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Multiple, functional DBP sites on the promoter of the cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase P450 gene, CYP7. Proposed role in diurnal regulation of liver gene expression.

Hepatic cytochrome P450 cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase, CYP7, is regulated in vivo at the protein and the mRNA level in response to multiple physiological factors, including liver cholesterol synthesis, bile acid feedback inhibition, and diurnal rhythm. In the present study we investigated whether the liver transcription factor DBP (albumin promoter D-site binding protein), which undergoes a striking diurnal rhythm in rat liver (DBP levels during evening/morning approximately 100:1), contributes to the diurnal regulation of CYP7 gene expression. DNase I footprinting analysis using bacterially expressed DBP and a cloned 5'-flanking DNA segment of the rat CYP7 gene revealed five distinct DBP-binding sites, designated A-E, distributed between nucleotides (nts) -41 and -295 relative to the CYP7 transcription start site. CYP7-directed gene transcription in HepG2 cells transfected with a 5'-CYP7 promoter-chloramphenicol acetyl-transferase reporter was activated up to 12-fold upon cotransfection of a DBP expression vector, whereas an HNF-1 alpha expression vector did not stimulate CYP7 gene activity. 5'-Deletion analyses and site-specific mutagenesis revealed that this stimulating effect of DBP can in part be ascribed to its functional interaction with DBP binding sites B (nts -115/-125), C (nts -172/-195), and D (nts -214/-230). C/EBP beta (LAP), another liver-enriched basic-leucine zipper transcription factor, bound to these same sites but effected a more modest increase in CYP7-directed gene transcription (up to 3-4-fold) when expressed in HepG2 cells. Competition for CYP7 promoter-binding sites between C/EBP, which undergoes < or = 2-fold diurnal change in rat liver, and the diurnally regulated DBP is proposed to determine the relative rates of basal versus diurnally regulated CYP7 gene transcription and thus may be a primary mechanism for setting the 3-6-fold amplitude that characterizes the circadian rhythm of liver CYP7 expression. Moreover, since DBP is first expressed in rat liver 3-4 weeks after birth, these findings may account for both the enhanced expression and the onset of the diurnal pattern of CYP7 enzyme levels at this stage of development.

Animals↗

DBP, a liver-enriched transcriptional activator, is expressed late in ontogeny and its tissue specificity is determined posttranscriptionally.

The full-length cDNA for a transcriptional activator, DBP, that binds to the D site of the albumin promoter has been cloned. DBP belongs to a family of related transcription factors including Fos, Jun, CREB, and C/EBP, which share a conserved basic domain. However, unlike most other members of this family, DBP does not contain a "leucine zipper" structure. Among several rat tissues tested, significant levels of its protein are only observed in liver; yet, with the exception of testis, DBP mRNA is present in all of the examined tissues. DBP as well as its mRNA accumulate to significant levels only in adult animals. During chemically induced liver regeneration, DBP expression is rapidly down-regulated, suggesting that DBP may be involved in the proliferation control of hepatocytes. This cell growth-dependent expression of DBP, in contrast to its tissue specificity, appears to be controlled at the level of mRNA accumulation.

Aging↗

Chronic effects of vapour phase di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) on six plant species.

A fumigation experiment was performed in which six plant species representing the European flora were exposed to a range of DBP concentrations. Controlled amounts of DBP-saturated air were injected into the ingoing air-streams of plant fumigation chambers, maintaining constant concentrations there for a period of up to 76 days. The target concentrations were a control, 0.8, 1.5, 3.5, and 10.0 microg m(-3). The variation in sensitivity between plant species to atmospheric DBP was quantified on the basis of whole plant biomass in order to derive no-observed-effect-concentrations (NOECs). Significant dose-response relationships, based on realised concentrations, were thus derived using non-linear regression, resulting in NOECs of 0.51 microg m(-3) for Trifolium repens, 0.96 microg m(-3) for Brassica campestris, 1.87 microg m(-3) for Phaseolus vulgaris and 2.21 microg m(-3) for Plantago major. A significant effect was also observed for Holcus lanatus at 12.4 microg m(-3) DBP, but due to the variation at lower levels of DBP exposure, no dose-response relationship could be derived. No significant effect on growth of current year needles in Picea abies was observed, even at the highest level of DBP, 13.7 microg m(-3). Based on statistical extrapolation according to Aldenberg and Slob [Ecotox. Environ. Safety, 25 (1993) 48], an overall predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) for the plant-atmosphere compartment of 0.33 microg m(-3) DBP was calculated. The PNEC was calculated using the mean and standard deviation of the NOEC for four of the tested species and an extrapolation factor. In addition to changes in leaf colour, leaf crinkling and growth reduction, a number of not quantified observations are described, indicating that DBP affects the physiology as well as the morphology of these species.

