Analysis of DNA sequences required for pituitary-specific expression of the glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene

1992 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 893-903 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. E. Schoderbek
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Alpha Subunit ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Glycoprotein Hormone ◽  
Specific Expression

scholarly journals Analysis of DNA sequences required for pituitary-specific expression of the glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene.

1992 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 893-903
Author(s):  
W E Schoderbek ◽  
K E Kim ◽  
E C Ridgway ◽  
P L Mellon ◽  
R A Maurer
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Alpha Subunit ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Glycoprotein Hormone ◽  
Specific Expression

Expression of the glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene in the placenta requires a functional cyclic AMP response element, whereas a different cis-acting element mediates pituitary-specific expression

1989 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 5113-5122
Author(s):  
J A Bokar ◽  
R A Keri ◽  
T A Farmerie ◽  
R A Fenstermaker ◽  
B Andersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cyclic Amp ◽  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Regulatory Region ◽  
Alpha Subunit ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Glycoprotein Hormone ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Response Element ◽  
Cyclic Amp Response Element ◽  
Choriocarcinoma Cells

The single-copy gene encoding the alpha subunit of glycoprotein hormones is expressed in the pituitaries of all mammals and in the placentas of only primates and horses. We have systematically analyzed the promoter-regulatory elements of the human and bovine alpha-subunit genes to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying their divergent patterns of tissue-specific expression. This analysis entailed the use of transient expression assays in a chorionic gonadotropin-secreting human choriocarcinoma cell line, protein-DNA binding assays, and expression of chimeric forms of human or bovine alpha subunit genes in transgenic mice. From the results, we conclude that placental expression of the human alpha-subunit gene requires a functional cyclic AMP response element (CRE) that is present as a tandem repeat in the promoter-regulatory region. In contrast, the promoter-regulatory region of the bovine alpha-subunit gene, as well as of the rat and mouse genes, was found to contain a single CRE homolog that differed from its human counterpart by a single nucleotide. This difference substantially reduced the binding affinity of the bovine CRE homolog for the nuclear protein that bound to the human alpha CRE and thereby rendered the bovine alpha-subunit promoter inactive in human choriocarcinoma cells. However, conversion of the bovine alpha CRE homolog to an authentic alpha CRE restored activity to the bovine alpha-subunit promoter in choriocarcinoma cells. Similarly, a human but not a bovine alpha transgene was expressed in placenta in transgenic mice. Thus, placenta-specific expression of the human alpha-subunit gene may be the consequence of the recent evolution of a functional CRE. Expression of the human alpha transgene in mouse placenta further suggests that evolution of placenta-specific trans-acting factors preceded the appearance of this element. Finally, in contrast to their divergent patterns of placental expression, both the human and bovine alpha-subunit transgenes were expressed in mouse pituitary, indicating differences in the composition of the enhancers required for pituitary- and placenta-specific expression.

scholarly journals Tissue-specific gene expression in the pituitary: the glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene is regulated by a gonadotrope-specific protein.

1992 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 2143-2153 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Horn ◽  
J J Windle ◽  
K M Barnhart ◽  
P L Mellon
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Regulatory Element ◽  
Alpha Subunit ◽  
Specific Factor ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Homeodomain Protein ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Glycoprotein Hormone ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Tissue Specific

The molecular mechanisms for the development of multiple distinct endocrine cell types in the anterior pituitary have been an area of intensive investigation. Though the homeodomain protein Pit-1/GHF-1 is known to be involved in differentiation of the somatotrope and lactotrope lineages, which produce growth hormone and prolactin, respectively, little is known of the transcriptional regulators important for the gonadotrope cell lineage, which produces the glycoprotein hormones luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Using transgenic mice and transfection into a novel gonadotrope lineage cell line, we have identified a regulatory element that confers gonadotrope-specific expression to the glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene. A tissue-specific factor that binds to this element is purified and characterized as a 54-kDa protein which is present uniquely in cells of the gonadotrope lineage and is not Pit-1/GHF-1. The human and equine alpha-subunit genes are also expressed in placental cells. However, the previously characterized placental transcription factors designated TSEB and alpha-ACT are not found in the pituitary gonadotrope cells, indicating that independent mechanisms confer expression of these genes in the two different tissues.

