isolated islets from male mice treated with streptozotocin (STZ), glucagon secretion and cellular content were augmented, but cellular Stmn2 levels were reduced (p < .01), as measured by both ELISA and immunofluorescence intensity. Using confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, the colocalization of glucagon and Stmn2 in Lamp2A⁺ lysosomes was dramatically reduced (p < .001) in islets from diabetic mice, and the colocalization of Stmn2, but not glucagon, with the late endosome marker, Rab7, significantly (p < .01) increased. Further studies were conducted in αTC1-6 cells cultured in media containing high glucose (16.7 mM) for 2 weeks to mimic glucagon hypersecretion of diabetes. Surprisingly, treatment of αTC1-6 cells with the lysosomal inhibitor bafilomycin A1 reduced K⁺-induced glucagon secretion, suggesting that high glucose may induce glucagon secretion from another lysosomal compartment. Both glucagon and Stmn2 co-localized with Lamp1, which marks secretory lysosomes, in cells cultured in high glucose. We propose that, in addition to enhanced trafficking and secretion through the regulated secretory pathway, the hyperglucagonemia of diabetes may also be due to re-routing of glucagon from the degradative Lamp2A⁺ lysosome toward the secretory Lamp1⁺ lysosome.

TRIB3 mediates glucose-induced insulin resistance via a mechanism that requires the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway

In the current study, we investigated the role of tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) in glucose-induced insulin resistance and whether the induction of TRIB3 by glucose is dependent on the nutrient-sensing hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) known to mediate glucose toxicity in diabetes. In diabetic rats, TRIB3 expression in skeletal muscle was increased after 10 days of hyperglycemia, and glycemia and muscle TRIB3 were both restored toward normal by insulin therapy. In L6 myocytes, the induction of TRIB3 by high glucose or glucosamine was reversible upon removal of these substrates. To assess the role of HBP in the induction of TRIB3, we demonstrated that the ability of high glucose to augment TRIB3 expression was prevented by azaserine, an inhibitor of glutamine: fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT), which is the rate-limiting enzyme in the HBP pathway. TRIB3 expression was also substantially stimulated by glucosamine, which bypasses GFAT, accompanied by a decrease in the insulin-stimulated glucose transport rate, and neither response was affected by azaserine. Further, knockdown of TRIB3 inhibited, and TRIB3 overexpression enhanced, the ability of both high glucose and glucosamine to induce insulin resistance. These data provide the mechanistic link between the HBP flux and insulin resistance and point to TRIB3 as a novel target for treatment of glucose-induced insulin resistance.

D-glucose‑ and 3-O-methyl-D-glucose-induced upregulation of selected genes in rat hepatocytes and INS1E cells: re‑evaluation of the possible role of hexose phosphorylation

The biochemical events involved in the upregulation of selected glucose‑responsive genes by 3‑O‑methyl‑D‑glucose (3‑MG) remain to be elucidated. The present study mainly aimed to re‑evaluate the possible role of 3‑MG phosphorylation in the upregulation of the thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) and liver pyruvate kinase (LPK) genes in rat hepatocytes and INS1E cells. TXNIP and LPK transcription was assessed in rat liver and INS1E cells exposed to a rise in D‑glucose concentration, 2‑deoxy‑D‑glucose (2‑DG), 3‑MG and, when required, D‑mannoheptulose. The phosphorylation of D‑[U‑14C]glucose and 3‑O‑[14C]methyl‑D‑glucose (14C-labeled 3-MG) was measured in rat liver, INS1E cell and rat pancreatic islet homogenates. The utilization of D‑[5‑3H]glucose by intact INS1E cells was also measured. In rat hepatocytes, a rise in the D‑glucose concentration increased the TXNIP/hypoxanthine‑guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT) and LPK/HPRT ratios, while 2‑DG and 3‑MG also increased the TXNIP/HPRT ratio, but not the LPK/HPRT ratio. In INS1E cells, the TXNIP/HPRT and LPK/HPRT ratios were increased in response to the addition of D‑glucose, 2‑DG and 3‑MG. Furthermore, D‑mannoheptulose abolished the response to D‑glucose and 2‑DG, but not to 3‑MG, in these cells. Liver cell homogenates catalyzed the phosphorylation of 3‑MG to a modest extent, whilst INS1E and rat pancreatic islet cell homogenates did not. Moreover, 3‑MG marginally decreased D‑glucose phosphorylation in INS1E cell homogenates but not in liver cell homogenates. D‑[5‑3H]glucose utilization by intact INS1E cells was decreased by 2‑DG, but not by 3‑MG. These findings reinforce the view that the upregulation of the TXNIP and LPK genes induced by 3‑MG is not attributable to its phosphorylation or any favorable effect on D‑glucose metabolism.

