Expression of bacterial beta-galactosidase in animal cells

Cloning, Expression, Purification, and Characterization of a Novel β-Galactosidase/α-L-Arabinopyranosidase from Paenibacillus polymyxa KF-1

Glycosidases are essential for the industrial production of functional oligosaccharides and many biotech applications. A novel β-galactosidase/α-L-arabinopyranosidase (PpBGal42A) of the glycoside hydrolase family 42 (GH42) from Paenibacillus polymyxa KF-1 was identified and functionally characterized. Using pNPG as a substrate, the recombinant PpBGal42A (77.16 kD) was shown to have an optimal temperature and pH of 30 °C and 6.0. Using pNPαArap as a substrate, the optimal temperature and pH were 40 °C and 7.0. PpBGal42A has good temperature and pH stability. Furthermore, Na+, K+, Li+, and Ca2+ (5 mmol/L) enhanced the enzymatic activity, whereas Mn2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Hg2+ significantly reduced the enzymatic activity. PpBGal42A hydrolyzed pNP-β-D-galactoside and pNP-α-L-arabinopyranoside. PpBGal42A liberated galactose from β-1,3/4/6-galactobiose and galactan. PpBGal42A hydrolyzed arabinopyranose at C20 of ginsenoside Rb2, but could not cleave arabinofuranose at C20 of ginsenoside Rc. Meanwhile, the molecular docking results revealed that PpBGal42A efficiently recognized and catalyzed lactose. PpBGal42A hydrolyzes lactose to galactose and glucose. PpBGal42A exhibits significant degradative activity towards citrus pectin when combined with pectinase. Our findings suggest that PpBGal42A is a novel bifunctional enzyme that is active as a β-galactosidase and α-L-arabinopyranosidase. This study expands on the diversity of bifunctional enzymes and provides a potentially effective tool for the food industry.

β-Lactamase-Mediated Fragmentation: Historical Perspectives and Recent Advances in Diagnostics, Imaging, and Antibacterial Design

The discovery of β-lactam (BL) antibiotics in the early 20th century represented a remarkable advancement in human medicine, allowing for the widespread treatment of infectious diseases that had plagued humanity throughout history. Yet, this triumph was followed closely by the emergence of β-lactamase (BLase), a bacterial weapon to destroy BLs. BLase production is a primary mechanism of resistance to BL antibiotics, and the spread of new homologues with expanded hydrolytic activity represents a pressing threat to global health. Nonetheless, researchers have developed strategies that take advantage of this defense mechanism, exploiting BLase activity in the creation of probes, diagnostic tools, and even novel antibiotics selective for resistant organisms. Early discoveries in the 1960s and 1970s demonstrating that certain BLs expel a leaving group upon BLase cleavage have spawned an entire field dedicated to employing this selective release mechanism, termed BLase-mediated fragmentation. Chemical probes have been developed for imaging and studying BLase-expressing organisms in the laboratory and diagnosing BL-resistant infections in the clinic. Perhaps most promising, new antibiotics have been developed that use BLase-mediated fragmentation to selectively release cytotoxic chemical "warheads" at the site of infection, reducing off-target effects and allowing for the repurposing of putative antibiotics against resistant organisms. This Review will provide some historical background to the emergence of this field and highlight some exciting recent reports that demonstrate the promise of this unique release mechanism.

ATF is important to late S phase-dependent regulation of DNA topoisomerase IIalpha gene expression in HeLa cells

DNA topoisomerase IIalpha (Topo IIalpha) is regulated in late S phase-dependent manner. To identify late S phase-dependent cis-acting elements of Topo IIalpha gene, we have investigated the synchronized HeLa cells with chloramphenicol acetyltransferase and DNase I footprinting assays. The level of Topo IIalpha mRNA increased after release from aphidicolin block and reached a maximum in 8h (late S phase) in HeLa cells, and Topo II unknotting activity was also in parallel with the level of Topo IIalpha mRNA. The late S phase-regulatory element was found to be located in the region containing ATF-binding element between -290 and -90bp and the region was required for a maximal stimulation during late S phase. DNase I footprinting assay showed that ATF-binding element and novel cis-acting element (Topo IIalpha-specific sequence) were the principal protein-binding sites and the proteins interacting with these elements were induced during late S phase. One DNA-protein complex was formed by DNA mobility shift assay when ATF-binding site was incubated with nuclear extract prepared from late S phase cells, but no protein bound in non-S phase cells. Taken together, these results suggest that ATF may be essential transacting factor for maximal expression of Topo IIalpha gene during late S phase in HeLa cells.

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway promotes skeletal muscle differentiation. Participation of the Mef2c transcription factor

Differentiation of muscle cells is regulated by extracellular growth factors that transmit largely unknown signals into the cells. Some of these growth factors induce mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades within muscle cells. In this work we show that the kinase activity of p38 MAPK is induced early during terminal differentiation of L8 cells. Addition of a specific p38 inhibitor SB 203580 to myoblasts blocked their fusion to multinucleated myotubes and prevented the expression of MyoD and MEF2 family members and myosin light chain 2. The expression of MKK6, a direct activator of p38, or of p38 itself enhanced the activity of MyoD in converting 10T1/2 fibroblasts to muscle, whereas treatment with SB 203580 inhibited MyoD. Several lines of evidence suggesting that the involvement of p38 in MyoD activity is mediated via its co-activator MEF2C, a known substrate of p38, are presented. In these experiments we show that MEF2C protein and MEF2-binding sites are necessary for the p38 MAPK pathway to regulate the transcription of muscle creatine kinase reporter gene. Our results indicate that the p38 MAPK pathway promotes skeletal muscle differentiation at least in part via activation of MEF2C.

Identification and characterization of a novel phorbol ester-responsive DNA sequence in the 5'-flanking region of the human dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene

The phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), enhances transcription of many eukaryotic genes, including that for dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH). In the present study, we report identification and characterization of a novel sequence motif residing in the 5'-flanking region of the human DBH gene, which mediates transcriptional induction by TPA. Deletional analyses indicated the promoter region between -223 and -187 base pairs to be critical. Whereas this region does not contain any putative regulatory motifs with significant sequence homology to the AP-1 motif, extensive deletional and site-directed mutational analyses indicated that a sequence between -210 and -199 base pairs, 5'-ATCCGCCTGTCT-3', may represent a novel TPA-response element (TRE). In addition, alteration of the YY1-binding site decreased TPA-mediated induction of the DBH promoter activity, suggesting that contiguous cis-regulatory element(s) cooperate with this novel sequence motif. Furthermore, insertional mutation analyses between the YY1-binding site and the cyclic AMP-responsive element indicated that the stereospecificity of these motifs is important for intact transcriptional induction by TPA. Taken together, these data suggest that transcriptional up-regulation of the human DBH gene in response to TPA requires coordination of a novel TRE (human DBH TRE, hDTRE), cyclic AMP-responsive element, and the YY1-binding site.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is involved in the differentiation of muscle cells