Air Pollution↗

Neonatal exposure to di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) alters male reproductive-tract development.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate male reproductive-organ development in early postnatal male rats following neonatal exposure to di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) and identify a mechanism of action. Neonatal male rats were injected subcutaneously from d 5 to 14 after birth with corn oil (control) and DBP (5, 10, or 20 mg/animal). Animals were killed at postnatal day (PND) 31 and PND 42, respectively, and testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, ventral prostate, levator ani plus bulbocavernosus muscles (LABC), and Cowper's glands were weighed. In addition, the expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors (ERs), and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) were also examined in the testes. Total body weights gains were significantly reduced at PND 29-31, but gradually recovered on PND 42. However, DBP (20 mg/animal) significantly reduced the weights of testes and accessory sex organs (seminal vesicles, LABC, and Cowper's glands), but not of the epididymis. These adverse effects persisted through puberty at PND 42. Serum testosterone levels did not show any significant changes in the control and DBP treatment groups. Histomorphological examination showed mild diffuse Leydig-cell hyperplasia in the interstitium of severely affected tubules on PND 31. Only a few multinuclear germ cells were observed. DBP (20 mg/animal) significantly decreased the expression of AR, whereas ER expression and SF-1 expression were increased in a dose-dependent manner on PND 31 in the rat testes. On PND 42, DBP (20 mg/animal) significantly inhibited ER expression in the testes, but not AR, ER, and SF-1. These results demonstrate that neonatal exposure to DBP produces permanent changes in the endocrine system and leads to abnormal male reproductive-tract development until puberty. Thus our data suggest that DBP is likely to exert its antiandrogenic actions through disruption of AR or ER expression during the early neonatal stage.

Animals↗

[Reproductive and developmental toxicity of F1 male rats treated with DBP in utero and during lactation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) on the developmental condition of F1 rats and on the reproductive system of mature F1 male rats and to establish the NOAEL of DBP. METHODS: In this study, pregnant rats were treated with different dose of DBP (0, 50, 250 and 500 mg per kg per day) by gavage in utero and during lactation (from GD1 to PND21). The effects of DBP on F1 rats were observed. RESULTS: DBP had no obvious effect on pregnant rats but could decline pups' born weight, live pups per litter, body weight gain and male pups' anogenital distance obviously. Severe damages on the reproductive system of mature F1 male rats (testicular atrophy, underdevelopmental epididymis, absent of epididymis, undescended testes, obvious decline of epididymal sperm parameters, total sperm heads per g testis, decrease of organ/body weight ratio of epididymis, liver, kidney and prostate, etc.) were observed in the group of 250 mg per kg per day and higher. CONCLUSION: These results showed that male reproductive system was the target organ of DBP and the damages on pups were partly irreversible. According to these results, the NOAEL of DBP, which was not available in the current database, was established based on the outcomes of this study, i.e., 50 mg per kg per day. Accordingly, the RfD for human exposure to DBP through oral intake was recommended as 500 micrograms per kg per day.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

Biochemical studies on phthalic esters. III. Metabolism of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in animals.

The excretion, distribution and metabolism of DBP were studied in rats. More than 90% of the dose was excreted in the urine within 48 h following intravenous or oral administration, but the faecal excretion was low. Biliary excretion was remarkably higher than that in the faeces when DBP was given orally. No significant retention was observed in organs and tissues at 24 h after dosing. In vitro experiments showed that DBP was hydrolysed very rapidly to MBP by the esterase of rat liver microsome. DBP was found to be a strong inhibitor for the succinate dehydrogenase of rat liver. DBP and its metabolites, MBP and phthalic acid, did not produce any striking effect upon hepatic and serum enzyme activities in vitro. Urinary metabolites of orally ingested DBP were investigated in 3 species, namely, rats, hamsters and guinea pigs. MBP was a common major metabolite in all 3 species. A further increment was apparently excreted as the glucuronide in the rat, hamster and guinea pig together with a small amount of phthalic acid and unchanged DBP. Omega- or omega-1 oxidation products of MBP were also detected in the urine.