Recent progress on the role of ChREBP in glucose and lipid metabolism

Carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) is a transcription factor activated by glucose that is highly expressed in liver, pancreatic β-cells, brown and white adipose tissues, and muscle. We reported that hepatic suppression of the Chrebp gene improves hepatic steatosis, glucose intolerance, and obesity in genetically obese mice. Moreover, we have studied the role of ChREBP with special reference to feedforward and feedback looping in liver and pancreatic β-cells. Recently, several groups reported that (1) glucose activates ChREBP-α transactivity and in turn ChREBP-α induces ChREBP-β on both transcriptional and translational levels in adipose tissues, and (2) ChREBP regulates glucose transporter type 4 mRNA levels, which may affect glucose uptake in adipose tissues. Moreover, in adipose tissues of obese patients, Chrebpb mRNA levels were much lower than those in lean subjects, while the levels were much higher in liver of obese patients than those in lean subjects. These findings suggest that Chrebpb mRNA levels are different in various tissues and probably in the stages of diabetes mellitus. Herein, we review recent progress in the study of ChREBP with special references to (1) the mechanisms regulating ChREBP transactivity (posttranslational modifications, intramolecular glucose sensing module, feedforward mechanism, and the feedback loop between ChREBP and its target genes), and (2) the role of ChREBP in liver, pancreatic islets and adipose tissues. Understanding the role of ChREBP in each tissue will provide important insight into the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome.

Functional analysis of the 5' flanking region of the human G6PC3 gene: regulation of promoter activity by glucose, pyruvate, AMP kinase and the pentose phosphate pathway

G6PC3 is a widely expressed isoform of glucose-6-phosphatase, found in many foetal and adult tissues. Mutations in this gene cause developmental abnormalities and severe neutropenia due to abolition of glucose recycling between the cytoplasm and endoplasmic reticulum. Low G6PC3 expression as a result of promoter polymorphisms or dysregulation could produce similar outcomes. Here we investigated the regulation of human G6PC3 promoter activity. HeLa and H4IIE cells were transiently transfected with G6PC3 promoter coupled to the firefly luciferase gene, and promoter activity was measured by dual luciferase assay. Activity was highest in a 453 bp segment of the G6PC3 promoter, from -455 to -3 relative to the transcriptional start site. This promoter was unresponsive to glucostatic hormones. Its activity increased significantly between 1 and 5.5 mM glucose, and was not elevated further by glucose concentrations up to 25 mM. Pyruvate increased its activity, but β-hydroxybutyrate and sodium acetate did not. Promoter activity was reduced by inhibitors of hexokinase, glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase and the oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway, but not by a transketolase inhibitor. Deletion of two adjacent Enhancer-boxes (-274 to -279 and -299 to -304) reduced promoter activity and abolished the glucose effect, suggesting they could function as a glucose response element. Deletion of an additional downstream 140 bp (-140 to -306) restored activity, but not the glucose response, suggesting the presence of repressor elements in this region. 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) reduced promoter activity, showing dependence on AMP-kinase. Regulation of the G6PC3 promoter is thus radically different to that of the hepatic isoform, G6PC. It is sensitive to carbohydrate, but not to fatty acid metabolites, and at much lower physiological concentrations. Based on these findings, we speculate that reduced G6PC3 expression could occur during hypoglycemic episodes in vivo, which are common in utero and in the postnatal period. If such episodes lower G6PC3 expression they could place the foetus or infant at risk of impaired immune function and development, and this possibility requires further examination both in vitro and in vivo.