The differentiation of muscle cells is controlled by the MyoD family of transcription factors. This family is regulated by extracellular growth factors that transmit largely unknown signals into the cells. Here we show that the activity of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), a kinase that is part of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, is low in myoblasts and is induced with the onset of terminal differentiation of C2 cells. ERK activity is also induced in fibroblasts that were modified to express MyoD, but not in the parental fibroblast cells. Thus, ERK induction is an intrinsic property of muscle cells. A specific MAPK kinase inhibitor (PD098059) that was added to C2 cells partially inhibited the fusion of myoblasts to multinucleated myotubes without affecting the expression of muscle-specific markers. This inhibitor blocked the induction of MyoD expression that normally takes place during terminal differentiation. Two lines of evidence suggest that the MAPK cascade induces the activity of MyoD: 1) the expression of constitutively activated forms of MEK1 or Raf1 enhanced the transcriptional activity of MyoD in 10T1/2 fibroblasts; and 2) the addition of PD098059 to fibroblast cells expressing a conditional MyoD-estrogen fusion protein significantly inhibited the expression of MyoD-responsive genes. Our results indicate that the MAPK pathway is activated in differentiating muscle cells and that it positively regulates the expression and activity of MyoD protein.

Phorbol ester down-regulation of lung surfactant protein B gene expression by cytoplasmic trapping of thyroid transcription factor-1 and hepatocyte nuclear factor 3

The lung-specific surfactant protein B (SP-B) is essential for surfactant function and normal respiration. We investigated the role of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (HNF3) in the down-regulation of SP-B gene expression by phorbol ester in pulmonary adenocarcinoma H441 cells. Responsiveness to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) localized to the SP-B proximal promoter (-140/-65 bp) and specifically to binding sites for TTF-1 and HNF3, which act as cell-specific enhancers of SP-B expression. Treatment of cells with TPA (10 nM) caused a time-dependent decrease in both TTF-1 and HNF3 in nuclear extracts and accumulation of both factors in the cytoplasm as assessed by electromobility shift, Western, Southwestern, and immunofluorescence assays. Treatment did not alter the mRNA content or DNA binding activity for either transcription factor. We conclude that down-regulation of SP-B gene expression by phorbol ester involves cytoplasmic trapping and loss of TTF-1 and HNF3 from the nucleus. This mechanism of action is independent of AP-1 and other transcription factors known to be influenced by phorbol ester.

Structure/function relationship of the cAMP response element in tyrosine hydroxylase gene transcription

Expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is limited to catecholamine-producing neurons and neuroendocrine cells in a cell type-specific manner and is inducible by the cAMP-regulated signaling pathway. Previous results indicated that the cAMP response element (CRE) residing at -45 to -38 base pairs upstream of the transcription initiation site is essential for both basal and cAMP-inducible promoter activity of the 2.4-kilobase or shorter upstream sequence of the TH gene (Kim, K. S., Lee, M. K., Carroll, J. , and Joh, T. H. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 15689-15695; Lazaroff, M. , Patankar, S., Yoon, S. O., and Chikaraishi, D. M. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 21579-21589). Here, we further report that the CRE is critical for the promoter activity of the 5.6- or 9.0-kilobase upstream sequences of the rat TH gene, which had been shown to direct the cell-specific TH expression in vivo. To define the structure/function relationship of the CRE in transcriptional activation of the TH gene, we performed saturated mutational analyses of 12 nucleotides encompassing the CRE. Mutation of any nucleotide within the octamer motif results in a significant decrease of both basal and cAMP-inducible transcriptional activity of the TH reporter gene construct. Among the four nucleotides adjacent to the CRE (two 5' and two 3'), only the G residue at the immediate 3' position is important for full transcriptional activity. DNase I footprint analysis indicates a positive correlation between in vivo promoter activity and in vitro interaction between the CRE motif and its cognate protein factor(s). Reconstruction experiments using a TH promoter in which the native CRE was rendered inactive show that the CRE can transactivate transcription in either orientation through a window of approximately 200 base pairs upstream of the transcription initiation site, suggesting that CRE supports transcriptional activation of the TH gene in a distance-dependent manner. Finally, when the distance between the CRE and TATA box was changed by inserting an additional 5 or 10 bases, it was observed that both insertional mutations increased activity by approximately 3-fold. The cAMP inducibility was as intact as the wild type construct. Together, these results are consistent with a model in which transcriptional activation of the TH gene by the CRE requires that it be located within a certain proximity of the CAP site but does not depend on a stringent stereospecific alignment in relationship to the TATA element.

Interactions of the zinc-regulated factor (ZiRF1) with the mouse metallothionein Ia promoter

A mouse cDNA clone, M96, encoding a metal-regulating-element (MRE)-binding protein, was analysed for its ability to act as a metal-regulated transcription factor. The metal depletion of a glutathione S-transferase (GST)-M96 fusion protein showed that Zn2+ ions modulate the MRE-binding activity, suggesting that the M96-encoded protein is a Zn2+-regulated factor (ZiRF1). The methylation interference assay showed the specific interactions of ZiRF1 with the MRE, MREd/c, present on the mouse metallothionein Ia promoter. Point mutations of the MREd/c nullified the metal-regulatory properties of this region. In mouse L-cell nuclear extracts, mobility-shift assays revealed a Zn2+-dependent MRE-binding complex (MBC) with DNA-recognition properties similar to those of ZiRF1. Antibodies raised against purified GST-ZiRF1 were able to specifically recognize MBC in Western-blot analyses. Competition analysis of MRE-binding proteins from mouse NIH3T3 cells with oligonucleotide matching the binding sites for SP1 and MTF1 confirmed that both the basal SP1 and the metal-regulated MBC/ZiRF1 interact with the MREd/c region. The significance of mutual interactions with the metal-responsive promoter regions of either metal-regulated or basal transcription factors is discussed.

Gene expression and cell fusion analyzed by lacZ complementation in mammalian cells

Complementing reporter genes provide biological indicators of coincident expression of proteins in cells. We have adapted intracistronic complementation of the Escherichia coli lacZ gene for use in mammalian cells. Enzymatic activity detectable by quantitative biochemical assay, flow cytometry, or microscopy is produced upon convergent expression of two distinct mutant lacZ peptides within single cells, or upon fusion of cells expressing such mutants. A novel fluorescent substrate for beta-galactosidase (Fluor-X-Gal) increases detection and permits simultaneous microscopic visualization of other fluorescent markers. The enzymatic complementation described here should facilitate studies of cell fusion, cell lineage, and signal transduction, by producing activity only when two proteins are expressed at the same time and place in intact cells.

