Transcription factor Sp1 binds to and activates a human hsp70 gene promoter

Roles of heat shock factor 1 beyond the heat shock response

Various stress factors leading to protein damage induce the activation of an evolutionarily conserved cell protective mechanism, the heat shock response (HSR), to maintain protein homeostasis in virtually all eukaryotic cells. Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) plays a central role in the HSR. HSF1 was initially known as a transcription factor that upregulates genes encoding heat shock proteins (HSPs), also called molecular chaperones, which assist in refolding or degrading injured intracellular proteins. However, recent accumulating evidence indicates multiple additional functions for HSF1 beyond the activation of HSPs. Here, we present a nearly comprehensive list of non-HSP-related target genes of HSF1 identified so far. Through controlling these targets, HSF1 acts in diverse stress-induced cellular processes and molecular mechanisms, including the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response and ubiquitin-proteasome system, multidrug resistance, autophagy, apoptosis, immune response, cell growth arrest, differentiation underlying developmental diapause, chromatin remodelling, cancer development, and ageing. Hence, HSF1 emerges as a major orchestrator of cellular stress response pathways.

E2F coregulates an essential HSF developmental program that is distinct from the heat-shock response

Heat-shock factor (HSF) is the master transcriptional regulator of the heat-shock response (HSR) and is essential for stress resilience. HSF is also required for metazoan development; however, its function and regulation in this process are poorly understood. Here, we characterize the genomic distribution and transcriptional activity of Caenorhabditis elegans HSF-1 during larval development and show that the developmental HSF-1 transcriptional program is distinct from the HSR. HSF-1 developmental activation requires binding of E2F/DP to a GC-rich motif that facilitates HSF-1 binding to a heat-shock element (HSE) that is degenerate from the consensus HSE sequence and adjacent to the E2F-binding site at promoters. In contrast, induction of the HSR is independent of these promoter elements or E2F/DP and instead requires a distinct set of tandem canonical HSEs. Together, E2F and HSF-1 directly regulate a gene network, including a specific subset of chaperones, to promote protein biogenesis and anabolic metabolism, which are essential in development.

Down-regulation of heat shock protein HSP90ab1 in radiation-damaged lung cells other than mast cells

Ionizing radiation (IR) leads to fibrosing alveolitis (FA) after a lag period of several weeks to months. In a rat model, FA starts at 8 weeks after IR. Before that, at 5.5 weeks after IR, the transcription factors Sp1 (stimulating protein 1) and AP-1 (activator protein 1) are inactivated. To find genes/proteins that were down-regulated at that time, differentially expressed genes were identified in a subtractive cDNA library and verified by quantitative RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction), western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IH). The mRNA of the molecular chaperone HSP90AB1 (heat shock protein 90 kDa alpha, class B member 1) was down-regulated 5.5 weeks after IR. Later, when FA manifested, HSP90ab1 protein was down-regulated by more than 90% in lung cells with the exception of mast cells. In most mast cells of the normal lung, both HSP90ab1 and HSP70, another major HSP, show a very low level of expression. HSP70 was massively up-regulated in all mast cells three months after irradiation whereas HSP90AB1 was up-regulated only in a portion of mast cells. The strong changes in the expression of central molecular chaperones may contribute to the well-known disturbance of cellular functions in radiation-damaged lung tissue.