Animals↗

Actin-DBP: the perfect structural fit?

The multifunctional vitamin D binding protein (DBP) is an actin-sequestering protein present in blood. The crystal structure of the actin-DBP complex was determined at 2.4 A resolution. DBP binds to actin subdomains 1 and 3 and occludes the cleft at the interface between these subdomains. Most remarkably, DBP demonstrates an unusually large actin-binding interface, far exceeding the binding-interface areas reported for other actin-binding proteins such as profilin, DNase I and gelsolin. The fast-growing side of actin monomers is blocked completely through a perfect structural fit with DBP, demonstrating how DBP effectively interferes with actin-filament formation. It establishes DBP as the hitherto best actin-sequestering protein and highlights its key role in suppressing and preventing extracellular actin polymerization.

Actins↗

Distribution and circadian expression of dbp in SCN and extra-SCN areas in the mouse brain.

The expression of dbp, a putative clock-controlled transcription factor, was investigated in the mouse brain by in situ hybridization using antisense cRNA probe. Positive dbp mRNA signals were detected in various parts of the brain, with the highest expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The circadian expression profile was investigated in SCN and extra-SCN areas. In the SCN, dbp mRNA signals showed a peak at early daytime (ZT/CT4) and a trough at early nighttime (ZT/CT16) in both light-dark and constant dark conditions. In the cerebral cortex and the caudate-putamen, dbp mRNA was also expressed in a circadian manner, but the phase of dbp mRNA expression in these structures showed a 4-8 hr delay compared to that in the SCN. These findings indicate that the circadian expression profile of dbp in the extra-SCN brain areas is different from that in the SCN.

Animals↗

Regulation of the DBP promoter by PAR proteins and in leukemic cells bearing an E2A/HLF translocation.

The D-site binding protein (DBP) is a member of the PAR domain subfamily of b/ZIP proteins, whose expression in the liver is highly sensitive to the growth state of that organ. This paper examines the regulation of the DBP promoter by C/EBP alpha and examines the role of autoregulation in its expression. Of four previously characterized proximal promoter sites, sites I and III are shown to bind C/EBP alpha, but cotransfection in Hep G2 cells of a C/EBP alpha expression vector is unable to transactivate the promoter. In contrast, the expression of DBP, particularly in conjunction with the related protein HLF, is able to dramatically upregulate expression directed by the proximal promoter. Deletion analysis and the use of single site reporter constructs demonstrate that sites II and IV are highly responsive to transactivation by DBP and HLF. The DBP promoter is active in the UOC-B1 cell line, which bears a 17:19 translocation resulting in the creation of an E2A:HLF fusion protein. The proteins binding to site IV are elevated in this line, suggesting that upregulation of DBP expression in response to inappropriate HLF activity may be mediated through this site.

Animals↗

Vitamin D binding protein-macrophage activating factor (DBP-maf) inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth in mice.

We have isolated a selectively deglycosylated form of vitamin D binding protein (DBP-maf) generated from systemically available DBP by a human pancreatic cancer cell line. DBP-maf is antiproliferative for endothelial cells and antiangiogenic in the chorioallantoic membrane assay. DBP-maf administered daily was able to potently inhibit the growth of human pancreatic cancer in immune compromised mice (T/C=0.09). At higher doses, DBP-maf caused tumor regression. Histological examination revealed that treated tumors had a higher number of infiltrating macrophages as well as reduced microvessel density, and increased levels of apoptosis relative to untreated tumors. Taken together, these data suggest that DBP-maf is an antiangiogenic molecule that can act directly on endothelium as well as stimulate macrophages to attack both the endothelial and tumor cell compartment of a growing malignancy.

