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Mapping contacts between unpurified human progesterone receptor and the hormone response element of mouse mammary tumor virus.

Binding of steroid hormone receptors to specific recognition sites of hormone-inducible genes is one of the events required for hormonal regulation of gene transcription. We have employed an immunoprecipitation assay to map the interaction between unpurified human progesterone receptors from crude nuclear extracts of T47D cells and the hormone response element of the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV). DNase I footprints and methylation interference patterns are similar to those reported with highly purified rabbit progesterone receptors, suggesting that both human and rabbit receptors recognize similar features in the hormone response element. More importantly, these patterns suggest that if other factors are associated with unpurified nuclear receptor, they do not alter the contacts made by receptor nor do they make contacts themselves with MMTV DNA in a manner detected by DNase I or methylation interference assays. The sites of interaction of receptors bound with the clinically important progestin antagonist, RU 486, are comparable to those observed with an agonist-receptor complex. These results suggest that the antagonist prevents receptor action at a step after its recognition and binding to specific sites on a hormone-responsive enhancer element.

Base Sequence↗

Inhibition of gene expression by steroid hormone receptors via a negative glucocorticoid response element: evidence for the involvement of DNA-binding and agonistic effects of the antiglucocorticoid/antiprogestin RU486.

We have used a negative glucocorticoid response element (nGRE) from the bovine prolactin promoter linked to the gene for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (PRL3CAT) to study the inhibition of gene expression by steroid hormone receptors. This nGRE increased basal expression from a heterologous promoter in COS-7 cells. In the presence of cotransfected glucocorticoid (GR), androgen, or progesterone receptor (PR) expression vectors and their cognate ligands, the expression of PRL3CAT could be repressed, indicating that these steroid receptor subfamily members could function through the same negative response element. No repression was observed with the estrogen receptor, showing that the repressive effect was specific for members of the GR-subfamily. Mutation of three amino acids within the GR-DNA binding domain that determine the specificity of GR-GRE interaction abolished the ability of the GR to inhibit the expression of PRL3CAT, demonstrating the requirement for DNA binding of the GR in the mechanism of repression. The antiglucocorticoid/antiprogestin RU486 when bound to PR or GR also repressed the expression of the PRL3CAT, but higher concentrations of RU486 were required to obtain an effect with the GR when compared to the PR. RU486 was unable to antagonize the effect of progestins on PRL3CAT and only partially antagonized the glucocorticoid repression. Thus, regarding the repression of PRL3CAT, RU486 acted as an agonist when bound to the PR and as a partial agonist when bound to the GR.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Transcriptional regulation of the murine multidrug resistance gene mdr1b by progesterone occurs via an indirect mechanism.

The murine multidrug resistance gene mdr1b is highly induced in the endometrium during pregnancy. Evidence suggests that induction occurs mainly as a result of progesterone action. To study the molecular mechanisms involved in this induction, 5'-flanking sequences between -540 and +97 of the mdr1b gene were fused to the reporter gene, bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (p540CAT). Unlike most progesterone-responsive genes, mdr1b is preferentially activated by the A form of the progesterone receptor. We now report that activation is not observed with a DNA-binding domain mutant of progesterone receptor A (PRA) suggesting that induction occurs at the transcriptional level. Time course experiments demonstrated that induction was first observed 12 hr after hormone addition, suggestive of a secondary (or late) response gene. Sequence comparison highlighted the region M1 (-234 to -206), which contains a partially conserved progesterone response element. Its functional significance was evaluated by expression assays and gel shift analysis. Reporter plasmids with modifications of this element were transfected into HeLa cells. Constructs containing the native M1 element, or a mutated element (M1mt) that eliminated any similarity to a progesterone response element, were induced four-fold by progesterone whereas an element containing a consensus progesterone response element (M1PRE) was induced eight-fold. In addition, by gel shift analysis, the M1 element did not bind the progesterone receptor or any other factors. This suggested that the M1 region does not participate in the response to progesterone. 5' Nested deletion analysis, used to identify other regions of the upstream regulatory region that contributed to induction by progesterone, demonstrated that enhancer sequences between -122 and -65, which contain binding sites for C/EBPbeta and NF-Y, were important. Mutations in the binding sites for these factors decreased induction by progesterone. On the basis of our studies using 540 bp of upstream sequence, mdr1b is activated transcriptionally by progesterone, in an indirect manner dependent on basal factors.