Monocytic cell type-specific transcriptional induction of collagenase

Interstitial collagenase (MMP-1), a metalloproteinase produced by resident and inflammatory cells during connective tissue turnover, cleaves type I collagen fibrils. This catalytic event is rate limiting in remodeling of tissues rich in fibrillar collagen such as the skin and lungs. The regulation of collagenase expression is cell-type specific; bacterial LPS and zymosan, a yeast cell wall derivative, are potent inducers of collagenase expression in macrophages, but do not alter fibroblast collagenase expression. Since promoter elements controlling collagenase transcription in monocytic cells have not been previously defined, we sought to delineate responsive cis-acting elements of the collagenase promoter in transiently transfected human (U937) and murine (J774) monocytic cell lines. Deletion constructs containing as little as 72 bp of 5' -flanking sequence of the collagenase promoter were sufficient for LPS- or zymosan-mediated transcriptional induction, whereas phorbol inducibility exhibited an absolute requirement for upstream elements including the polyoma enhancer A-binding protein-3 site (-83 to -91) and TTCA sequence (-102 to -105) in both monocytic cells and fibroblasts. Mutagenesis of the activator protein-1 [AP-1] site at -72 abolished basal promoter activity and LPS/zymosan inducibility, while mutagenesis of an NF-kappaB-like site at -20 to -10 had no effect. Nuclear extracts from LPS- and zymosan-treated cells showed strong AP-1 activity by gel-shift analysis, and supershift analysis showed the AP-1 complexes contained specific members of both the jun and fos gene families. These data indicate that, in contrast to most LPS effects, AP-1, but not nuclear factor-kappaB, mediates LPS induction of collagenase transcription in macrophagelike cells. Furthermore, as compared to regulation by phorbol ester, collagenase induction in monocytic cells by cell wall derivatives of bacteria or yeast is largely independent of upstream promoter sequences.

An activation domain of the helix-loop-helix transcription factor E2A shows cell type preference in vivo in microinjected zebra fish embryos

The E2A protein is a mammalian transcription factor of the helix-loop-helix family which is implicated in cell-specific gene expression in several cell lineages. Mouse E2A contains two independent transcription activation domains, ADI and ADII; whereas ADI functions effectively in a variety of cultured cell lines, ADII shows preferential activity in pancreatic beta cells. To analyze this preferential activity in an in vivo setting, we adapted a system involving transient gene expression in microinjected zebra fish embryos. Fertilized one- to four-cell embryos were coinjected with an expression plasmid and a reporter plasmid. The expression plasmids used encode the yeast Gal4 DNA-binding domain (DBD) alone, or Gal4 DBD fused to ADI, ADII, or VP16. The reporter plasmid includes the luciferase gene linked to a promoter containing repeats of UASg, the Gal4-binding site. Embryo extracts prepared 24 h after injection showed significant luciferase activity in response to each of the three activation domains. To determine the cell types in which the activation domains were functioning, a reporter plasmid encoding beta-galactosidase and then in situ staining of whole embryos were used. Expression of ADI led to activation in all major groups of cell types of the embryo (skin, sclerotome, myotome, notochord, and nervous system). On the other hand, ADII led to negligible expression in the sclerotome, notochord, and nervous system and much more frequent expression in the myotome. Parallel experiments conducted with transfected mammalian cells have confirmed that ADII shows significant activity in myoblast cells but little or no activity in neuronal precursor cells, consistent with our observations in zebra fish. This transient-expression approach permits rapid in vivo analysis of the properties of transcription activation domains: the data show that ADII functions preferentially in cells of muscle lineage, consistent with the notion that certain activation domains contribute to selective gene activation in vivo.

Prostate-specific antigen expression is regulated by an upstream enhancer

Prostate cancer can be detected using assays for blood-borne prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is the clinically most useful diagnostic marker of malignant disease. This paper characterizes the 5 -flanking prostate-specific enhancer which controls expression of the human PSA gene This enhancer, located between -5824 and -3738, is androgen-responsive and requires a promoter for activity. Inductions of 12-100-fold activity occur at 1 nM concentrations of the testosterone analog R1881. The enhancer demonstrated tissue specificity as judged by transfections of several human cell lines. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays comparing nuclear extracts from breast cancer cells MCF-7, and prostate cancer cells LNCaP, showed three regions of prostate-specific binding. These three regions are -4168 to -4797 (region I), -4710 to 4479 (region II), and -4168 to -3801 (region III). Region III contained a putative androgen response element at -4136 that markedly affected activity if mutated. These data suggest that prostate-specific gene expression may involve interaction of prostate-specific proteins or protein complexes with the enhancer in addition to binding of the androgen receptor to androgen response elements.

Activity of the distal positive element of the peripherin gene is dependent on proteins binding to an Ets-like recognition site and a novel inverted repeat site

The peripherin gene, encoding a neuron-specific intermediate filament protein, is transcriptionally induced when PC12 cells begin to terminally differentiate into neurons in response to nerve growth factor. Previously we identified two regulatory sequences of the peripherin gene: a proximal negative element (centered at -173), which prevents peripherin expression in undifferentiated PC12 cells, and a distal positive region (-2660 to -2308) necessary for full induction of peripherin in differentiated PC12 cells (Thompson, M., Lee, E. Lawe, D., Gizang-Ginsberg, E., and Ziff, E. (1992) Mol. Cell. Biol. 12,2501-2513). Here we define a distal positive element (DPE, -2445 to -2337) within the distal positive region. Methylation interference footprinting of the DPE identified DNA-protein contact points at a novel inverted repeat sequence (AACCACTGGTT) and an Ets-like recognition sequence (CAGGAG). Functional analysis using site-directed mutagenesis demonstrates that both sites are necessary for the activity of the DPE. In addition, ternary complex formation at the DPE is dependent on both sites. Antibody competition assays confirm that an Ets family member participates in the DNA-protein complex. We have indirect evidence that the inverted repeat binding protein and the Ets-related protein interact directly with each other. Finally, we demonstrate that the DPE is constitutively active and that neuron-specific regulation of peripherin expression may be due to interaction with distal and proximal negative regulatory elements.