Allantois↗

Vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) gene polymorphism is associated with Graves' disease and the vitamin D status in a Polish population study.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) genetic variants have an influence on vitamin D status and, therefore, they may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. In this case-control study, we investigated the association of DBP gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to Graves' disease (GD) in a Polish population. Furthermore, we analyzed the distribution of DBP genotypes in GD patients divided according to the clinical (gender, age of onset, ophthalmopathy, family history, smoking habits) and genetic parameters (CTLA4 49G and HLA-DRB1*03 alleles), as well as the vitamin D serum levels. METHODS: 332 polish patients with GD and 185 healthy controls were genotyped for the DBP gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at codon 420 ACG --> AAG (Thr --> Lys) and at codon 416 GAT --> GAG (Asp --> Glu) by the PCR-RFLP method. The variable (TAAA)N repeat polymorphism in the intron 8 was analyzed in 332 patients and 164 controls by the PCR amplification followed by the PAGE. In addition, 25(OH)D3 serum levels were measured in 110 patients. RESULTS: In patients with GD, the frequency of the Lys allele (34.2% vs. 25.7%, p = 0.005; OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.13-1.99) at codon 420 was significantly higher compared to controls. The distribution of codon 420 genotypes also differed significantly (p = 0.01), with the frequency of the Lys/Lys homozygotes (9.3% vs. 5.9%; OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 0.80-3.32) being higher in GD. The distribution of codon 416 alleles and genotypes did not differ in both studied groups (p = 0.59 and p = 0.81, respectively). Analysis of the intron 8 (TAAA)N repeat polymorphism led to the identification of a novel variant in the Polish population, described as 7 repeats, but no association between the intron 8 alleles and GD was observed. The 420 Lys allele was associated with lower 25(OH)D3 serum levels (p = 0.01). No correlation between the DBP genotypes and other susceptibility alleles or the GD clinical phenotype was observed. CONCLUSIONS: (i) The DBP gene Lys allele at codon 420 confers susceptibility to GD in the Polish population, (ii) the codon 416 alleles and intron 8 (TAAA)N variants are not associated with susceptibility to and clinical phenotype of GD, and (iii) the codon 420 Lys allele correlates with lower 25(OH)D3 serum concentration.

Adolescent↗

Competition between transcription factors HNF1 and HNF3, and alternative cell-specific activation by DBP and C/EBP contribute to the regulation of the liver-specific aldolase B promoter.

The aldolase B proximal promoter is controlled by at least five elements spanning from -190 to -103 bp with respect to the start site of transcription. From 5' to 3', we found: a negative DE element, an activating C/EBP-DBP binding site, a CCAAT box binding NFY that seems to play a negative role, and an activating element consisting of two overlapping binding sites for HNF-1 and HNF-3. Contransfection experiments of aldolase B/CAT constructs and of expression vectors for different transcription factors were carried out in human hepatoma Hep G2 cells. We found that DBP and HNF-1 are strong transactivators of the aldolase B promoter while C/EBP and vHNF-1 are only weak activators and HNF-3 alone does not modify such activity. Deletion of the distal negative element results in a similar transactivation by C/EBP and DBP, enhanced for the former and reduced for the latter. In hepatocytes in primary culture, the strong transactivator is C/EBP while DBP is essentially inactive. This tissue-specificity of C/EBP and DBP action could depend on interaction with tissue-specific proteins bound to a neighbouring site, probably DE. Finally, HNF3 behaves as a very strong anti-activator of the aldolase B promoter. It competitively antagonizes transactivation by HNF-1 and non-competitively transactivation by DBP. This negative effect of HNF-3 and tissue-specificity of the transactivation potential of DBP and C/EBP are unique features of the aldolase B promoter.

Animals↗

Chicken vitellogenin gene-binding protein, a leucine zipper transcription factor that binds to an important control element in the chicken vitellogenin II promoter, is related to rat DBP.

We screened a chicken liver cDNA expression library with a probe spanning the distal region of the chicken vitellogenin II (VTGII) gene promoter and isolated clones for a transcription factor that we have named VBP (for vitellogenin gene-binding protein). VBP binds to one of the most important positive elements in the VTGII promoter and appears to play a pivotal role in the estrogen-dependent regulation of this gene. The protein sequence of VBP was deduced from a nearly full length cDNA copy and was found to contain a basic/zipper (bZIP) motif. As expected for a bZIP factor, VBP binds to its target DNA site as a dimer. Moreover, VBP is a stable dimer free in solution. A data base search revealed that VBP is related to rat DBP. However, despite the fact that the basic/hinge regions of VBP and DBP differ at only three amino acid positions, the DBP binding site in the rat albumin promoter is a relatively poor binding site for VBP. Thus, the optimal binding sites for VBP and DBP may be distinct. Similarities between the VBP and DBP leucine zippers are largely confined to only four of the seven helical spokes. Nevertheless, these leucine zippers are functionally compatible and appear to define a novel subfamily. In contrast to the bZIP regions, other portions of VBP and DBP are markedly different, as are the expression profiles for these two genes. In particular, expression of the VBP gene commences early in liver ontogeny and is not subject to circadian control.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Association of molecular variants, haplotypes, and linkage disequilibrium within the human vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) gene with postmenopausal bone mineral density.