Tissue-specific gene expression in the pituitary: the glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene is regulated by a gonadotrope-specific protein

1992 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 2143-2153
Author(s):  
F Horn ◽  
J J Windle ◽  
K M Barnhart ◽  
P L Mellon
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Regulatory Element ◽  
Alpha Subunit ◽  
Specific Factor ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Homeodomain Protein ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Glycoprotein Hormone ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Tissue Specific

The molecular mechanisms for the development of multiple distinct endocrine cell types in the anterior pituitary have been an area of intensive investigation. Though the homeodomain protein Pit-1/GHF-1 is known to be involved in differentiation of the somatotrope and lactotrope lineages, which produce growth hormone and prolactin, respectively, little is known of the transcriptional regulators important for the gonadotrope cell lineage, which produces the glycoprotein hormones luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Using transgenic mice and transfection into a novel gonadotrope lineage cell line, we have identified a regulatory element that confers gonadotrope-specific expression to the glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene. A tissue-specific factor that binds to this element is purified and characterized as a 54-kDa protein which is present uniquely in cells of the gonadotrope lineage and is not Pit-1/GHF-1. The human and equine alpha-subunit genes are also expressed in placental cells. However, the previously characterized placental transcription factors designated TSEB and alpha-ACT are not found in the pituitary gonadotrope cells, indicating that independent mechanisms confer expression of these genes in the two different tissues.

scholarly journals GATA-binding proteins regulate the human gonadotropin alpha-subunit gene in the placenta and pituitary gland.

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 5592-5602 ◽  
Author(s):  
D J Steger ◽  
J H Hecht ◽  
P L Mellon
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Alpha Subunit ◽  
Sequence Motif ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Glycoprotein Hormone ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Tissue Specific ◽  
Response Elements ◽  
Tissue Specific Expression

The human glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene is expressed in two quite dissimilar tissues, the placenta and anterior pituitary. Tissue-specific expression is determined by combinations of elements, some of which are common and others of which are specific to each tissue. In the placenta, a composite enhancer confers specific expression. It contains four protein-binding sites: two cyclic AMP (cAMP) response elements that bind CREB, a trophoblast-specific element that binds TSEB, and a sequence motif, AGATAA, that matches the consensus binding site for a family of transcription factors termed the GATA-binding proteins. In pituitary gonadotropes, the cAMP response elements remain important for expression, TSEB is absent, and elements further upstream participate in tissue-specific expression. Here we establish a regulatory role for the GATA element in both the placenta and pituitary by demonstrating that a mutation of this element decreases alpha-subunit gene expression 15-fold in JEG-3 human placental cells and 2.5-fold in alpha T3-1 mouse pituitary gonadotropes. In JEG-3 cells, human GATA-2 (hGATA-2) and hGATA-3 are highly expressed and both proteins bind to the alpha-subunit gene GATA element. In alpha T3-1 cells, the GATA motif is bound by mouse GATA-2 (mGATA-2) and an mGATA-4-related protein. Cotransfection of hGATA-2 or hGATA-3 into alpha T3-1 cells activates the alpha-subunit gene threefold. These studies establish a role for the GATA-binding proteins in placental and pituitary alpha-subunit gene expression, significantly expanding the known target genes of GATA-2, GATA-3, and perhaps GATA-4.

scholarly journals Expression and regulation of the pituitary- and placenta-specific human glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene is restricted to the pituitary in transgenic mice.

1988 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 5470-5476 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Fox ◽  
D Solter
Keyword(s):  
Hormonal Regulation ◽  
Alpha Subunit ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Glycoprotein Hormone ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Mouse Placenta ◽  
Cell Type Specific Expression ◽  
Flanking Sequences ◽  
Unique Factor ◽  
Mouse Pituitary

Expression of the glycoprotein hormone alpha subunit occurs in both the pituitary and placenta in humans. However, this study found that expression of this subunit is restricted to the pituitary in mice. An interspecies analysis of human alpha-subunit gene regulation was undertaken, using the transgenic-mouse approach. In mice transgenic for a genomic clone containing the complete human alpha-subunit gene and several kilobases of 5'- and 3'-flanking sequences, cell-type-specific expression and hormonal regulation of the human alpha-subunit transgene occurred in the mouse pituitary, whereas no expression of the transgene was detectable in the mouse placenta. These findings provide strong evidence that a common trans-acting factor(s) regulates glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene expression in the human and mouse pituitaries; however, this factor(s) or a unique factor(s), though functional in the human placenta, is either nonfunctional or absent in the mouse placenta.

GATA-binding proteins regulate the human gonadotropin alpha-subunit gene in the placenta and pituitary gland

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 5592-5602
Author(s):  
D J Steger ◽  
J H Hecht ◽  
P L Mellon
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Alpha Subunit ◽  
Sequence Motif ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Glycoprotein Hormone ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Tissue Specific ◽  
Response Elements ◽  
Tissue Specific Expression