Identification of a novel human glucagon receptor promoter: regulation by cAMP and PGC-1alpha

Previously we have demonstrated that glucagon receptor mRNA expression in cultured rat hepatocytes and pancreatic islets can be regulated by various factors, including cAMP; however, the regulation of the human glucagon receptor gene has not been well-defined. Here we have characterized the promoter regions of the human glucagon receptor gene. Primer extension studies yielded multiple products in both liver and pancreas, corresponding to transcription start sites situated at -166 and -477 relative to the start of translation, indicating two putative promoters. Both transcription start sites were found to be active, when sequence immediately upstream of the start sites were cloned into luciferase reporter constructs. The transcriptional activity of the proximal promoter, but not the distal promoter, could be inhibited approximately 50% by cAMP, indicating that the previously observed inhibitory effects of cAMP on glucagon receptor mRNA expression is mediated at the level of gene transcription. The cAMP-mediated downregulation of the proximal promoter was examined by deletion analysis in the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 and the cAMP responsiveness was found to be located in a region between 1051 and 1016 base pairs upstream of the transcription start site, which contains several putative cAMP responsive elements. Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha), known to be upregulated in the liver by fasting, was found to abolish the cAMP-dependent downregulation of glucagon receptor mRNA expression in vitro, whereas overexpression of PGC-1beta had no effect.

Coupling of glucose response element from L-type pyruvate kinase and G6Pase promoter enhances glucose responsive activity in hepatoma cells

Type 1 diabetes results from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells, which leads to severe insulin deficiency. Insulin gene therapy provides an attractive approach to cure diabetes. The critical factor for insulin gene therapy in surrogate cells is to select an appropriate site for insulin expression and a tissue-specific promoter that is responsive to both physiological glucose and insulin concentrations. A novel chimeric promoter, (GIRE)n-G6Pase, consisting of a 1.6 kb glucose 6-phosphatase (G6Pase) promoter and a segment of the regulatory element derived from the L-type pyruvate kinase (L-PK) promoter, was designed to provide strong and tight control of insulin expression in liver. One or three copies of GIRE were linked to the G6Pase promoter, which showed a stronger promoter activity than the G6Pase promoter alone. The chimeric promoter was inhibited by insulin in a dosage-dependent manner and activated by glucose, two features essential for glucose metabolism. The promoter activity is conserved between species and highly specific for liver cells. The construction of a chimeric promoter with stronger and more sensitive responsive activity to glucose and insulin in liver cells could further advance studies in insulin gene therapy.

High-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis reduces glucagon receptor content in rat hepatocytes: potential interaction with acute exercise

Studies have revealed that high-fat (HF) diets promote hyperglycaemia, whole-body insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recently, hepatic glucagon resistance has been shown to occur in rats fed a HF diet. More precisely, diet-induced obesity (DIO) reduces the number of hepatic plasma membrane glucagon receptors (GR), which results in a diminished response to glucagon during a hyperglucagonaemic clamp. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that a HF-DIO is associated with a desensitization and destruction of the hepatic GR. We also hypothesized that a single bout of endurance exercise would modify the GR cellular distribution under our DIO model. Male rats were either fed a standard (SD) or a HF diet for two weeks. Each group was subdivided into a non-exercised (Rest) and an acute exercised (EX) group. The HF diet resulted in a reduction of total hepatic GR (55%) and hepatic plasma membrane GR protein content (20%). These changes were accompanied by a significant increase in endosomal and lysosomal GR content with the feeding of a HF diet. The reduction of GR plasma membrane as well as the increase in endosomal GR was strongly correlated with an increase of PKC-alpha, suggesting a role of PKC-alpha in GR desensitization. EX increased significantly PKC-alpha protein content in both diets, suggesting a role of PKC-alpha in EX-induced GR desensitization. The present results suggest that liver lipid infiltration plays a role in reducing glucagon action in the liver through a reduction in total cellular and plasma membrane GR content. Furthermore, the GR desensitization observed in our in vivo model of HF diet-induced hepatic steatosis and in EX individuals may be regulated by PKC-alpha.