Identification of a negative regulatory element in the 5'-flanking region of the human dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene

Transient transfection experiments indicate that a 5'-flanking upstream domain, residing between -437 and -262 bp of the human dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) gene, has a cell type-specific silencer function. This domain contains a putative silencer motif (which we designate DBH negative regulatory element, DNRE), showing sequence homology with the neural-restrictive silencer element (NRSE or RE-1) recently characterized in type II sodium channel, SCG10 and synapsin I genes. When the DNRE was placed at the proximal 262 bp of the homologous (DBH) promoter, it exhibited strong silencer activity both in DBH-expressing SK-N-BE(2)C as well as in DBH-nonexpressing HeLa cells. In addition, the DNRE also exhibited modest silencer activity upon a heterologous tk (herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase) promoter in both cell lines. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated that nuclear extracts from both SK-N-BE(2)C and HeLa cells contain protein(s) that specifically bind to the DNRE. Formation of this DNRE/protein complex was specifically inhibited by an excess of unlabeled DNRE or NRSE. Finally, a similar sequence motif residing in the corresponding upstream area of the rat DBH gene also had a negative regulatory function, indicating that the silencer function of the DNRE is conserved in human and rat DBH genes.

Transcriptional stimulation of the retina-specific QR1 gene upon growth arrest involves a Maf-related protein

The avian neural retina (NR) is derived from proliferating neuroectodermal precursors which differentiate after terminal mitosis and become organized in cell strata. Proliferation of postmitotic NR cells can be induced by infection with Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) and requires the expression of a functional v-Src protein. QR1 is a retina-specific gene expressed exclusively at the stage of growth arrest and differentiation during retinal development. In NR cells infected with tsPA101, an RSV mutant conditionally defective in pp60v-src mitogenic capacity, QR1 expression is downregulated in proliferating cells at 37 degrees C and is fully restored when the cells become quiescent as a result of pp60v-src inactivation at 41 degrees C. We were able to arrest proliferation of tsPA101-infected quail NR cells expressing an active v-Src protein by serum starvation at 37 degrees C. This allowed us to investigate the role of cell growth in regulating QR1 transcription. We report that QR1 transcription is stimulated in growth-arrested cells at 37 degrees C compared with that in proliferating cells maintained at the same temperature. Growth arrest-dependent stimulation of QR1 transcription requires the integrity of the A box, a previously characterized cis-acting element responsible for QR1 transcriptional stimulation upon v-Src inactivation and during retinal differentiation. We also show that formation of the C1 complex on the A box is increased upon growth arrest by serum starvation in the presence of an active v-Src oncoprotein. Thus, the C1 complex represents an important link between cell cycle and developmental control of QR1 gene transcription during NR differentiation and RSV infection. By using antibodies directed against different Maf proteins of the leucine zipper family and competition with Maf consensus site-containing oligonucleotides in a gel shift assay, we show that the C1 complex is likely to contain a Maf-related protein. We also show that a purified bacterially expressed v-Maf protein is able to bind the A box and that the level of a 43-kDa Maf-related protein is increased upon growth arrest in infected retinal cells. Moreover, ectopic expression of c-mafI, c-mafII, and mafB cDNAs in quiescent tsPA101-infected quail NR cells is able to stimulate transcription of a QR1 reporter gene through the A box. Therefore, QR1 appears to be the first target gene for a Maf-related protein(s) in the NR.

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate can convert epidermal growth factor into a differentiating factor in neuronal cells

The rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell line is a model for studying the mechanism of growth factor action. Both epidermal growth factor and nerve growth factor stimulate mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in these cells. Recent data suggest that the transient activation of MAP kinase may trigger proliferation, whereas sustained activation triggers differentiation in these cells. We have tested this model by asking whether agents that stimulate MAP kinase without inducing differentiation can act additively to trigger differentiation. Neither forskolin nor epidermal growth factor can stimulate differentiation, yet both activate MAP kinase in these cells. Together, their actions on MAP kinase are synergistic. Cells treated with both agents differentiate, measured morphologically and by the induction of neural-specific genes. We propose that cellular responses to growth factor action are dependent not only on the activation of growth factor receptors by specific growth factors but on synchronous signals that may elevate MAP kinase levels within the same cells.

Partial characterization of the human CYP1A1 negatively acting transcription factor and mutational analysis of its cognate DNA recognition sequence

Previous studies in our laboratory identified a negative regulatory domain in the 5'-flanking region of the human CYP1A1 gene containing two negative regulatory elements (NRE). Characterization of one of these elements revealed three nuclear protein binding regions: a 21-bp palindrome with a point of symmetry at -784 and two guanine- and cytosine-rich elements that flank the palindrome. Functional studies suggested the palindrome is critical for transcriptional repression, whereas the guanine- and cytosine-rich sequences play a secondary role. In this study, the interaction between nuclear proteins and the CYP1A1 NRE was further defined. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) indicated that the NRE -784 palindrome alone, but not the guanine- and cytosine-rich sequences minus the palindrome, was capable of specific nuclear protein binding. Competitive cotransfection experiments confirmed this observation in intact cells. Specific residues important for DNA-protein interactions were identified by site-directed mutagenesis and competitive EMSA. The loss of specific protein binding was also correlated with the loss of negative regulatory activity in a transient-expression assay. Finally, competitive EMSA was performed with consensus oligonucleotides for known transcription factors. An NF-Y consensus sequence efficiently competed with the NRE probe for specific nuclear protein binding. EMSA supershift analyses indicate that a protein immunologically related to NF-YB is part of the specific nuclear protein complex binding the human CYP1A1 NRE. These studies have refined our understanding of the sequences critical for the transcriptional repression of human CYP1A1. To our knowledge, this is also the first report implicating a member of the NF-Y transcription factor family in negative gene regulation.

Developmental control of transcription of a retina-specific gene, QR1, during differentiation: involvement of factors from the POU family

Developmental control of gene expression often results from the coupling of growth arrest with the establishment of differentiation programs. QR1 is a gene specifically expressed in retinas during the late phase of embryogenesis. At this stage neuroectodermal precursors have reached terminal mitosis and are undergoing differentiation into distinct cell types. Transcription of the QR1 gene is tightly regulated during retinal development: this gene is expressed between embryonic day 9 (ED9) and ED17 and is completely repressed at hatching in quail. Moreover, QR1 transcription is downregulated when postmitotic neural retina cells are induced to proliferate by pp60v-src. We studied the stage-dependent transcriptional control of this gene during quail neural retina (QNR) cell development. Transient transfection experiments with QR1/CAT constructs at various stages of development showed that a region located between -935 and -1265 bp upstream of the transcription start site is necessary to promote transcription in retina cells during the late phase of embryonal development (QNR9, corresponding to ED9). By in vivo footprinting assays we identified at least two elements that are occupied by DNA-protein complexes in QNR cells: the A and B boxes. The A box allows formation of several biochemically distinct complexes: C1, C2, C3, and C4. Formation of the C2 complex mainly during early stages (ED7) and of C2, C3, and C4 complexes during postnatal life correlates with repression of QR1 transcription, whereas the C1 complex is strongly induced at ED11 when the QR1 gene is expressed. We previously showed that C1 was involved in downregulation of QR1 transcription by pp60v-src. Several complexes are also formed on the B box. We show that these complexes are exclusively present in neural tissues and that they involve members of the POU family of transcription factors. Mutations of each one of the two regions which abolish the binding of the C1 factor(s) on the A box and of the POU factor(s) on the B box also prevent stimulation of QR1 transcription in QNR9. Therefore, both elements appear to be required for the stage-specific transcription of the QR1 gene. We also show that the regulatory region from position -1265 to position -935 is able to confer stage-specific transcription upon a heterologous promoter (thymidine kinase). Indeed, this region stimulates transcription in differentiating retinas (QNR9) and represses transcription in terminally differentiated retinas (QNR17, corresponding to postnatal life). Our results suggest that cell growth regulation and developmental control are coordinated through the A and B boxes in regulating QR1 transcription during retinal differentiation.