The HSP70 family and cancer

The HSP70 family of heat shock proteins consists of molecular chaperones of approximately 70kDa in size that serve critical roles in protein homeostasis. These adenosine triphosphatases unfold misfolded or denatured proteins and can keep these proteins in an unfolded, folding-competent state. They also protect nascently translating proteins, promote the cellular or organellar transport of proteins, reduce proteotoxic protein aggregates and serve general housekeeping roles in maintaining protein homeostasis. The HSP70 family is the most conserved in evolution, and all eukaryotes contain multiple members. Some members of this family serve specific organellar- or tissue-specific functions; however, in many cases, these members can function redundantly. Overall, the HSP70 family of proteins can be thought of as a potent buffering system for cellular stress, either from extrinsic (physiological, viral and environmental) or intrinsic (replicative or oncogenic) stimuli. As such, this family serves a critical survival function in the cell. Not surprisingly, cancer cells rely heavily on this buffering system for survival. The overwhelming majority of human tumors overexpress HSP70 family members, and expression of these proteins is typically a marker for poor prognosis. With the proof of principle that inhibitors of the HSP90 chaperone have emerged as important anticancer agents, intense focus has now been placed on the potential for HSP70 inhibitors to assume a role as a significant chemotherapeutic avenue. In this review, the history, regulation, mechanism of action and role in cancer of the HSP70 family are reviewed. Additionally, the promise of pharmacologically targeting this protein for cancer therapy is addressed.

Valproic acid induces functional heat-shock protein 70 via Class I histone deacetylase inhibition in cortical neurons: a potential role of Sp1 acetylation

Neuroprotective properties of the mood stabilizer valproic acid (VPA) are implicated in its therapeutic efficacy. Heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a molecular chaperone, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory agent. This study aimed to investigate underlying mechanisms and functional significance of HSP70 induction by VPA in rat cortical neurons. VPA treatment markedly up-regulated HSP70 protein levels, and this was accompanied by increased HSP70 mRNA levels and promoter hyperacetylation and activity. Other HDAC inhibitors--sodium butyrate, trichostatin A, and Class I HDAC-specific inhibitors MS-275 and apicidin, --all mimicked the ability of VPA to induce HSP70. Pre-treatment with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors or an Akt inhibitor attenuated HSP70 induction by VPA and other HDAC inhibitors. VPA treatment increased Sp1 acetylation, and a Sp1 inhibitor, mithramycin, abolished the induction of HSP70 by HDAC inhibitors. Moreover, VPA promoted the association of Sp1 with the histone acetyltransferases p300 and recruitment of p300 to the HSP70 promoter. Further, VPA-induced neuroprotection against glutamate excitotoxicity was prevented by blocking HSP70 induction. Taken together, the data suggest that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway and Sp1 are likely involved in HSP70 induction by HDAC inhibitors, and induction of HSP70 by VPA in cortical neurons may contribute to its neuroprotective and therapeutic effects.

Alcohol exposure regulates heat shock transcription factor binding and heat shock proteins 70 and 90 in monocytes and macrophages: implication for TNF-alpha regulation

Immunomodulatory effects of alcohol use involve regulation of innate immune cell function leading to liver disease. Alteration of inflammatory responses by alcohol is linked to dysregulated TNF-alpha production. Alcohol-induced oxidative stress also contributes to alterations in inflammatory cell activity. Heat shock proteins (hsps) and the heat shock transcription factor-1 (HSF-1) induced by oxidative stress regulate NF-kappaB activation and TNF-alpha gene expression in monocytes and macrophages. Here, we report that in vitro alcohol treatment induced and augmented LPS-induced HSF-1 nuclear translocation and DNA-binding activity in monocytes and macrophages. Supershift analysis revealed that alcohol regulated HSF-1- and not HSF-2-binding activity. Hsp70, a target gene induced by HSF-1, was transiently increased within 24 h by alcohol, but extended alcohol exposure decreased hsp70 in macrophages. The alcohol-induced alteration of hsp70 correlated with a concomitant change in hsp70 promoter activity. Hsp90, another HSF-1 target gene, was decreased during short-term alcohol but increased after prolonged alcohol exposure. Decreased hsp90-HSF-1 complexes after short-term alcohol indicated dissociation of HSF-1 from hsp90. On the other hand, hsp90 interacted with client protein IkappaB kinase beta, a signaling intermediate of the LPS pathway, followed by IkappaBalpha degradation and increased NF-kappaB activity after chronic alcohol exposure, indicating that hsp90 plays an important role in supporting inflammatory cytokine production. Inhibition of hsp90 using geldanamycin prevented prolonged alcohol-induced elevation in LPS-induced NF-kappaB and TNF-alpha production. These results suggest that alcohol exposure differentially regulates hsp70 and hsp90 via HSF-1 activation. Further, hsp90 regulates TNF-alpha production in macrophages contributing to alcohol-induced inflammation.