Alterations in hepatic glucagon receptor density and in Gsalpha and Gialpha2 protein content with diet-induced hepatic steatosis: effects of acute exercise

The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that a high-fat diet-induced liver lipid infiltration is associated with a reduction of hepatic glucagon receptor density (B(max)) and affinity (K(d)), and with a decrease in stimulatory G protein (G(s)alpha) content while enhancing inhibitory G protein (G(i)alpha(2)) expression. We also hypothesized that, under this dietary condition, a single bout of endurance exercise would restore hepatic glucagon receptor parameters and G protein expression to standard levels. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a standard (SD) or a high-fat diet (HF; 40% kcal) for 2 wk (n = 20 rats/group). Each dietary group was thereafter subdivided into a nonexercised (Rest) and an acute-exercised group (Ac-Ex). The acute exercise consisted of a single bout of endurance exercise on a treadmill (30 min, 26 m/min, and 0% slope) immediately before being killed. The HF compared with the SD diet was associated with significantly (P < 0.05) higher values in hepatic triglyceride concentrations (123%), fat pad weight, and plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations. The HF diet also resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) lower hepatic glucagon receptor density (45%) and G(s)alpha protein content (75%), as well as higher (P < 0.05) G(i)alpha(2) protein content (27%), with no significant effects on glucagon receptor affinity. Comparisons of all individual liver triglyceride and B(max) values revealed that liver triglycerides were highly (P < 0.003) predictive of the decreased glucagon receptor density (R = -0.512). Although the 30-min exercise bout resulted in some typical exercise effects (P < 0.05), such as an increase in FFA (SD diet), a decrease in insulin levels, and an increase in plasma glucagon concentrations (SD diet), it did not change any of the responses related to liver glucagon receptors and G proteins, with the exception of a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in G(i)alpha(2) protein content under the HF diet. The present results indicate that the feeding of an HF diet is associated with a reduction in plasma membrane hepatic glucagon receptor density and G(s)alpha protein content, which is not attenuated by a 30-min exercise bout. It is suggested that liver lipid infiltration plays a role in reducing glucagon action in the liver through a reduction in glucagon receptor density and glucagon-mediated signal transduction.

Glucagon Receptors: Effect of Exercise and Fasting

One paradox of hormonal regulation during exercise is the maintenance of glucose homeostasis after endurance training despite a lower increase in plasma glucagon. One explanation could be that liver sensitivity to glucagon is increased by endurance training. Glucagon exerts its effect through a 62 KDa glycoprotein receptor, member of the G protein-coupled receptor. To determine whether changes with exercise in glucagon sensitivity occurred at the level of the glucagon receptor (GR), binding characteristics of hepatic glucagon receptors were ascertained in rat purified plasma membranes. Saturation kinetics indicated no difference in the dissociation constant or affinity of glucagon receptor, but a significantly higher glucagon receptor binding density in liver in endurance trained compared to untrained animals. Along with endurance training, it appears that fasting also changes GR binding characteristics. In animals fasting 24 hrs, a significant increase in glucagon receptor density was also reported. Although the exact mechanism remains unknown, there is no doubt that the liver can adapt to physiological stress through modulation of GR binding characteristics to enhance the hepatic glucose production responsiveness to glucagon. Key words: glucagon sensitivity, liver, endurance training, rats

International Union of Pharmacology. XXXV. The glucagon receptor family

Peptide hormones within the secretin-glucagon family are expressed in endocrine cells of the pancreas and gastrointestinal epithelium and in specialized neurons in the brain, and subserve multiple biological functions, including regulation of growth, nutrient intake, and transit within the gut, and digestion, energy absorption, and energy assimilation. Glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1, glucagon-like peptide-2, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, growth hormone-releasing hormone and secretin are structurally related peptides that exert their actions through unique members of a structurally related G protein-coupled receptor class 2 family. This review discusses advances in our understanding of how these peptides exert their biological activities, with a focus on the biological actions and structural features of the cognate receptors. The receptors have been named after their parent and only physiologically relevant ligand, in line with the recommendations of the International Union of Pharmacology Committee on Receptor Nomenclature and Drug Classification (NC-IUPHAR).