Animals↗

3,3'4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl exhibits antiestrogenic and antitumorigenic activity in the rodent uterus and mammary cells and in human breast cancer cells.

3,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (tetraCB) binds to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and several reports have demonstrated that AhR agonists exhibit antiestrogenic and antitumorigenic activities in human breast cancer cells, the rodent uterus and breast. In contrast, a recent study showed that 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB bound the estrogen receptor (ER) and exhibited ER agonist activities, and we therefore have reinvestigated the estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities of 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB. Our results showed that 3,3',4,4'tetraCB and a structurally related analog, 3,3',4,4',5-pentaCB, did not bind the mouse uterine or human ER, did not induce proliferation of MCF-7 or T47D human breast cancer cells or induce reporter gene activity in cells transfected with E2-responsive constructs derived from the creatine kinase B (pCKB) or cathepsin D (pCD) gene promoters. Moreover, 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB and 3,3',4,4',5-pentaCB did not induce an increase in uterine wet weight, peroxidase activity or progesterone receptor binding in the 21-25-day-old female B6C3F1 mouse uterus. In contrast, both compounds inhibited 17beta-estradiol (E2)-induced cell proliferation and transactivation in MCF-7/T47D cells and uterine responses in B6C3F1 mice; surprisingly inhibition of E2-induced reporter gene activity was not observed in T47D cells transfected with pCKB, and this was observed as a cell-specific response with other AhR agonists. Additionally, 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB significantly inhibited mammary tumor growth in female Sprague-Dawley rats initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene. Our results indicate that 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB does not exhibit ER agonist activity but exhibits a broad spectrum of antiestrogenic responses consistent with ligand-mediated AhR-ER crosstalk.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗

Activation of the Src/p21ras/Erk pathway by progesterone receptor via cross-talk with estrogen receptor.

The molecular mechanisms by which ovarian hormones stimulate growth of breast tumors are unclear. It has been reported previously that estrogens activate the signal-transducing Src/p21(ras)/Erk pathway in human breast cancer cells via an interaction of estrogen receptor (ER) with c-Src. We now show that progestins stimulate human breast cancer T47D cell proliferation and induce a similar rapid and transient activation of the pathway which, surprisingly, is blocked not only by anti-progestins but also by anti-estrogens. In Cos-7 cells transfected with the B isoform of progesterone receptor (PRB), progestin activation of the MAP kinase pathway depends on co-transfection of ER. A transcriptionally inactive PRB mutant also activates the signaling pathway, demonstrating that this activity is independent of transcriptional effects. PRB does not interact with c-Src but associates via the N-terminal 168 amino acids with ER. This association is required for the signaling pathway activation by progestins. We propose that ER transmits to the Src/p21(ras)/Erk pathway signals received from the agonist-activated PRB. These findings reveal a hitherto unrecognized cross-talk between ovarian hormones which could be crucial for their growth-promoting effects on cancer cells.

Animals↗

Endometrial histomorphometry of trimegestone-based sequential hormone replacement therapy: a weighted comparison with the endometrium of the natural cycle.

Histomorphometric changes in the endometrium were evaluated under the effect of a trimegestone-based sequential hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regimen, and the findings were compared to those in endometrium of the natural cycle. Endometrial samples were taken from postmenopausal women who completed a randomized, double blind, dose-ranging study of oral trimegestone (0.05, 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mg per day) from day 15 to day 28 with continuous micronized oestradiol 2 mg daily for six treatment cycles. The HRT-treated endometrium, irrespective of the dose, had a smaller mean total glandular area, smaller average glandular diameter, smaller mean total vascular space area and diameter than the luteal phase. Stromal cellularity was similar in the four dose groups. There were reduced glandular secretions in the endometrium from the high dose group. The relative weighting of these histological parameters was evaluated by linear discriminant analysis. The weighted values were dose independent, and may therefore represent either a specific effect of trimegestone, number of days administered, or both. We have constructed an equation to assign a value for a histological parameter which determines the position on linear discriminant functions. These assigned values can be used in other sequential HRT regimens to determine the relative influence of a given progestogen on endometrial morphology in relation to different phases of the natural cycle.