Organization of the 5' region of the rat ATP citrate lyase gene

A genomic clone, encompassing the 5' flanking region and the first seven exons of rat ATP citrate lyase gene, was isolated from a rat genomic library and sequenced. Primer-extension analysis showed that mRNA is transcribed at 4407 nucleotides upstream from the translation start site. Primer-extension analysis and sequencing of ATP citrate lyase cDNA amplified by PCR showed that the promoter used for transcription is identical in mammary gland, lung, liver, brain and kidney. Southern-blot analysis showed that the ATP citrate lyase gene exists as a single copy. The 5' flanking region contains several consensus sequences defined as promoter elements. These include a CAAT box and Sp1-binding sites. However, a TATA box lacks this promoter. The expression of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene was induced by the 5' flanking region (-2370 to -1) in the CHO cell line. The 5' flanking region also contains several sequence elements that may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of the gene.

Relative glucocorticoid potency revisited

To determine the relative potency of synthetic glucocorticoids, glucocorticoid receptor expressing cells were transfected with a hormone-inducible reporter gene, and were cultured in the presence of various glucocorticoid ligands. Hormonal inducibility was determined by means of a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assay. Dexamethasone and prednisolone, as well as cortisol, induced the expression of the reporter gene in a dose-dependent fashion. The relative potency of each ligand was in this order when inducibility was quantitatively assessed. In conclusion, the transcription assay described here may be a convenient and alternative method to evaluate the relative potency of given glucocorticoids.

17 beta-estradiol mimics ligand activity of the c-erbB2 protooncogene product

We report here the physical and functional interaction of estrogen with the ErbB2 protein p185c-erbB2. The ErbB2 protein immunoprecipitated from estrogen-treated [10(-8) to 10(-6) M 17 beta-estradiol (E2)] RC cells showed higher autophosphorylation activity than that from untreated cells. Likewise autophosphorylation activity of ErbB2 protein from untreated cells was stimulated in vitro by E2. In addition, E2 treatment induced down-regulation of ErbB2 protein from the detergent-soluble fraction of the RC cells within 15 min. E2 also induced morphological transformation of the RC cells but not of the parental NIH 3T3 cells, which express little c-erbB2 under the same experimental conditions. This morphological transformation of RC cells was reversed by tamoxifen. However, E2 treatment did not induce anchorage-independent growth of RC cells. Scatchard analysis revealed E2 binding to the ErbB2 protein on RC cells; the Kd value was 2.7 nM. E2 did not bind appreciably to the parental NIH 3T3 cells or cells expressing an ErbB2 protein lacking most of its extracellular domain. These data suggest that estrogen plays an important role in ErbB2-mediated signaling.

Isoform-specific 3'-untranslated sequences sort alpha-cardiac and beta-cytoplasmic actin messenger RNAs to different cytoplasmic compartments

We demonstrate that in differentiating myoblasts, the mRNAs encoding two actin isoforms, beta-cytoplasmic, and alpha-cardiac, can occupy different cytoplasmic compartments within the same cytoplasm. beta-actin mRNA is localized to the leading lamellae and alpha-actin mRNA is associated with a perinuclear compartment. This was revealed by co-hybridizing, in situ, fluorochrome-conjugated oligonucleotide probes specific for each isoform. To address the mechanism of isoform-specific mRNA localization, molecular chimeras were constructed by insertion of actin sequences between the Lac Z coding region and SV-40 3'UTR in a reporter plasmid. These constructs were transiently expressed in a mixed culture of embryonic fibroblasts, myoblasts and myotubes, beta-galactosidase activity within transfectants was revealed by a brief incubation with its substrate (X-gal). Since the blue-insoluble reaction product co-localized with the specific mRNAs expressed from each construct, it was used as a bioassay for mRNA localization. Transfectants were scored as either perinuclear, peripheral or nonlocalized with respect to the distribution of the blue product. The percentage of transfectants within those categories was quantitated as a function of the various constructs. This analysis revealed that for each actin mRNA its 3'UTR is necessary and sufficient to direct reporter transcripts to its appropriate compartment; beta-actin peripheral and alpha-actin perinuclear. In contrast, sequences from the 5'UTR through the coding region of either actin gene did not localize the blue product. Therefore, 3'UTR sequences play a key role in modulating the distribution of actin mRNAs in muscle cells. We propose that the mechanism of mRNA localization facilitates actin isoform sorting in the cytoplasm.

Transcriptional downregulation of the retina-specific QR1 gene by pp60v-src and identification of a novel v-src-responsive unit

The embryonic avian neuroretina (NR) is part of the central nervous system and is composed of various cell types: photoreceptors and neuronal and Müller (glial) cells. These cells are derived from proliferating neuroectodermal precursors which differentiate after terminal mitosis and become organized in cell strata. Proliferation of differentiating NR cells can be induced by infection with Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) and requires the expression of a functional v-src gene. To understand the mechanisms involved in the regulation of neural cell growth and differentiation, we studied the transcriptional regulation of QR1, a gene specifically expressed in postmitotic NR cells. Transcription of this gene is detected primarily in Müller cells and is strongly downregulated by the v-src gene product. Moreover, QR1 expression takes place only during the late phase of retinal development and is shut off abruptly at hatching. We have isolated a promoter region(s) of the QR1 gene that confers v-src responsiveness. By transfection of QR1-CAT constructs into quail NR cells infected with the temperature-sensitive mutant of RSV, PA101, we have identified a v-src-responsive region located between -1208 and -1161 upstream of the transcription initiation site. This sequence is able to form two DNA-protein complexes, C1 and C2. Formation of complex C2 is specifically induced in cells expressing an active v-src product, while formation of C1 is detected mainly in nonproliferating quail NR cells upon pp60v-src inactivation. C1 is also a target for regulation during development. We have identified the DNA binding site for the C1 complex, a repeated GCTGAC sequence, and shown that mutations in this element abolish binding of this factor as well as transcription of the gene at the nonpermissive temperature. Neither formation of C1 nor that of C2 seems to involve factors known to be targeted in the pp60v-src cascade. Our data suggest that C1 could be a novel target for both developmental control and oncogene-induced cell growth regulation.