UNLABELLED: Possible contribution of vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) gene for determination of BMD was tested by characterizing 13 SNPs in 384 adult Japanese women. When the effect of a specific single SNP was tested, five SNPs (-39C>T, IVS1+827C>T, IVS1+1916C>T, IVS1-1154A>G, and IVS11+1097G>C) correlated with BMD significantly at various levels. The chromosomal dosage of one haplotype (T-C-C-G-T-C in -39C>T, IVS1+827C>T, IVS1+1916C>T, IVS1-1154A>G, D432E, and IVS11+1097G>C) displayed significant correlation with adjusted radial BMD (r = 0.15, p = 0.008; n = 331). Multiple regression analyses revealed a most significant correlation with the combination of IVS1+827C>T and D432E (r2 = 0.029, p = 0.005). These results indicate a complex combined effect of several SNPs within the DBP gene that might underlie susceptibility to low radial BMD and osteoporosis. INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis results from the interplay of multiple environmental and genetic determinants. The gene encoding vitamin D-binding protein (DBP), a key factor for regulating calcium homeostasis through the vitamin D endocrine system, is a probable candidate for conferring susceptibility to osteoporosis. METHODS: To test a possible contribution of the DBP gene for determination of bone mineral density (BMD) of adult women, we have characterized 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the DBP gene in DNA from 384 adult Japanese women and attempted to correlate specific SNPs with BMD. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Sixteen major haplotypes accounted for 80% of the variations, indicating allelic complexity in this genomic region. Pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD), measured by the D' and r2 statistics, demonstrated a general pattern of decline with increasing distance, but individual LD values within small genomic segments were diverse. Regression analysis for adjusted BMD revealed significant correlation with respect to five of them (-39C>T, IVS1+827C>T, IVS1+1916C>T, IVS1-1154A>G, and IVS11+1097G>C) at various levels. An intronic SNP (IVS11+1097G>C) with the highest significance of association (p = 0.006) showed significant LD with four SNPs located around the first exon (r2 values > 0.18, D' > 0.5). A non-synonymous coding SNP, D432E, showed a comparable level of correlation, but it was in a moderate LD only with IVS11+1097G>C. The chromosomal dosage of one haplotype (T-C-C-G-T-C in -39C>T, IVS1+827C>T, IVS1+1916C>T, IVS1-1154A>G, D432E and IVS11+1097G>C) estimated in each subject displayed significant correlation with adjusted radial BMD (r = 0.15, p = 0.008; n = 331). Furthermore, multiple regression analyses revealed that the most significant correlation was achieved for the combination of IVS1+827C>T and D432E (r2 = 0.029, p = 0.005). These results indicate a complex combined effect of several SNPs within the DBP gene that might underlie susceptibility to low radial BMD and osteoporosis.

Aged↗

The anabolic effects of vitamin D-binding protein-macrophage activating factor (DBP-MAF) and a novel small peptide on bone.