Aged↗

Acceptability and patterns of uterine bleeding in sequential trimegestone-based hormone replacement therapy: a dose-ranging study.

Trimegestone is a norpregnane progestogen which is being developed in combination with oral oestradiol as postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In this multicentre dose-ranging study using randomized parallel groups, four doses of trimegestone were used to compare data on the patterns of uterine bleeding, the endometrial histology, and the control of menopausal symptoms in 203 women who completed treatment for 6 months. The treatment consisted of micronized oestradiol (2 mg/day) and one of four doses of trimegestone, which was administered sequentially for days 15-28 of the treatment cycle. Higher doses of trimegestone were associated with later onset of bleeding, which was lighter and of shorter duration than that observed with lower doses. The variability of the day of onset of bleeding in individual women was greater when bleeding occurred before the end of the progestogen phase (early bleeders) than when it occurred afterwards (late bleeders). All women enrolled in the study experienced good control of menopausal symptoms, with minimal progestogenic adverse effects, there being no statistically significant difference between the four dose groups.

Aged↗

The distribution of endometrial leukocytes and their proliferation markers in trimegestone-treated postmenopausal women compared to the endometrium of the natural cycle: a dose-ranging study.

The effect of trimegestone-based sequential hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the distribution of endometrial leukocytes and Ki-67 expression was investigated and the findings compared with the endometrium of the natural cycle. Endometrial cells positive for CD45(+), CD56(+), CD3(+), Ki-67(+) and CD45(+)/Ki-67(+) antigens were immunohistochemically evaluated in samples from postmenopausal women who completed a randomized, double-blind, dose-ranging study of oral trimegestone (0.05, 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mg per day) from days 15 to 28 with continuous micronized oestradiol 2 mg daily for six treatment cycles. The control samples were luteinizing hormone (LH)-dated endometrial biopsies. Cell counts were interpreted using linear discriminant analysis and unpaired t-test. The dose of trimegestone did not significantly affect the mean count of CD45(+), CD56(+), CD3(+), Ki-67(+) and CD45(+)/Ki-67(+) cells in the endometrial biopsies obtained from treated women. Endometrial sections from women who bled on the day of the biopsy contained higher numbers of CD45(+) and CD56 cells. In the trimegestone-treated endometrium, CD45(+), CD56(+) and CD3(+) cell expression was similar to the proliferative and early secretory phases of the natural cycle. However the expression Ki-67 and CD45(+)/Ki-67(+) cells was similar to the menstrual phase of the natural cycle endometrium. Women treated with four doses of trimegestone exhibited four different bleeding patterns. Therefore the endometrial infiltration with these cells did not explain the pattern of bleeding in women on this HRT regimen.

Aged↗

Effect of different cyclical sequential progestins on endometrial vascularity in postmenopausal women compared with the natural cycle: a morphometric analysis.

The effect of trimegestone-based and norethisterone-based hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regimens on the endometrial vascularity compared with that of the endometrium of the natural cycle were evaluated using immunohistochemical techniques. Endometrial vascular space area, diameter and number were defined in the functionalis layer of the endometrial samples from postmenopausal women who either completed a randomized, double blind, dose-ranging study of continuous oral micronized oestradiol 2 mg daily with trimegestone 0.05, 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/day from day 15-28 for six treatment cycles or were given cyclical sequential norethisterone (NET)-based HRT together with continuous 2 mg oral oestradiol valerate for three cycles. The control samples were LH-dated endometrial biopsies. NET-based HRT was associated with a higher number of smaller vascular spaces compared with the trimegestone-treated endometrium or that of the natural cycle. There was no dose-dependent effect in the four dose groups of trimegestone. In conclusion, norethisterone may exert a different effect on angiogenesis to that of trimegestone on endometrial vascular development.