Mutant Huntingtin reduces HSP70 expression through the sequestration of NF-Y transcription factor

In Huntington's disease (HD), mutant Huntingtin, which contains expanded polyglutamine stretches, forms nuclear aggregates in neurons. The interactions of several transcriptional factors with mutant Huntingtin, as well as altered expression of many genes in HD models, imply the involvement of transcriptional dysregulation in the HD pathological process. The precise mechanism remains obscure, however. Here, we show that mutant Huntingtin aggregates interact with the components of the NF-Y transcriptional factor in vitro and in HD model mouse brain. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay using HD model mouse brain lysates showed reduction in NF-Y binding to the promoter region of HSP70, one of the NF-Y targets. RT-PCR analysis revealed reduced HSP70 expression in these brains. We further clarified the importance of NF-Y for HSP70 transcription in cultured neurons. These data indicate that mutant Huntingtin sequesters NF-Y, leading to the reduction of HSP70 gene expression in HD model mice brain. Because suppressive roles of HSP70 on the HD pathological process have been shown in several HD models, NF-Y could be an important target of mutant Huntingtin.

Identification and characterisation of a regulatory region in the Toxoplasma gondii hsp70 genomic locus

Toxoplasma gondii is an important human and veterinary pathogen. The induction of bradyzoite development in vitro has been linked to temperature, pH, mitochondrial inhibitors, sodium arsenite and many of the other stressors associated with heat shock protein induction. Heat shock or stress induced activation of a set of heat shock protein genes, is characteristic of almost all eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Studies in other organisms indicate that heat shock proteins are developmentally regulated. We have established that increases in the expression of bag1/hsp30 and hsp70 are associated with bradyzoite development. The T. gondii hsp70 gene locus was cloned and sequenced. The regulatory regions of this gene were analysed by deletion analysis using beta-galactosidase expression vectors transiently transfected into RH strain T. gondii. Expression was measured at pH 7.1 and 8.1 (i.e. pH shock) and compared to the expression obtained with similar constructs using BAG1 and SAG1 promoters. A pH-regulated region of the Tg-hsp70 gene locus was identified which has some similarities to heat shock elements described in other eukaryotic systems. Green fluorescent protein expression vectors driven by the Tg-hsp70 regulatory region were constructed and stably transfected into T. gondii. Expression of green fluorescent protein in these parasites was induced by pH shock in those lines carrying the Tg-hsp70 regulatory constructs. Gel shift analysis was carried out using oligomers corresponding to the pH-regulated region and a putative DNA binding protein was identified. These data support the identification of a pH responsive cis-regulatory element in the T. gondii hsp70 gene locus. A model of the interaction of hsp70 and small heat shock proteins (e.g. BAG1) in development is presented.

Complex regulation of the yeast heat shock transcription factor

The yeast heat shock transcription factor (HSF) is regulated by posttranslational modification. Heat and superoxide can induce the conformational change associated with the heat shock response. Interaction between HSF and the chaperone hsp70 is also thought to play a role in HSF regulation. Here, we show that the Ssb1/2p member of the hsp70 family can form a stable, ATP-sensitive complex with HSF-a surprising finding because Ssb1/2p is not induced by heat shock. Phosphorylation and the assembly of HSF into larger, ATP-sensitive complexes both occur when HSF activity decreases, whether during adaptation to a raised temperature or during growth at low glucose concentrations. These larger HSF complexes also form during recovery from heat shock. However, if HSF is assembled into ATP-sensitive complexes (during growth at a low glucose concentration), heat shock does not stimulate the dissociation of the complexes. Nor does induction of the conformational change induce their dissociation. Modulation of the in vivo concentrations of the SSA and SSB proteins by deletion or overexpression affects HSF activity in a manner that is consistent with these findings and suggests the model that the SSA and SSB proteins perform distinct roles in the regulation of HSF activity.