Isolation and functional analysis of mouse UbA52 gene and its relevance to diabetic nephropathy

In delineating the mechanism(s) of diabetic nephropathy various novel genes have been isolated, whereas others remain to be discovered. We identified several up-regulated genes in the kidneys of diabetic newborn mice. Among them was UbA52, a ubiquitin ribosomal fusion protein. Its mRNA expression in the kidney was proportional to blood glucose levels. By in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, UbA52 was exclusively localized to renal tubules, and its expression was markedly increased in diabetic mice. The up-regulated UbA52 mRNA and protein expression were also observed in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, a tubular cell line, treated with 30 mm glucose in both cell lysates and ribosomal fractions. To explore the mechanism(s) of its increased expression, UbA52 genomic DNA was isolated. A transcription start site at -22 bp from the initiation codon was identified and confirmed by primer extension analysis. The UbA52 promoter region included glucose response-related E-box sequences and stress response elements (STRE). Unlike in humans, mouse UbA52 gene had no introns in the coding or 5'-ATG-flanking regions. To identify the DNA segment with maximal promoter activity, deletion constructs were prepared using a pSEAP vector system and transfected into COS7 kidney cells. Maximal activity was confined to -198 to +68 bp, which included E-boxes and STRE motifs. A dose-dependent increase in the promoter activity was observed in cells exposed to high glucose. Mutations in the first E-box (CAGCTG --> TGGCTG) or STRE (CCCCT --> CATCT) resulted in a decrease in the SEAP activity under high glucose ambience. Given the presence of glucose-responsive motifs in the promoter region and decrease in the SEAP activity in E-box mutants in the presence of glucose, these data suggest that UbA52, a ribosomal fusion protein, may be relevant in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.

Functional analysis of the glucose response element of the rat glucagon receptor gene in insulin-producing INS-1 cells

Glucose stimulates the transcription of the glucagon receptor gene in hepatocytes and in pancreatic beta cells. We recently identified a glucose response element in the immediate upstream non-coding region of the rat glucagon receptor gene. We previously showed that this DNA element is centered on a palindromic sequence of 19 nucleotides (termed as G box), containing two E boxes separated by three nucleotides. In the present study, we further characterized the DNA sequence requirements for the glucose induced expression of the rat glucagon receptor gene. Transfection study realized in the insulin-producing INS-1 cells revealed that a fragment of 49 nucleotides, centered on the G box, bears all the features required for the glucose activation. Mutations performed in the 5'-E box totally abolished the glucose responsiveness, whereas mutations or deletion of the 3'-E box only had a limited effect. Deletions performed upstream from the G box revealed that an accessory factor binding site, located in the region just upstream from the G box, is required for full stimulation by glucose. Finally, by using G box based probes in gel shift experiments, we demonstrated that USF1/USF2 transcription factors are part of the proteinic complex that binds to the glucose response element of the rat glucagon receptor gene promoter. In conclusion, in contrast to many other glucose regulated genes, only the 5'-E box appears to be a crucial DNA element for the glucose transcriptional effect. However, an accessory factor binding site located in the region just upstream from the G box is required for a complete stimulation by glucose.