Adult↗

Role of gonadotrophins and progesterone in the regulation of morphological remodelling and atresia in the monkey peri-ovulatory follicle.

Peri-ovulatory progesterone plays an indispensable role in ovulation and luteinization, possibly by controlling tissue remodelling of the ovulatory follicle. This study was designed to evaluate gonadotrophin- versus progestin-mediated changes to the morphology of the follicle wall during luteinization. Ovaries were obtained from macaques undergoing ovarian stimulation either before (0 h) or up to 36 h following administration of an ovulatory human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) bolus with or without a 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor and a non-metabolisable progestin. Morphological changes occurred within 12 h of HCG in the theca, and around 24 h in the granulosa layer and basement membrane. Steroid depletion resulted in follicles that did not luteinize during the 36 h interval, or alternatively, those that exhibited premature luteinization by 12 h post-HCG. Progestin replacement restored normal morphology, although the presence of antral blood suggested acceleration of normal tissue remodelling. A proportion of pre-ovulatory follicles became atretic after the HCG bolus, although progestin treatment reduced the percentage of atretic follicles. Ovarian stimulation resulted in the development of multiple pre-ovulatory follicles which are heterogeneous in their response to the HCG bolus and local progestin action. Nevertheless, this model supports both anti-atretic and pro-differentiative actions of progesterone in promoting follicular health and remodelling during the development of the corpus luteum.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Endothelial cell dysfunction following prolonged activation of progesterone receptor.

Progestin-only contraceptives are associated with breakthrough bleeding in up to 50% of users. The causes of blood vessel rupture are not well understood. Here we report that both normal and Norplant-exposed endothelium express progesterone receptor. Experiments performed in vitro on endothelial cells isolated from human endometrium revealed that longterm progesterone exposure leads to suppression of endothelial cell proliferation, inhibition of migration and alteration in the profile of extracellular matrix proteins secreted by human endometrial endothelial cells. In addition, we detected increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in endothelial cultures treated with progesterone. The effect of progesterone on the cell cycle, along with the increased amounts of matrix-degrading enzymes, could account for breakdown of basement membrane components, vascular fragility and consequent vessel rupture leading to breakthrough endometrial bleeding.

Adolescent↗

The effect of a change in the dose of trimegestone on the pattern of bleeding in estrogen-treated post-menopausal women: 6 month extension of a dose-ranging study.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal bleeding pattern is one major reason for non-compliance with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in post-menopausal women. We have previously documented that the dose of trimegestone is the main determinant of the pattern of bleeding in women treated with estradiol (E(2)) and sequential combined trimegestone administered in four doses. The objectives of this study were to test the effect of changing the dose of trimegestone and the duration of treatment on the pattern of bleeding in these women who then entered a 6 month extension phase where a single dose of trimegestone was given sequentially combined with E(2). METHODS: The menstrual diaries of 134 post-menopausal women who completed a dose-ranging study of trimegestone and then entered a 6 month extension phase were analysed. In the 6 month extension study, all women were given one dose of trimegestone (0.25 mg) in a sequential fashion (day 15-28) combined with continuous E(2) (2 mg/day). RESULTS: Women who had received trimegestone 0.25 mg/day during the first 6 months experienced no change in the bleeding pattern in the 6 month extension. Women who had been treated with 0.5 mg/day dose experienced earlier onset, and more prolonged bleeding (P < 0.0001) following the change to 0.25 mg/day. Women who previously received trimegestone doses of 0.05 and 0.1 mg experienced a later onset of bleeding, which was lighter and of shorter duration (P < 0.001) during the extension phase as compared with the first 6 months. CONCLUSION: The dose of trimegestone, and not the duration of treatment, appears to be the important determinant of the pattern of bleeding in post-menopausal women on this HRT regimen.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗

New progestagens for contraceptive use.