Transcriptional downregulation of the retina-specific QR1 gene by pp60v-src and identification of a novel v-src-responsive unit

The embryonic avian neuroretina (NR) is part of the central nervous system and is composed of various cell types: photoreceptors and neuronal and Müller (glial) cells. These cells are derived from proliferating neuroectodermal precursors which differentiate after terminal mitosis and become organized in cell strata. Proliferation of differentiating NR cells can be induced by infection with Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) and requires the expression of a functional v-src gene. To understand the mechanisms involved in the regulation of neural cell growth and differentiation, we studied the transcriptional regulation of QR1, a gene specifically expressed in postmitotic NR cells. Transcription of this gene is detected primarily in Müller cells and is strongly downregulated by the v-src gene product. Moreover, QR1 expression takes place only during the late phase of retinal development and is shut off abruptly at hatching. We have isolated a promoter region(s) of the QR1 gene that confers v-src responsiveness. By transfection of QR1-CAT constructs into quail NR cells infected with the temperature-sensitive mutant of RSV, PA101, we have identified a v-src-responsive region located between -1208 and -1161 upstream of the transcription initiation site. This sequence is able to form two DNA-protein complexes, C1 and C2. Formation of complex C2 is specifically induced in cells expressing an active v-src product, while formation of C1 is detected mainly in nonproliferating quail NR cells upon pp60v-src inactivation. C1 is also a target for regulation during development. We have identified the DNA binding site for the C1 complex, a repeated GCTGAC sequence, and shown that mutations in this element abolish binding of this factor as well as transcription of the gene at the nonpermissive temperature. Neither formation of C1 nor that of C2 seems to involve factors known to be targeted in the pp60v-src cascade. Our data suggest that C1 could be a novel target for both developmental control and oncogene-induced cell growth regulation.

Alpha B-crystallin expression in mouse NIH 3T3 fibroblasts: glucocorticoid responsiveness and involvement in thermal protection

alpha B-crystallin, a major soluble protein of vertebrate eye lenses, is a small heat shock protein which transiently accumulates in response to heat shock and other kinds of stress in mouse NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Ectopic expression of an alpha B-crystallin cDNA clone renders NIH 3T3 cells thermoresistant. alpha B-crystallin accumulates in response to the synthetic glucocorticoid hormone dexamethasone. Dexamethasone-treated NIH 3T3 cells become thermoresistant to the same extent as they accumulate alpha B-crystallin. A cell clone in which alpha B-crystallin is superinduced upon heat shock acquires augmented thermotolerance. Expression of the ras oncogene causes a rapid but transient accumulation of alpha B-crystallin within 1 day. Later, sustained ras oncogene expression suppresses the dexamethasone-mediated alpha B-crystallin accumulation. Thus, oncogenic transformation triggered by the ras oncogene interferes with hormone-mediated accumulation of alpha B-crystallin and concomitant acquisition of thermoresistance. Other known heat shock proteins do not accumulate in response to ectopic alpha B-crystallin expression or to dexamethasone treatment. These results indicate that alpha B-crystallin can protect NIH 3T3 fibroblasts from thermal shock.

Alpha B-crystallin expression in mouse NIH 3T3 fibroblasts: glucocorticoid responsiveness and involvement in thermal protection

alpha B-crystallin, a major soluble protein of vertebrate eye lenses, is a small heat shock protein which transiently accumulates in response to heat shock and other kinds of stress in mouse NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Ectopic expression of an alpha B-crystallin cDNA clone renders NIH 3T3 cells thermoresistant. alpha B-crystallin accumulates in response to the synthetic glucocorticoid hormone dexamethasone. Dexamethasone-treated NIH 3T3 cells become thermoresistant to the same extent as they accumulate alpha B-crystallin. A cell clone in which alpha B-crystallin is superinduced upon heat shock acquires augmented thermotolerance. Expression of the ras oncogene causes a rapid but transient accumulation of alpha B-crystallin within 1 day. Later, sustained ras oncogene expression suppresses the dexamethasone-mediated alpha B-crystallin accumulation. Thus, oncogenic transformation triggered by the ras oncogene interferes with hormone-mediated accumulation of alpha B-crystallin and concomitant acquisition of thermoresistance. Other known heat shock proteins do not accumulate in response to ectopic alpha B-crystallin expression or to dexamethasone treatment. These results indicate that alpha B-crystallin can protect NIH 3T3 fibroblasts from thermal shock.

Electroporation and electrophoretic DNA transfer into cells. The effect of DNA interaction with electropores

It has been shown recently that electrically induced DNA transfer into cells is a fast vectorial process with the same direction as DNA electrophoresis in an external electric field (Klenchin, V. A., S. I. Sukharev, S. M. Serov, L. V. Chernomordik, and Y. A. Chizmadzhev. 1991. Biophys. J. 60:804-811). Here we describe the effect of DNA interaction with membrane electropores and provide additional evidences for the key role of DNA electrophoresis in cell electrotransfection. The assay of electrically induced uptake of fluorescent dextrans (FDs) by cells shows that the presence of DNA in the medium during electroporation leads to a sharp increase in membrane permeability to FDs of M(r) < 20,000. The permeability increases with DNA concentration and the effect is seen even if FD is added to the cell suspension a few minutes after pulse application. The longer the DNA fragment, the greater the increase in permeability. The use of a two-pulse technique allows us to separate two effects provided by a pulsed electric field: membrane electroporation and DNA electrophoresis. The first pulse (6 kV/cm, 10 microseconds) creates pores efficiently, whereas transfection efficiency (TE) is low. The second pulse of much lower amplitude, but substantially longer (0.2 kV/cm, 10 ms), does not cause poration and transfection by itself but enhances TE by about one order of magnitude. In two-pulse experiments, TE rises monotonously with the increase of the second pulse duration. By varying the delay duration between the two pulses, we estimate the lifetime of electropores (which are DNA-permeable in conditions of low electric field) as tens of seconds. The data suggest that the mechanism of cell electrotransfection is underlain by electrophoretic movement of DNA through membrane pores, the size of which is determined by interaction with DNA in an electric field.

Effect of deletions 5' to the translation initiation sequence on the expression of an mRNA in animal cells

To learn if an mRNA.18S rRNA interaction or a special secondary structure in the mRNA start region is essential for translation in eukaryotic cells, we constructed recombinant plasmids with the SV40 early promoter 5' to part of the Escherichia coli tufB-lacZ gene. Deletion of bases potentially complementary to the 18S rRNA highly increased the transient beta-galactosidase expressed in transfected CHO cells. Deletion of bases that fostered formation of potential hairpins with the mRNA 5'-terminus or altered the structure of the coding region reduced beta-galactosidase activity suggesting that these features of the mRNA secondary structure may be essential for initiation of translation. Computer aided analysis of the potential structure of 290 mRNAs suggests these are conserved features of the initiation region.