Role of the Sp family of transcription factors on glucagon receptor gene expression

The glucagon receptor mediates the actions of glucagon on carbohydrate metabolism by the liver and on insulin release by the pancreatic beta-cell, which are key processes in the control of glucose homeostasis. The 5'-region of the mouse glucagon receptor gene has been recently cloned and two functional promoters were characterized. In the present study, we show that most of the glucagon receptor mRNA was transcribed from the distal promoter, in the mouse liver. In the distal promoter region, a GC-rich sequence with five putative binding sites for the Sp family of transcription factors was localized. To elucidate the role of these Sp1-binding sites in the mouse MIN6 beta-cell line, the expression of reporter gene constructs containing deletion or point mutation of each site was carried out. Selective mutation of the second Sp1-binding site decreased the activity of the distal promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay with a DNA fragment spanning the three first Sp1 sites confirmed that the second site bound specifically MIN6 nuclear proteins, and supershift using specific Sp antibodies demonstrated that it interacted with Sp3 but not Sp1 transcription factors. These data illustrate that the basal expression of the mouse glucagon receptor gene, driven by the distal promoter, requires an Sp1-binding site that binds Sp3 proteins.

Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-2 action in the murine central nervous system is enhanced by elimination of GLP-1 receptor signaling

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) regulates energy homeostasis via effects on nutrient absorption and maintenance of gut mucosal epithelial integrity. The biological actions of GLP-2 in the central nervous system (CNS) remain poorly understood. We studied the sites of endogenous GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R) expression, the localization of transgenic LacZ expression under the control of the mouse GLP-2R promoter, and the actions of GLP-2 in the murine CNS. GLP-2R expression was detected in multiple extrahypothalamic regions of the mouse and rat CNS, including cell groups in the cerebellum, medulla, amygdala, hippocampus, dentate gyrus, pons, cerebral cortex, and pituitary. A 1.5-kilobase fragment of the mouse GLP-2R promoter directed LacZ expression to the gastrointestinal tract and CNS regions in the mouse that exhibited endogenous GLP-2R expression, including the cerebellum, amygdala, hippocampus, and dentate gyrus. Intracerebroventricular injection of GLP-2 significantly inhibited food intake during dark-phase feeding in wild-type mice. Disruption of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) signaling with the antagonist exendin-(9-39) in wild-type mice or genetically in GLP-1R(-)/- mice significantly potentiated the anorectic actions of GLP-2. These findings illustrate that CNS GLP-2R expression is not restricted to hypothalamic nuclei and demonstrate that the anorectic effects of GLP-2 are transient and modulated by the presence or absence of GLP-1R signaling in vivo.

Mutational analysis of the glucose regulatory element in the promoter of the glucagon receptor gene

Recently, we identified a glucose regulatory element in the promoter of the rat glucagon receptor gene. The effect of glucose is centered on a highly palindromic sequence of 19 nucleotides that we called the G box (Portois et al., 1999, J. Biol. Chem. 274: 8181-8190). This sequence contains two E boxes. Recently, we investigated the role of each individual E box, as well as the contribution of the sequences located upstream and downstream from this G box. (1) Mutation of nucleotides "CA" to "GT" in the first E box (position -543 to -542) suppressed the activation of the CAT reporter gene by glucose. In contrast, mutation of the nucleotides "CA" to "GT" in the second E box (position -534 to -533) had no effect on this glucose activation. (2) Deletion of a sequence upstream from the G box (nucleotides -579 to -555) suppressed the activation by glucose, whereas deletion of a sequence located downstream from the G box (nucleotides -501 to -443) had no effect on this parameter. (3) Subcloning of a small promoter fragment of only 49 nucleotides (-560 to -512) into the pCat5 plasmid conferred to transfected cells sensitivity to glucose in terms of CAT activity. Consequently, all transactivation factors required for this glucose effect must act via this short gene fragment.

Characterization of an enhancer element in the proximal promoter of the mouse glucagon receptor gene

The 5'-flanking region of the mouse glucagon receptor has been previously cloned and two promoter regions were characterized. Functional analysis of the proximal promoter was now performed to characterize cis-acting element(s) regulating basal gene expression. Promoter analysis using deletion constructs in a rat cell line (CA-77) expressing the glucagon receptor, showed that the region from -64 to +127 relative to the proximal transcription start site was sufficient for maximal proximal promoter activity. A DNA sequence spanning the -28 to -16 region organized as an imperfect palindrome was demonstrated to be functional as a cis-acting enhancer. Constructs including several copies of this motif strongly increased activity of the heterologous thymidine kinase promoter. Gel mobility shift assays performed with different DNA fragments spanning this region confirmed that it specifically bound nuclear protein(s) from CA-77 cells, mouse MIN-6 cells or mouse liver. Mutations in the core sequence of this site impaired both reporter gene activity and nuclear protein binding. The palindrome is a novel DNA sequence with no homology to existing transcription factor binding site database. This is the first characterization of a functional cis-acting sequence into the proximal promoter of the mouse glucagon receptor that may support constitutive expression of the gene.