The progestins have different pharmacologic properties depending upon the parent molecule, usually testosterone or progesterone (P), from which they are derived. Very small structural changes in the parent molecule may induce considerable differences in the activity of the derivative. In hormonal contraceptives, progestins represent the major agent designed for suppressing ovulation and are used in combination with estrogen (E) usually ethinyl-estradiol (EE). The development of new generations of progestins with improved selectivity profiles has been a great challenge. Steroidal and nonsteroidal progesterone receptor (PR) agonists have been synthesized as well, although the latter are still in a very early stage of development. Several new progestins, have been synthesized in the last two decades. These include dienogest (DNG), drospirenone (DRSP), Nestorone (NES), nomegestrol acetate (NOMAc) and trimegestone (TMG). These new progestins have been designed to have no androgenic or estrogenic actions and to be closer in activity to the physiological hormone P. DRSP differs from the classic progestins as it is derived from spirolactone. It is essentially an antimineralocorticoid steroid with no androgenic effect but a partial antiandrogenic effect. The antiovulatory potency of the different progestins varies. TMG and NES are the most potent progestins synthesized to date, followed by two of the older progestins, keto-desogestrel (keto-DSG) and levonorgestrel (LNG). The new molecules TMG, DRSP and DNG also have antiandrogenic activity. Striking differences exist regarding the side effects among the progestins and the combination with EE leads to other reactions related to the E itself and whether the associated progestin counterbalances, more or less, the estrogenic action. The 19-norprogesterone molecules and the new molecules DRSP and DNG are not androgenic and, therefore, have no negative effect on the lipid profile. Given their pharmacological properties, it is likely that the new progestins may have neutral effects on metabolic or vascular risks. However, this hypothesis must be confirmed in large clinical trials.

Androstenes↗

Modulation of laminin receptor expression by estrogen and progestins in human breast cancer cell lines.

The effects of estradiol and two synthetic progestins (ORG2058 and R5020) on the expression of the high-affinity, metastasis-associated laminin receptor in two human breast carcinoma cell lines were examined. The T47D cell line contains estrogen and progesterone receptors, but the MDA-MB 231 cell line lacks both receptors. Treatment of T47D cells with 10(-9) M estradiol alone results in a three-fold increase (P less than or equal to .05) in the steady-state level of laminin receptor mRNA determined by RNA blot analysis as well as in cell-surface, laminin receptor expression that is evaluated by immunofluorescence. No effects of estradiol on the receptor-negative MDA-MB 231 cells were observed. Untreated and steroid-treated MDA-MB 231 cells had higher levels of laminin receptor mRNA than did untreated or estradiol-treated T47D cells. A more dramatic increase (five-fold; P less than or equal to .005) of mRNA and cell-surface expression in T47D cells was observed after treatment with estradiol plus 10(-8) M progestin or with progestin alone. Estradiol treatment also increased chemotaxis and haptotaxis of T47D cells but not of MDA-MB 231 cells to laminin; it had no effect on the attachment of these latter cells to laminin. Interestingly, treatment with estradiol plus progestin or progestin alone significantly increased the attachment of T47D cells to laminin but did not have an effect on either haptotaxis or chemotaxis to laminin. These results suggest that the various cell-laminin interactions are mediated by different mechanisms. The augmentation of laminin receptor mRNA by estrogen and progesterone treatment in hormone receptor-positive cells, but not in cells that lack these receptors, may relate functionally to the difference in the clinical aggressiveness between classes of breast cancers.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin regulation by gonadotrophin and steroids in macaque granulosa cells during the peri-ovulatory interval.