The human glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene is expressed in two quite dissimilar tissues, the placenta and anterior pituitary. Tissue-specific expression is determined by combinations of elements, some of which are common and others of which are specific to each tissue. In the placenta, a composite enhancer confers specific expression. It contains four protein-binding sites: two cyclic AMP (cAMP) response elements that bind CREB, a trophoblast-specific element that binds TSEB, and a sequence motif, AGATAA, that matches the consensus binding site for a family of transcription factors termed the GATA-binding proteins. In pituitary gonadotropes, the cAMP response elements remain important for expression, TSEB is absent, and elements further upstream participate in tissue-specific expression. Here we establish a regulatory role for the GATA element in both the placenta and pituitary by demonstrating that a mutation of this element decreases alpha-subunit gene expression 15-fold in JEG-3 human placental cells and 2.5-fold in alpha T3-1 mouse pituitary gonadotropes. In JEG-3 cells, human GATA-2 (hGATA-2) and hGATA-3 are highly expressed and both proteins bind to the alpha-subunit gene GATA element. In alpha T3-1 cells, the GATA motif is bound by mouse GATA-2 (mGATA-2) and an mGATA-4-related protein. Cotransfection of hGATA-2 or hGATA-3 into alpha T3-1 cells activates the alpha-subunit gene threefold. These studies establish a role for the GATA-binding proteins in placental and pituitary alpha-subunit gene expression, significantly expanding the known target genes of GATA-2, GATA-3, and perhaps GATA-4.

CRE-Binding Proteins Interact Cooperatively to Enhance Placental-Specific Expression of the Glycoprotein Hormone Alpha-Subunit Gene

1989 ◽  
Vol 564 (1 Regulation of) ◽  
pp. 77-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. NILSON ◽  
J. A. BOKAR ◽  
B. ANDERSEN ◽  
R. BOHINSKI ◽  
G. KENNEDY ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Alpha Subunit ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Glycoprotein Hormone ◽  
Specific Expression

Expression and regulation of the pituitary- and placenta-specific human glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene is restricted to the pituitary in transgenic mice

1988 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 5470-5476
Author(s):  
N Fox ◽  
D Solter
Keyword(s):  
Hormonal Regulation ◽  
Alpha Subunit ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Glycoprotein Hormone ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Mouse Placenta ◽  
Cell Type Specific Expression ◽  
Flanking Sequences ◽  
Unique Factor ◽  
Mouse Pituitary

Expression of the glycoprotein hormone alpha subunit occurs in both the pituitary and placenta in humans. However, this study found that expression of this subunit is restricted to the pituitary in mice. An interspecies analysis of human alpha-subunit gene regulation was undertaken, using the transgenic-mouse approach. In mice transgenic for a genomic clone containing the complete human alpha-subunit gene and several kilobases of 5'- and 3'-flanking sequences, cell-type-specific expression and hormonal regulation of the human alpha-subunit transgene occurred in the mouse pituitary, whereas no expression of the transgene was detectable in the mouse placenta. These findings provide strong evidence that a common trans-acting factor(s) regulates glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene expression in the human and mouse pituitaries; however, this factor(s) or a unique factor(s), though functional in the human placenta, is either nonfunctional or absent in the mouse placenta.

scholarly journals Expression of the glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene in the placenta requires a functional cyclic AMP response element, whereas a different cis-acting element mediates pituitary-specific expression.

1989 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 5113-5122 ◽  
Author(s):  
J A Bokar ◽  
R A Keri ◽  
T A Farmerie ◽  
R A Fenstermaker ◽  
B Andersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cyclic Amp ◽  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Regulatory Region ◽  
Alpha Subunit ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Glycoprotein Hormone ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Response Element ◽  
Cyclic Amp Response Element ◽  
Choriocarcinoma Cells

The single-copy gene encoding the alpha subunit of glycoprotein hormones is expressed in the pituitaries of all mammals and in the placentas of only primates and horses. We have systematically analyzed the promoter-regulatory elements of the human and bovine alpha-subunit genes to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying their divergent patterns of tissue-specific expression. This analysis entailed the use of transient expression assays in a chorionic gonadotropin-secreting human choriocarcinoma cell line, protein-DNA binding assays, and expression of chimeric forms of human or bovine alpha subunit genes in transgenic mice. From the results, we conclude that placental expression of the human alpha-subunit gene requires a functional cyclic AMP response element (CRE) that is present as a tandem repeat in the promoter-regulatory region. In contrast, the promoter-regulatory region of the bovine alpha-subunit gene, as well as of the rat and mouse genes, was found to contain a single CRE homolog that differed from its human counterpart by a single nucleotide. This difference substantially reduced the binding affinity of the bovine CRE homolog for the nuclear protein that bound to the human alpha CRE and thereby rendered the bovine alpha-subunit promoter inactive in human choriocarcinoma cells. However, conversion of the bovine alpha CRE homolog to an authentic alpha CRE restored activity to the bovine alpha-subunit promoter in choriocarcinoma cells. Similarly, a human but not a bovine alpha transgene was expressed in placenta in transgenic mice. Thus, placenta-specific expression of the human alpha-subunit gene may be the consequence of the recent evolution of a functional CRE. Expression of the human alpha transgene in mouse placenta further suggests that evolution of placenta-specific trans-acting factors preceded the appearance of this element. Finally, in contrast to their divergent patterns of placental expression, both the human and bovine alpha-subunit transgenes were expressed in mouse pituitary, indicating differences in the composition of the enhancers required for pituitary- and placenta-specific expression.

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