The carboxyl-terminal transactivation domain of heat shock factor 1 is negatively regulated and stress responsive

We have characterized a stress-responsive transcriptional activation domain of mouse heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) by using chimeric GAL4-HSF1 fusion proteins. Fusion of the GAL4 DNA-binding domain to residues 124 to 503 of HSF1 results in a chimeric factor that binds DNA yet lacks any transcriptional activity. Transactivation is acquired upon exposure to heat shock or by deletion of a negative regulatory domain including part of the DNA-binding-domain-proximal leucine zippers. Analysis of a collection of GAL4-HSF1 deletion mutants revealed the minimal region for the constitutive transcriptional activator to map within the extreme carboxyl-terminal 108 amino acids, corresponding to a region rich in acidic and hydrophobic residues. Loss of residues 395 to 425 or 451 to 503, which are located at either end of this activation domain, severely diminished activity, indicating that the entire domain is required for transactivation. The minimal activation domain of HSF1 also confers enhanced transcriptional response to heat shock or cadmium treatment. These results demonstrate that the transcriptional activation domain of HSF1 is negatively regulated and that the signal for stress induction is mediated by interactions between the amino-terminal negative regulator and the carboxyl-terminal transcriptional activation domain.

The promoter region of the yeast KAR2 (BiP) gene contains a regulatory domain that responds to the presence of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of eukaryotic cells contains an abundant 78,000-Da protein (BiP) that is involved in the translocation, folding, and assembly of secretory and transmembrane proteins. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as in mammalian cells, BiP mRNA is synthesized at a high basal rate and is further induced by the presence of increased amounts of unfolded proteins in the ER. However, unlike mammalian BiP, yeast BiP is also induced severalfold by heat shock, albeit in a transient fashion. To identify the regulatory sequences that respond to these stimuli in the yeast KAR2 gene that encodes BiP, we have cloned a 1.3-kb segment of DNA from the region upstream of the sequences coding for BiP and fused it to a reporter gene, the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase gene. Analysis of a series of progressive 5' truncations as well as internal deletions of the upstream sequence showed that the information required for accurate transcriptional regulation of the KAR2 gene in S. cerevisiae is contained within a approximately 230-bp XhoI-DraI fragment (nucleotides -245 to -9) and that this fragment contains at least two cis-acting elements, one (heat shock element [HSE]) responding to heat shock and the other (unfolded protein response element [UPR]) responding to the presence of unfolded proteins in the ER. The HSE and UPR elements are functionally independent of each other but work additively for maximum induction of the yeast KAR2 gene. Lying between these two elements is a GC-rich region that is similar in sequence to the consensus element for binding of the mammalian transcription factor Sp1 and that is involved in the basal expression of the KAR2 gene. Finally, we provide evidence suggesting that yeast cells monitor the concentration of free BiP in the ER and adjust the level of transcription of the KAR2 gene accordingly; this effect is mediated via the UPR element in the KAR2 promoter.

The promoter region of the yeast KAR2 (BiP) gene contains a regulatory domain that responds to the presence of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of eukaryotic cells contains an abundant 78,000-Da protein (BiP) that is involved in the translocation, folding, and assembly of secretory and transmembrane proteins. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as in mammalian cells, BiP mRNA is synthesized at a high basal rate and is further induced by the presence of increased amounts of unfolded proteins in the ER. However, unlike mammalian BiP, yeast BiP is also induced severalfold by heat shock, albeit in a transient fashion. To identify the regulatory sequences that respond to these stimuli in the yeast KAR2 gene that encodes BiP, we have cloned a 1.3-kb segment of DNA from the region upstream of the sequences coding for BiP and fused it to a reporter gene, the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase gene. Analysis of a series of progressive 5' truncations as well as internal deletions of the upstream sequence showed that the information required for accurate transcriptional regulation of the KAR2 gene in S. cerevisiae is contained within a approximately 230-bp XhoI-DraI fragment (nucleotides -245 to -9) and that this fragment contains at least two cis-acting elements, one (heat shock element [HSE]) responding to heat shock and the other (unfolded protein response element [UPR]) responding to the presence of unfolded proteins in the ER. The HSE and UPR elements are functionally independent of each other but work additively for maximum induction of the yeast KAR2 gene. Lying between these two elements is a GC-rich region that is similar in sequence to the consensus element for binding of the mammalian transcription factor Sp1 and that is involved in the basal expression of the KAR2 gene. Finally, we provide evidence suggesting that yeast cells monitor the concentration of free BiP in the ER and adjust the level of transcription of the KAR2 gene accordingly; this effect is mediated via the UPR element in the KAR2 promoter.