The role of endothelial cell-specific growth factors in the vascularization of the primate peri-ovulatory follicle was examined. Experiments were designed firstly to detect expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) in granulosa cells and secondly, to determine whether gonadotrophins and/or steroids regulate their expression during the peri-ovulatory interval. Granulosa cells and follicular fluid were collected from rhesus macaques undergoing ovarian stimulation before (0 h), 12, or 36 h after a bolus of ovulatory human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), with or without steroid ablation and progestin replacement. VEGF, Ang-1 and Ang-2 mRNA were all detected prior to the ovulatory stimulus. Whereas follicular fluid VEGF concentrations increased 6-fold (P < 0.05) between 0 and 12 h, VEGF mRNA values were unchanged and were unaffected by steroid ablation. Ang-1 mRNA decreased from 0 to 12 h (P < 0.05), followed by a 30-fold increase (P < 0.05) at 36 h, while Ang-2 mRNA values were unchanged between 0, 12 and 36 h. Steroid ablation decreased (P < 0.05) Ang-1 mRNA at 36 h, and Ang-2 mRNA at 12 h, while only Ang-1 was restored by progestin replacement. These data suggest a dynamic expression of vascular-specific growth factors in a gonadotrophin-dependent, steroid-independent (VEGF) or steroid-dependent (Ang-1) manner in granulosa cells of peri-ovulatory follicles of primates.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Trimegestone differentially modulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinases in the endometrial stromal cell.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are considered to be of critical importance in the initiation of menstruation where MMP protein levels are reciprocally modulated by the actions of the gonadal steroid hormones, estradiol (E(2)) and progesterone (P4), with P4 being considered the principal suppressor of endometrial MMP expression. Trimegestone (T) is a novel progestagen that tightly controls menstruation timing and duration through mechanisms that might involve MMP suppression. Endometrial stromal cells treated with 10(-6) M E(2), P4 or T in the presence and absence of 10(-6)M RU486 showed that both T and P4 suppressed the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 transcripts and secreted protein, whereas MMP-9 was not produced in culture. The suppressive effect of T or P4 on MMP-1 and MMP-3 transcript levels was enhanced in the presence of E(2) and attenuated in the presence of RU486, although MMP-1 proteins were unaffected by the presence of RU486, which alone acted as a partial progesterone agonist in these cultures. Immunohistochemistry with MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9-specific antibodies performed on endometrial biopsies obtained from non-treated, LH-dated, normally cycling women and endometrial biopsies obtained from postmenopausal women treated with T-based HRT showed that immunoreactive MMP-1 and MMP-3 was higher in the menstrual phase, whilst MMP-9 expression was higher in the late luteal phase (P = 0.03) and T significantly inhibited the presence of MMP-9(+) cells. These data suggest that T acts in a similar manner to P4, but causes subtle differences in expression patterns of MMPs that may explain the different clinical effect that this progestagen has on endometrial behaviour compared to P4.

Adult↗

Cloning of cDNA sequences of a progestin-regulated mRNA from MCF7 human breast cancer cells.

A cDNA clone corresponding to an mRNA regulated by the progestin R5020, has been isolated by differential screening of a cDNA library from the MCF7 breast cancer cell line, which contains estrogen and progesterone receptors. This probe hybridized with a single species of poly A + RNA of 8-kb molecular weight as shown by Northern blot analysis and could also be used to total RNA preparation. This recombinant clone hybridized specifically to an mRNA coding for a 250,000 daltons protein when translated in vitro. This protein was identical to the 250 kDa progestin-regulated protein that we previously described (Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 121, 421-427, 1984) as shown by immunoprecipitation with specific rabbit polyclonal antibodies. Dose-response curve and specificity studies show that the accumulation of the Pg8 mRNA and that of the 250-kDa protein was increased by 5 to 30-fold following progestin treatment and that this effect was mediated by the progesterone receptor. Time course of induction indicated that the accumulation of mRNA was rapid and preceded that of the protein. This is the first report on a cloned cDNA probe of progestin-regulated mRNA in human cell lines.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Characterization of response elements for androgens, glucocorticoids and progestins in mouse mammary tumour virus.

We have characterized steroid response elements in mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV) by transient transfection. Four partial inverted repeats of the sequence TGTTCT function as response elements for androgen, as well as for glucocorticoid and progestins, although the relative hormone inductions mediated by each oligonucleotide were different. Mutational analysis of the left half of the palindrome showed that a perfect dyad symmetry is not required for optimum activity as a steroid response element. To investigate potential interactions between steroid receptors and transcription factors we have analysed the minimum sequence requirements for a hormone response. Interestingly, a single 15 bp steroid response element and a TATA box are sufficient for steroid inductions. When the distance between the two elements was increased by up to two turns of the helix the hormone induction initially increased and then gradually declined with no obvious periodicity.

Animals↗