Increased density of glucagon receptors in liver from endurance-trained rats

The binding properties of glucagon receptors were determined in plasma membranes isolated from liver of untrained (n = 6) and swimming endurance-trained Sprague-Dawley male rats (n = 7; 3 h/day, 5 days/wk, for 8 wk). Plasma membranes were purified from liver by aqueous two-phase affinity partitioning, and saturation kinetics were obtained by incubation of plasma membranes (10 microg of proteins/150 microl) with (125)I-labeled glucagon at concentrations ranging from 0.15 to 3.0 nM for 30 min at 30 degrees C. Saturating curve analysis indicated no difference in the affinity of glucagon receptors (0.57 +/- 0.06 and 0.77 +/- 0.09 nM in untrained and trained groups, respectively) but a significant higher glucagon receptor density in liver from untrained vs. trained rats (3.09 +/- 0.12 vs. 4.28 +/- 0.19 pmol/mg proteins). These results suggest that the reported increase in liver glucagon sensitivity in endurance-trained subjects (Drouin R, Lavoie C, Bourque J, Ducros F, Poisson D, and Chiasson J-L. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 274: E23-E28, 1998) could be partly due to an increased glucagon receptor density in response to training.

Glucose-stimulated and self-limiting insulin production by glucose 6-phosphatase promoter driven insulin expression in hepatoma cells

The liver is an attractive target organ for insulin gene expression in type 1 diabetes as it contains appropriate cellular mechanisms of regulated gene expression in response to blood glucose and insulin. We hypothesize that insulin production regulated by both glucose and insulin may be achieved using the promoter of the glucose 6-phosphatase gene (G6Pase), the expression of which in the liver is induced by glucose and suppressed by insulin. Recombinant adenoviral vectors expressing the reporter gene CAT or insulin under transcriptional direction of the G6Pase promoter were constructed. Glucose-stimulated as well as self-limiting insulin production was achieved in vector-transduced hepatoma cells in which expression of the insulin gene was controlled by the G6Pase promoter. While insulin strongly inhibited the G6Pase promoter activity under low glucose conditions, its inhibitory capacity was attenuated when glucose levels were elevated. At the physiologic glucose level of 5.5 mM glucose, vector-transduced hepatoma cells produced a self-limited level of insulin at approximately 0.2-0.3 ng/ml, which is within the range of fasting levels of insulin in normal animals. These results indicate that the G6Pase promoter possesses desirable features and may be developed for regulated hepatic insulin gene expression in type 1 diabetes.

The POU domain transcription factor Tst-1 activates somatostatin receptor 1 gene expression in pancreatic beta -cells

The peptide hormone somatostatin inhibits the release of insulin. The gene encoding somatostatin receptor 1 is expressed in pancreatic beta-cells and insulinoma RIN 1046-38 cells. In the present study the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the somatostatin receptor 1 gene in pancreatic beta-cells were investigated. Transient transfections of RIN 1046-38 cells with promoter/reporter gene constructs and footprint analysis revealed two regions, fp1 and fp2, that were necessary for the observed promoter activity. Mutagenesis of the fp2 region delineated the cis-acting element to the motif 5'-TTAATCATT-3'. The POU domain transcription factor Tst-1 was identified as trans-activator mediating the 5'-TTAATCATT-3' motif-dependent transcription in RIN 1046-38 cells and heterologous CV1 cells. Tst-1, known as a transcriptional regulator in keratinocytes, glial cells, and neurons, has been detected by immunohistochemistry in pancreatic islets. Altogether, we demonstrate Tst-1 as transcriptional regulator in pancreatic neuroendocrine cells.