Quantitation of transient gene expression after electroporation

The combination of a photometric reporter-gene assay, with transfection by electroporation, is potentially a rapid and sensitive tool for the study of genetic regulatory elements in many types of cells. We have found that the sensitivity, accuracy, and reproducibility of the technique is greatly improved by the inclusion of appropriately chosen carrier DNA as the primary DNA species present during electroporation. By using high levels of carrier, the activities of constructs of differing sizes can be quantitatively compared, active constructs can be assayed with sub-microgram amounts of plasmid, and the activities of the constructs are linear over a wide concentration of DNA. In addition, the activity of miniprep DNA can be screened without purification on CsCl gradients giving activities equal to CsCl-purified DNA. This is extremely useful when doing preliminary screening of large numbers of constructs for promoter or enhancer activities. We report the results of testing various types of DNA as carrier, and the parameters for optimizing its use.

Nerve growth factor-induced derepression of peripherin gene expression is associated with alterations in proteins binding to a negative regulatory element

The peripherin gene, which encodes a neuronal-specific intermediate filament protein, is transcriptionally induced with a late time course when nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulates PC12 cells to differentiate into neurons. We have studied its transcriptional regulation in order to better understand the neuronal-specific end steps of the signal transduction pathway of NGF. By 5' deletion mapping of the peripherin promoter, we have localized two positive regulatory elements necessary for full induction by NGF: a distal positive element and a proximal constitutive element within 111 bp of the transcriptional start site. In addition, there is a negative regulatory element (NRE; -179 to -111), the deletion of which results in elevated basal expression of the gene. Methylation interference footprinting of the NRE defined a unique sequence, GGCAGGGCGCC, as the binding site for proteins present in nuclear extracts from both undifferentiated and differentiated PC12 cells. However, DNA mobility shift assays using an oligonucleotide probe containing the footprinted sequence demonstrate a prominent retarded complex in extracts from undifferentiated PC12 cells which migrates with slower mobility than do the complexes produced by using differentiated PC12 cell extract. Transfection experiments using peripherin-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase constructs in which the footprinted sequence has been mutated confirm that the NRE has a functional, though not exclusive, role in repressing peripherin expression in undifferentiated and nonneuronal cells. We propose a two-step model of activation of peripherin by NGF in which dissociation of a repressor from the protein complex at the NRE, coupled with a positive signal from the distal positive element, results in depression of the gene.

Nerve growth factor-induced derepression of peripherin gene expression is associated with alterations in proteins binding to a negative regulatory element

The peripherin gene, which encodes a neuronal-specific intermediate filament protein, is transcriptionally induced with a late time course when nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulates PC12 cells to differentiate into neurons. We have studied its transcriptional regulation in order to better understand the neuronal-specific end steps of the signal transduction pathway of NGF. By 5' deletion mapping of the peripherin promoter, we have localized two positive regulatory elements necessary for full induction by NGF: a distal positive element and a proximal constitutive element within 111 bp of the transcriptional start site. In addition, there is a negative regulatory element (NRE; -179 to -111), the deletion of which results in elevated basal expression of the gene. Methylation interference footprinting of the NRE defined a unique sequence, GGCAGGGCGCC, as the binding site for proteins present in nuclear extracts from both undifferentiated and differentiated PC12 cells. However, DNA mobility shift assays using an oligonucleotide probe containing the footprinted sequence demonstrate a prominent retarded complex in extracts from undifferentiated PC12 cells which migrates with slower mobility than do the complexes produced by using differentiated PC12 cell extract. Transfection experiments using peripherin-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase constructs in which the footprinted sequence has been mutated confirm that the NRE has a functional, though not exclusive, role in repressing peripherin expression in undifferentiated and nonneuronal cells. We propose a two-step model of activation of peripherin by NGF in which dissociation of a repressor from the protein complex at the NRE, coupled with a positive signal from the distal positive element, results in depression of the gene.

Repression of the beta-amyloid gene in a Hox-3.1-producing cell line

Mammalian homeobox genes are widely expressed in the developing central nervous system and are postulated to control developmental processes by regulating gene expression at the transcriptional level. In vitro studies have identified consensus DNA sequences that contain an ATTA core as sites for interaction with homeodomain proteins. Such elements have been found in the upstream regulatory region of the gene encoding beta-amyloid precursor protein, which is associated with the neurological disorder Alzheimer disease. As the beta-amyloid precursor protein gene is also expressed in the developing central nervous system and appears to play a role in cellular regulatory processes, we have examined the possibility that a homeobox gene product can regulate its transcription. We demonstrate by Northern blot analyses and transfection experiments that the expression of the beta-amyloid precursor protein gene is decreased in cultured cells expressing the mouse homeobox gene Hox-3.1.

Identification of a negative regulatory element that inhibits c-mos transcription in somatic cells

We have used transient expression assays to identify a cis-acting region in the 5' flanking sequence of murine c-mos which, when deleted, allows expression from the c-mos promoter in NIH 3T3 cells. This negative regulatory sequence, located 400 to 500 nucleotides upstream of the c-mos ATG, also inhibited expression from a heterologous promoter. In addition to NIH 3T3 cells, the c-mos negative regulatory sequence was active in BALB/3T3 cells, PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells, and A549 human lung carcinoma cells. Site-specific mutagenesis identified three possibly interacting regions that were involved in negative regulatory activity, located around -460, -425, and -405 with respect to the ATG. RNase protection analysis indicated that once the negative regulatory sequences were deleted, transcription in NIH 3T3 cells initiated from the same transcription initiation sites normally utilized in spermatocytes, approximately 280 nucleotides upstream of the ATG. Deletions beyond the spermatocyte promoter, however, allowed transcription initiation from progressively downstream c-mos sequences. Deletion or mutation of sequences surrounding the oocyte promoter at -53 also had little effect on expression of c-mos constructs in NIH 3T3 cells. Therefore, the major determinant of c-mos expression in NIH 3T3 cells was removal of the negative regulatory sequence rather than the utilization of a unique promoter. The c-mos negative regulatory sequences thus appear to play a significant role in tissue-specific c-mos expression by inhibiting transcription in somatic cells.