Transcription of the mouse secretory protease inhibitor p12 gene is activated by the developmentally regulated positive transcription factor Sp1

We have previously shown that a trans-acting protein produced in some tissue culture cells positively control the transcriptional activity directed by the mouse p12 promoter. This nuclear protein exerts its positive activity by interacting with a regulatory sequence designated p12.A and located between the TATA and CCAAT box elements on the p12 gene promoter. Using DNase I and dimethyl sulfate methylation interference footprinting techniques coupled with gel retardation assays, we found evidence that the protein which binds to the p12.A element is the well-known transcription factor Sp1. Mutational analysis in transient transfection assays confirmed the positive activity exerted by this protein in every cell line tested. In agreement with this observation, we detected a p12.A-Sp1 binding activity in nuclear extracts prepared from all cell lines used. However, a similar binding activity could not be detected in a number of nuclear extracts prepared from normal mouse tissues. In this report, we provide the evidence that the lack of Sp1-binding activity results from the degradation of Sp1 in the kidney, liver, and pancreas of the mouse.

Transcription of the mouse secretory protease inhibitor p12 gene is activated by the developmentally regulated positive transcription factor Sp1

We have previously shown that a trans-acting protein produced in some tissue culture cells positively control the transcriptional activity directed by the mouse p12 promoter. This nuclear protein exerts its positive activity by interacting with a regulatory sequence designated p12.A and located between the TATA and CCAAT box elements on the p12 gene promoter. Using DNase I and dimethyl sulfate methylation interference footprinting techniques coupled with gel retardation assays, we found evidence that the protein which binds to the p12.A element is the well-known transcription factor Sp1. Mutational analysis in transient transfection assays confirmed the positive activity exerted by this protein in every cell line tested. In agreement with this observation, we detected a p12.A-Sp1 binding activity in nuclear extracts prepared from all cell lines used. However, a similar binding activity could not be detected in a number of nuclear extracts prepared from normal mouse tissues. In this report, we provide the evidence that the lack of Sp1-binding activity results from the degradation of Sp1 in the kidney, liver, and pancreas of the mouse.

Modular recognition of 5-base-pair DNA sequence motifs by human heat shock transcription factor

We investigated the recognition of the conserved 5-bp repeated motif NGAAN, which occurs in heat shock gene promoters of Drosophila melanogaster and other eukaryotic organisms, by human heat shock transcription factor (HSF). Extended heat shock element mutants of the human HSP70 gene promoter, containing additional NGAAN blocks flanking the original element, showed significantly higher affinity than the wild-type promoter element for human HSF in vitro. Protein-DNA contact positions were identified by hydroxyl radical protection, diethyl pyrocarbonate interference, and DNase I footprinting. New contacts in the mutant HSE constructs corresponded to the locations of additional NGAAN motifs. The pattern of binding indicated the occurrence of multiple DNA binding modes for HSF with the various constructs and was consistent with an oligomeric, possibly trimeric, structure of the protein. In contrast to the improved binding, the extended heat shock element mutant constructs did not exhibit dramatically increased heat-inducible transcription in transient expression assays with HeLa cells.