Structural and functional characterizations of the 5'-flanking region of the mouse glucagon receptor gene: comparison with the rat gene

A putative proximal promoter was defined previously for the mouse glucagon receptor (GR) gene. In the present study, a distal promoter was characterized upstream from a novel non-coding exon revealed by the 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends from mouse liver tissue. The 5'-flanking region of the mouse GR gene was cloned up to 6 kb and the structural organization was compared to the 5' untranslated region of the rat gene cloned up to 7 kb. The novel exon, separated by an intron of 3.8 kb from the first coding exon, displayed a high homology (80%) with the most distal of the two untranslated exons found in the 5' region of the rat GR gene. The mouse distal promoter region, extending up to -1 kb from the novel exon, displayed 85% identity with the rat promoter. Both contain a highly GC-rich sequence with five putative binding sites for Sp1, but no consensus TATA or CAAT elements. To evaluate basal promoter activities, 5'-flanking sequences of mouse or rat GR genes were fused to a luciferase reporter gene and transiently expressed in a mouse and in a rat cell line, respectively or in rat hepatocytes. Both mouse and rat distal promoter regions directed a high level of reporter gene activity. Deletion of the Sp1 binding sites region or mutation of the second proximal Sp1 sequence markedly reduced the distal promoter activity of the reporter gene. The mouse proximal promoter activity was 2- to 3-fold less than the distal promoter, for which no functional counterpart was observed in the similar region of the rat gene.

Glucose regulation of the expression of the glucagon receptor gene

The glucagon receptor gene is a member of a gene family, the expression of which is strongly upregulated by glucose. This review deals with the structure of both the glucagon receptor gene and its promoter. Attention is focused on the glucose regulatory element that we discovered in the promoter of this gene. Regulation by glucose of genes implicated in glucose homeostasis represents one mechanism contributing to the control of fuel utilization. Its deficiency or imbalance could potentially lead to or participate in pathological situations such as diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, the regulatory element of the glucagon receptor gene promoter could be used as a tool for the glucose-regulated expression of other genes. Indeed, an analysis of the glucagon receptor gene promoter demonstrated that only a short fragment of the genomic DNA, easy to subclone, contains all required elements for activation by glucose. Its potential use for gene therapy is also considered, therefore, in this report.

Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II, a new partner of the glucose response element of the L-type pyruvate kinase gene, acts as an inhibitor of the glucose response

Transcription of the L-type pyruvate kinase (L-PK) gene is induced by glucose in the presence of insulin and repressed by glucagon via cyclic AMP. The DNA regulatory sequence responsible for mediating glucose and cyclic AMP responses, called glucose response element (GlRE), consists of two degenerated E boxes spaced by 5 base pairs and is able to bind basic helix-loop-helix/leucine zipper proteins, in particular the upstream stimulatory factors (USFs). From ex vivo and in vivo experiments, it appears that USFs are required for correct response of the L-PK gene to glucose, but their expression and binding activity are not known to be regulated by glucose. A genetic screen in yeast has allowed us to identify a novel transcriptional factor binding to the GlRE, i.e. the chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII). Binding of COUP-TFII to the GlRE was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and COUP-TFII-containing complexes were detectable in liver nuclear extracts. Neither abundance nor binding activity of COUP-TFII appeared to be significantly regulated by diets. In footprinting experiments, two COUP-TFII-binding sites overlapping the E boxes were detected. Overexpression of COUP-TFII abrogated the USF-dependent transactivation of an artificial GlRE-dependent promoter in COS cells and the glucose responsiveness of the L-PK promoter in hepatocytes in primary culture. In addition, a mutated GlRE with increased affinity for USF and very low affinity for COUP-TFII conferred a dramatically decreased glucose responsiveness on the L-PK promoter in hepatocytes in primary culture by increasing activity of the reporter gene in low glucose condition. We propose that COUP-TFII could be a negative regulatory component of the glucose sensor complex assembled on the GlRE of the L-PK gene and most likely of other glucose-responsive genes as well.