Vitamin D-binding protein-macrophage activating factor (DBP-MAF) has previously been shown to stimulate bone resorption and correct the skeletal defects associated with osteopetrosis in two nonallelic mutations in rats. This same protein and a small fragment of the protein have now been shown to demonstrate an anabolic effect on the skeleton of both newborn and young adult, intact rats. The novel peptide fragment was synthetically produced based on the human amino acid sequence at the site of glycosylation in the third domain of the native protein (DBP). The peptide tested is 14 amino acids in length and demonstrates no homologies other than to that region of DBP. Newborn rats were injected i.p. with saline, peptide (0.4 ng/g body wt.) or DBP-MAF (2 ng/g body wt.) every other day from birth to 14 days of age. On day 16 the rats were euthanized and the long bones collected for bone densitometry by pQCT. After 2 weeks of treatment with either the whole protein (DBP-MAF) or the small peptide, bone density was significantly increased in the treated animals compared to the saline controls. Young adult female rats (180 grams) were given s.c. injections of saline or peptide (0.4 ng/g body wt. or 5 ng/g body wt.) every other day for 2 weeks; 2 days after the final injections, the rats were euthanized and the femurs and tibias collected for bone densitometry. Both doses of the peptide resulted in significant increases in bone density as determined by pQCT. Young adult rats were injected locally with a single dose of the peptide (1 microg) or saline into the marrow cavity of the distal femur. One week after the single injection, the bones were collected for radiographic and histological evaluation. The saline controls showed no evidence of new bone formation, whereas the peptide-treated animals demonstrated osteoinduction in the marrow cavity and osteogenesis of surrounding cortical and metaphyseal bone. These data suggest that DBP-MAF and the synthetic peptide represent therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of a number of bone diseases and skeletal disorders. Systemic administration could be used to treat osteoporosis and a number of other osteopenias, and local administration could be effective in fractures, bony defect repairs, spinal surgery, and joint replacement.

Anabolic Agents↗

CLOCK, an essential pacemaker component, controls expression of the circadian transcription factor DBP.

DBP, the founding member of the PAR leucine zipper transcription factor family, is expressed according to a robust daily rhythm in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and several peripheral tissues. Previous studies with mice deleted for the Dbp gene have established that DBP participates in the regulation of several clock outputs, including locomotor activity, sleep distribution, and liver gene expression. Here we present evidence that circadian Dbp transcription requires the basic helix-loop-helix-PAS protein CLOCK, an essential component of the negative-feedback circuitry generating circadian oscillations in mammals and fruit flies. Genetic and biochemical experiments suggest that CLOCK regulates Dbp expression by binding to E-box motifs within putative enhancer regions located in the first and second introns. Similar E-box motifs have been found previously in the promoter sequence of the murine clock gene mPeriod1. Hence, the same molecular mechanisms generating circadian oscillations in the expression of clock genes may directly control the rhythmic transcription of clock output regulators such as Dbp.

Animals↗

Polymorphism of the vitamin D binding protein (DBP) among primates: an evolutionary analysis.

The distribution of the DBP (vitamin D binding protein) polymorphism is now well characterized among human populations but for primates only limited results are known. The aim of this paper is to describe the electrophoretic polymorphism of this protein among various species. Using three different electrophoretic methods, we are able to detect an unknown polymorphism and to classify the different alleles observed. These results may be used to set an international nomenclature for further comparisons. The different electrophoretic mobilities between Old and New World Monkeys show that: 1) the Cercopithecoïdea are presenting the largest genetic heterogeneity; 2) the DBP among the Galago corresponds to the lowest isoelectric points observed among Primates; 3) during the evolution from nonhuman Primates to Man, the DBP is able to keep its affinity for vitamin D derivatives despite the occurrence of significant molecular modifications; 4) among Anthropoïdea, the electrophoretic patterns of DBP are very close to the human Gc1 proteins. These results show that evolution at the DBP level can be considered as a continuous mechanism of structural modifications. A significant transition occurs during the differentiation between Cercopithecoïdea and Anthropoïdea. It is not too speculative to consider that some electrophoretic forms detected among Gorilla, Pongo, or Pan may be identical to rare variants observed among humans.

Animals↗

Interplay of the liver-enriched trans-acting factors, DBP and HNF1, in the transactivation of human IGFBP-1 promoter.

In the liver, expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) is regulated essentially at the transcriptional level, at least in part by HNF1. In this study, the functional role of DBP and C/EBP (which have several potential binding sites on the IGFBP-1 proximal promoter) have been investigated. Transient co-transfection of the reporter plasmid, pBP-1341 and eukaryotic expression vectors which code for DBP and C/EBP in human cell lines Hep3B, HepG2 and C33 showed that IGFBP-1 promoter activity was unchanged by C/EBP, but increased between 2 and 7 times by DBP (depending on the cell line). In addition, DBP and HNF1 were capable of functional co-operation in activating the IGFBP-1 promoter. Our results support the notion of DBP being involved in limited tissue specificity of IGFBP-1 expression.

CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins↗