Modular recognition of 5-base-pair DNA sequence motifs by human heat shock transcription factor

We investigated the recognition of the conserved 5-bp repeated motif NGAAN, which occurs in heat shock gene promoters of Drosophila melanogaster and other eukaryotic organisms, by human heat shock transcription factor (HSF). Extended heat shock element mutants of the human HSP70 gene promoter, containing additional NGAAN blocks flanking the original element, showed significantly higher affinity than the wild-type promoter element for human HSF in vitro. Protein-DNA contact positions were identified by hydroxyl radical protection, diethyl pyrocarbonate interference, and DNase I footprinting. New contacts in the mutant HSE constructs corresponded to the locations of additional NGAAN motifs. The pattern of binding indicated the occurrence of multiple DNA binding modes for HSF with the various constructs and was consistent with an oligomeric, possibly trimeric, structure of the protein. In contrast to the improved binding, the extended heat shock element mutant constructs did not exhibit dramatically increased heat-inducible transcription in transient expression assays with HeLa cells.

Heat shock-induced interactions of heat shock transcription factor and the human hsp70 promoter examined by in vivo footprinting

Genomic footprinting of the human hsp70 promoter reveals that heat shock induces a rapid binding of a factor, presumably heat shock transcription factor, to a region encompassing five contiguous NGAAN sequences, three perfect and two imperfect matches to the consensus sequence. Arrays of inverted NGAAN sequences have been defined as the heat shock element. No protein is bound to the heat shock element prior to or after recovery from heat shock. Heat shock does not perturb the binding of factors to other regulatory elements in the promoter which contribute to basal expression of the hsp70 gene.

Heat shock-induced interactions of heat shock transcription factor and the human hsp70 promoter examined by in vivo footprinting

Genomic footprinting of the human hsp70 promoter reveals that heat shock induces a rapid binding of a factor, presumably heat shock transcription factor, to a region encompassing five contiguous NGAAN sequences, three perfect and two imperfect matches to the consensus sequence. Arrays of inverted NGAAN sequences have been defined as the heat shock element. No protein is bound to the heat shock element prior to or after recovery from heat shock. Heat shock does not perturb the binding of factors to other regulatory elements in the promoter which contribute to basal expression of the hsp70 gene.

The E6/E7 promoter of human papillomavirus type 16 is activated in the absence of E2 proteins by a sequence-aberrant Sp1 distal element

The E6/E7 promoter of all genital human papillomaviruses is responsible for expression of the viral transforming genes. Centered 60 bp upstream of the transcription start, it contains a 20-bp segment with partially overlapping binding sites for the viral E2 proteins and for a cellular factor that was identified by footprint experiments. Bandshifts, bandshift competitions, and footprints revealed that protein complexes between nuclear extracts and these sequences have binding properties indistinguishable from those of the Sp1 factor that binds the simian virus 40 early promoter GC motif. Reactions of these complexes with anti-Sp1 antiserum were analyzed by superbandshifts and precipitation with protein A, and the results confirmed the identity of this transcription factor as Sp1. Sp1 binds in simian virus 40 and different human papillomavirus promoters the consensus sequence 5'-NGGNGN-3'. RNase protection analysis of in vitro or in vivo transcriptions with wild-type and mutant test vectors shows that the E6/E7 promoter of human papillomavirus type 16 is functionally dependent on the Sp1 distal promoter element. In all genital papillomaviruses, the Sp1 hexamer is invariably spaced by a single nucleotide from the distal E2 element, suggesting some precise interaction between Sp1 and E2 proteins. Published experimental evidence documents negative regulation of the E6/E7 promoter by E2 proteins through the proximal E2 element, whereas only minor quantitative differences in E6/E7 promoter function after cotransfection with E2 expression vectors were observed in this study. A detailed study of the interactions of Sp1 and E2 proteins with one another and with the corresponding three binding sites may reveal a complex modulation of this promoter.