Identification of a negative regulatory element that inhibits c-mos transcription in somatic cells

We have used transient expression assays to identify a cis-acting region in the 5' flanking sequence of murine c-mos which, when deleted, allows expression from the c-mos promoter in NIH 3T3 cells. This negative regulatory sequence, located 400 to 500 nucleotides upstream of the c-mos ATG, also inhibited expression from a heterologous promoter. In addition to NIH 3T3 cells, the c-mos negative regulatory sequence was active in BALB/3T3 cells, PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells, and A549 human lung carcinoma cells. Site-specific mutagenesis identified three possibly interacting regions that were involved in negative regulatory activity, located around -460, -425, and -405 with respect to the ATG. RNase protection analysis indicated that once the negative regulatory sequences were deleted, transcription in NIH 3T3 cells initiated from the same transcription initiation sites normally utilized in spermatocytes, approximately 280 nucleotides upstream of the ATG. Deletions beyond the spermatocyte promoter, however, allowed transcription initiation from progressively downstream c-mos sequences. Deletion or mutation of sequences surrounding the oocyte promoter at -53 also had little effect on expression of c-mos constructs in NIH 3T3 cells. Therefore, the major determinant of c-mos expression in NIH 3T3 cells was removal of the negative regulatory sequence rather than the utilization of a unique promoter. The c-mos negative regulatory sequences thus appear to play a significant role in tissue-specific c-mos expression by inhibiting transcription in somatic cells.

Electrically induced DNA uptake by cells is a fast process involving DNA electrophoresis

Simian Cos-1 cells were transfected electrically with the plasmid pCH110 carrying the beta-galactosidase gene. The efficiency of transfection was determined by a transient expression of this gene. When the plasmid was introduced into a cell suspension 2 s after pulse application, the transfection efficiency was shown to be less than 1% as compared with a prepulse addition of DNA. Addition of DNAase to suspension immediately after a pulse did not decrease transfection efficiency, thus the time of DNA translocation was estimated to be less than 3 s. The use of electric treatment medium, in which the postpulse colloid-osmotic cell swelling was prevented, did not affect the transfection efficiency. These results contradict both assumptions of free DNA diffusion into cell through the long-lived pores and of involvement of osmotic effects in DNA translocation. Transfection of cells in monolayer on a porous film allowed creation of the spatial asymmetry of cell-plasmid interaction along the direction of electric field applied. A pulse with a polarity inducing DNA electrophoresis toward the cells resulted in the 10-fold excess of transfection efficiency compared with a pulse with reverse polarity. Ficoll (10%) which increases medium viscosity or Mg2+ ions (10 mM) which decrease the effective charge of DNA, both reduced transfection efficiency 2-3-fold. These results prove a significant role of DNA electrophoresis in the phenomenon considered. The permeability of cell membranes for an indifferent dye was shown to increase noticeably if the cells were pulsed in the presence of DNA. This indicates a possible interaction of DNA translocated with the pores in an electric field, that results in pore expansion.

Epstein-Barr virus nuclear protein 2 transactivates a cis-acting CD23 DNA element

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear protein 2 (EBNA-2) is essential for B-lymphocyte growth transformation. EBNA-2 upregulates mRNAs encoding CD23, a B-lymphocyte surface protein closely associated with EBV-induced growth transformation. To further investigate this EBNA-2 effect, we searched in the genomic DNA spanning the type a and type b CD23 mRNA start sites for a cis-acting fragment that would render a promoter transactivatable by EBNA-2. An 800-bp CD23 DNA fragment (-335 to +465 relative to the type a CD23 mRNA start site) conferred EBNA-2 responsiveness to the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) promoter when transfected into EBV-negative B-lymphoma cells. Deletional analysis identified a -275/-89 subfragment that was EBNA-2 responsive when cloned in either orientation and at variable distances upstream of the heterologous promoter. EBNA-2 and the cis-acting CD23 element increased TK-promoted mRNA and did not alter the herpes simplex virus TK promoter transcription start site. As expected, a type a CD23 promoter (-335/+80) which contained the EBNA-2-responsive element was transactivated by EBNA-2. As in EBV infection and stable EBNA-2 transfection, the CD23 DNA element in cis with heterologous or homologous promoters was less responsive to type 2 than to type 1 EBNA-2, whereas the EBNA-2-responsive DNA fragment from the EBV latent membrane protein 1 promoter was more responsive to the type 2 EBNA-2. These experiments delineate a 186-bp, EBNA-2-responsive cell DNA fragment and provide firm evidence that EBNA-2 transactivates transcription of cell genes. The greater type 1 versus type 2 EBNA-2 responsiveness of the CD23 promoter and the lack of a similar effect on the latent membrane protein 1 promoter is consistent with the hypothesis that greater cell gene transactivation by type 1 EBNA-2 is the basis for the more efficient growth-transforming properties of type 1 EBV.

Insulin gene expression in nonexpressing cells appears to be regulated by multiple distinct negative-acting control elements

Selective transcription of the insulin gene in pancreatic beta cells is regulated by its enhancer, located between nucleotides -340 and -91 relative to the transcription start site. Transcription from the enhancer is controlled by both positive- and negative-acting cellular factors. Cell-type-specific expression is mediated principally by a single cis-acting enhancer element located between -100 and -91 in the rat insulin II gene (referred to as the insulin control element [ICE]), which is acted upon by both of these cellular activities. Analysis of the effect of 5' deletions within the insulin enhancer has identified a region between nucleotides -217 and -197 that is also a site of negative control. Deletion of these sequences from the 5' end of the enhancer leads to transcription of the enhancer in non-insulin-producing cells, even though the ICE is intact. Derepression of this ICE-mediated effect was shown to be due to the binding of a ubiquitously distributed cellular factor to a sequence element which resides just upstream of the ICE (i.e., between nucleotides -110 and -100). We discuss the possible relationship of these results to cell-type-specific regulation of the insulin gene.

Insulin gene expression in nonexpressing cells appears to be regulated by multiple distinct negative-acting control elements

Selective transcription of the insulin gene in pancreatic beta cells is regulated by its enhancer, located between nucleotides -340 and -91 relative to the transcription start site. Transcription from the enhancer is controlled by both positive- and negative-acting cellular factors. Cell-type-specific expression is mediated principally by a single cis-acting enhancer element located between -100 and -91 in the rat insulin II gene (referred to as the insulin control element [ICE]), which is acted upon by both of these cellular activities. Analysis of the effect of 5' deletions within the insulin enhancer has identified a region between nucleotides -217 and -197 that is also a site of negative control. Deletion of these sequences from the 5' end of the enhancer leads to transcription of the enhancer in non-insulin-producing cells, even though the ICE is intact. Derepression of this ICE-mediated effect was shown to be due to the binding of a ubiquitously distributed cellular factor to a sequence element which resides just upstream of the ICE (i.e., between nucleotides -110 and -100). We discuss the possible relationship of these results to cell-type-specific regulation of the insulin gene.