Maximal stress-induced transcription from the human HSP70 promoter requires interactions with the basal promoter elements independent of rotational alignment

Transcription of the human HSP70 gene is regulated by a complex array of cis-acting promoter elements that respond to conditions that include normal conditions of cell growth and induction following physiological stress. We have examined the requirements of the basal and inducible promoter elements by using promoter mutations and a transient transfection assay. Multiple forms of stress-induced transcription, including heat shock and incubation with heavy metals or amino acid analogs, are mediated by a single heat shock element (HSE) between -105 and -91 consisting of three contiguous 5-base-pair units, NGAAN, that are inverted relative to adjacent units. Maximal inducible expression requires a fully functional basal promoter. Spacing mutations which alter the relative helical orientation of adjacent genetic elements have only minimal effects on basal and stress-inducible expression and show no effects of periodicity. In addition, placement of the HSE adjacent to the basal promoter removes the requirements for a fully functional basal promoter for maximal stress-inducible expression. These results suggest that factors bound at the HSE and the basal promoter can function through multiple interactions.

Maximal stress-induced transcription from the human HSP70 promoter requires interactions with the basal promoter elements independent of rotational alignment

Transcription of the human HSP70 gene is regulated by a complex array of cis-acting promoter elements that respond to conditions that include normal conditions of cell growth and induction following physiological stress. We have examined the requirements of the basal and inducible promoter elements by using promoter mutations and a transient transfection assay. Multiple forms of stress-induced transcription, including heat shock and incubation with heavy metals or amino acid analogs, are mediated by a single heat shock element (HSE) between -105 and -91 consisting of three contiguous 5-base-pair units, NGAAN, that are inverted relative to adjacent units. Maximal inducible expression requires a fully functional basal promoter. Spacing mutations which alter the relative helical orientation of adjacent genetic elements have only minimal effects on basal and stress-inducible expression and show no effects of periodicity. In addition, placement of the HSE adjacent to the basal promoter removes the requirements for a fully functional basal promoter for maximal stress-inducible expression. These results suggest that factors bound at the HSE and the basal promoter can function through multiple interactions.

TATA-dependent and TATA-independent function of the basal and heat shock elements of a human hsp70 promoter

We have characterized the interactions between the TATA element and other sequence elements of a human heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) promoter by a mutational approach. Expression of a distal element of this promoter requires an intact TATA element in human cell lines. The hsp70 TATA element can be functionally replaced for this interaction by TATA elements from the simian virus 40 early and adenovirus EIIa promoters. The TATA element in this promoter therefore both determines the appropriate start site and determines strength by allowing function of the distal element. In contrast, three proximal upstream elements necessary for basal and heat-regulated transcription have no requirement either for a TATA element or for any other proximal element. The behavior of promoters multiply mutant in these proximal elements implies that these elements function independently. We examined the interaction between the heat shock element (HSE) and the TATA element as the distance between the two factor-binding sites was increased. It was necessary to create a mutant HSE with an extended consensus sequence in order for the HSE to function at a distance. Moving this extended HSE 500 bases upstream did not increase its dependence on the TATA element, suggesting that the TATA independence of this element is intrinsic to its function and is not determined by distance from the promoter.

TATA-dependent and TATA-independent function of the basal and heat shock elements of a human hsp70 promoter

We have characterized the interactions between the TATA element and other sequence elements of a human heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) promoter by a mutational approach. Expression of a distal element of this promoter requires an intact TATA element in human cell lines. The hsp70 TATA element can be functionally replaced for this interaction by TATA elements from the simian virus 40 early and adenovirus EIIa promoters. The TATA element in this promoter therefore both determines the appropriate start site and determines strength by allowing function of the distal element. In contrast, three proximal upstream elements necessary for basal and heat-regulated transcription have no requirement either for a TATA element or for any other proximal element. The behavior of promoters multiply mutant in these proximal elements implies that these elements function independently. We examined the interaction between the heat shock element (HSE) and the TATA element as the distance between the two factor-binding sites was increased. It was necessary to create a mutant HSE with an extended consensus sequence in order for the HSE to function at a distance. Moving this extended HSE 500 bases upstream did not increase its dependence on the TATA element, suggesting that the TATA independence of this element is intrinsic to its function and is not determined by distance from the promoter.