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Identification of a human nuclear receptor defines a new signaling pathway for CYP3A induction.

Nuclear receptors regulate metabolic pathways in response to changes in the environment by appropriate alterations in gene expression of key metabolic enzymes. Here, a computational search approach based on iteratively built hidden Markov models of nuclear receptors was used to identify a human nuclear receptor, termed hPAR, that is expressed in liver and intestines. hPAR was found to be efficiently activated by pregnanes and by clinically used drugs including rifampicin, an antibiotic known to selectively induce human but not murine CYP3A expression. The CYP3A drug-metabolizing enzymes are expressed in gut and liver in response to environmental chemicals and clinically used drugs. Interestingly, hPAR is not activated by pregnenolone 16alpha-carbonitrile, which is a potent inducer of murine CYP3A genes and an activator of the mouse receptor PXR.1. Furthermore, hPAR was found to bind to and trans-activate through a conserved regulatory sequence present in human but not murine CYP3A genes. These results provide evidence that hPAR and PXR.1 may represent orthologous genes from different species that have evolved to regulate overlapping target genes in response to pharmacologically distinct CYP3A activators, and have potential implications for the in vitro identification of drug interactions important to humans.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Envelope sequence variability and serologic characterization of HIV type 1 group O isolates from equatorial guinea.

Four sera from Equatorial Guinea (EG) suspected to contain antibody against HIV-1 group O-related viruses were identified on the basis of unusual and differential serologic reactivity in selected commercial assays and Western blot. Degenerate primers, designed from HIV-1 group O published sequences, were used to PCR amplify envelope (env) gene sequences from the suspect EG sera. A complete envelope gene sequence from each serum was determined from the overlapping env gene fragments. Analysis (PHYLIP package of programs) of Env amino acid sequences (translated from nucleotide sequences) indicated that the amino acid sequences obtained from EG sera clustered more closely with HIV Env sequences of group O compared to group M. The amino acid sequences at the octameric tip of the V3 loop were either RIGPLAWY (one isolate), RIGPMAWY (two isolates), or GLGPLAVY (one isolate). The V3 tip tetrameric sequence GPLA is represented only once in the 1995 HIV (Los Alamos) database, but was present in two of our group O-related EG samples. The gp41 immunodominant regions (IDR) protein sequences were identical for sequences from three of the sera, RLLALETLIQNQQLLNLWGCKGR(K)L(I)VCYTSVK(T)W, whereas sequence from the fourth serum contained three changes as noted in parentheses. IDR sequences derived from EG sera were unique compared to those reported for other HIV-1 group O isolate ANT70, VAU, or MVP5180. Antibody in each EG serum directed against the IDR could be detected using synthetic peptides comprising sequences from the ANT70 or MVP5180 IDRs, but were most reactive against the sequences derived from the samples themselves. Little or no serologic reactivity was detected when EG sera were reacted against peptides comprising the IDR of HIV-1 group M (subtype B consensus) or HIV-2 (consensus).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A recessive circadian clock mutation at the frq locus of Neurospora crassa.

A circadian clock mutant of Neurospora crassa, the most distinctive characteristic of which is the complete loss of temperature compensation of its period length, maps to the frq locus where seven other clock mutants have previously been mapped. This mutant, designated frq-9, is recessive to the wild-type allele and to each of the other frq mutants; thus, it differs from the other mutants, which show incomplete dominance to wild type and to each other. Complementation analysis suggests either that the frq locus is a single gene or that frq-9 is a deletion that overlaps adjacent genes. Preliminary efforts at fine structure mapping have indicated that recombination between certain pairs of frq mutations is less than 0.005%, a distance consistent with the locus being a single gene. The recessive nature of frq-9, coupled with complete loss of temperature compensation, suggests that this mutant may represent the null phenotype of the locus and that the frq gene is involved in the temperature compensation mechanism of the clock.--Genetic mapping studies have placed the frq locus on linkage group VIIR, midway between oli (oligomycin resistance) and for (formate auxotrophy), about 2 map units from each, and clearly indicate that frq and oli are separate genes.

Alleles↗

Differential spinal cord gene expression in rodent models of radicular and neuropathic pain.

BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain and radicular low back pain both have a major impact on human health worldwide. Microarray gene analysis on central nervous system tissues holds great promise for discovering novel targets for persistent pain modulation. METHODS: Rat models of lumbar radiculopathy (L5 nerve root ligation) and neuropathy (L5 spinal nerve transection) were used for these studies. The authors measured mechanical allodynia followed by analysis of global gene expression in the lumbar spinal cord at two time points (7 days and 14 days) after surgery using the Affymetrix RAE230A GeneChip(R) (Santa Clara, CA). The expression patterns of several genes of interest were subsequently confirmed using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The authors observed similarly robust mechanical allodynia in both models. Second, they observed significant differences in lumbar spinal cord gene expression across chronic pain models. There was little overlap between genes altered in each injury model, suggesting that the site and type of injury produce distinct spinal mechanisms mediating the observed mechanical allodynia. The authors further confirmed a subset of the genes using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and identified several genes as either neuropathy-associated genes or radiculopathy-associated genes. CONCLUSIONS: These two models of persistent pain produce similar allodynic outcomes but produce differential gene expression. These results suggest that diverging mechanisms lead to a common behavioral outcome in these pain models. Furthermore, these distinct pathophysiologic mechanisms in neuropathic versus radicular pain may implicate unique drug therapies for these types of chronic pain syndromes.

Animals↗

Estrogen and the blood vessel wall.

This article reviews historical studies and recent advances regarding the direct effects of estrogen on the blood vessel wall. It is organized into two sections that summarize effects of estrogen on vasomotor tone and on vascular cell growth and atherogenesis, based on two recognized actions of estrogen on the vasculature: a rapid vasodilatory effect, and an atheroprotective effect involving inhibition of smooth-muscle cell proliferation. These effects are likely mediated by different mechanisms. The rapid vasodilatory effects of estrogen are probably nongenomic, whereas the antiproliferative effects of estrogen are likely due to estrogen receptor-dependent alterations in gene expression. Overlap between these two mechanisms also exists, in that genes regulating the production of two important vasodilators synthesized by the vessel wall (prostacyclin and nitric oxide) can be up-regulated by estrogen. Potential molecular mechanisms by which estrogen exerts its effects are discussed, and future directions in this rapidly evolving area of research are considered.

Arteriosclerosis↗

Two functional psbD genes in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7942.

The cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7942 has two copies of the psbD gene which encodes the D2 polypeptide of the photosystem II (PSII) reaction center. One of the genes, psbDI, overlaps the open reading frame of another photosystem II gene, psbC; the psbDII gene is monocistronic. Gene inactivation experiments had previously shown that psbDII is dispensable under normal laboratory growth conditions. However, similar experiments with psbDI never produced viable psbDI-inactivated mutants, presumably because psbC expression depends on transcription through psbDI. The experiments described here were designed to assess the need for psbDI independent of the need for expression of psbC. A strain, AMC027, was engineered in which a second copy of psbC was expressed from the psbDII locus. Northern (RNA) blot analysis confirmed that both psbDI and psbDII gave rise to dicistronic messages containing psbC sequences in AMC027. In this genetic background, it was possible to inactivate psbDI, creating strain AMC050 and indicating that the psbDII gene is functional. Western immunoblot analysis showed that the products of psbD and psbC, the PSII proteins D2 and CP43, respectively, were present in thylakoids of AMC050, but at reduced levels relative to the wild type, the mutant AMC027, and two psbDII-inactivated mutants. AMC050 consistently formed small colonies on plates and competed poorly in mixed-culture experiments. This suggested that, although not essential for viability, expression from the psbDI locus is required to produce sufficient D2 and CP43 for optimal growth.

Blotting, Southern↗

Gene expression analysis of tumor spheroids reveals a role for suppressed DNA mismatch repair in multicellular resistance to alkylating agents.

Drug resistance is a major obstacle in the successful treatment of cancer. Thus, elucidation of the mechanisms responsible is a critical first step in trying to prevent or delay such manifestations of resistance. In this regard, three-dimensional multicellular tumor cell spheroids are intrinsically more resistant to virtually all anticancer cytotoxic drugs than conventional monolayer cultures. We have employed the EMT-6 subline PC5T, which forms highly compact spheroids, and differential display to identify candidate genes whose expression differs between monolayer and spheroids. Approximately 5,000 bands were analyzed, revealing 26 to be differentially expressed. Analysis of EMT-6 tumor variants selected in vivo for acquired resistance to alkylating agents identified eight genes whose expression correlated with drug resistance in tumor spheroids. Four genes (encoding Nop56, the NADH SDAP subunit, and two novel sequences) were found to be down-regulated in EMT-6 spheroids and four (encoding 2-oxoglutarate carrier protein, JTV-1, and two novel sequences) were up-regulated. Analysis of the DNA mismatch repair-associated PMS2 gene, which overlaps at the genomic level with the JTV-1 gene, revealed PMS2 mRNA to be down-regulated in tumor spheroids, which was confirmed at the protein level. Analysis of PMS2(-/-) mouse embryo fibroblasts confirmed a role for PMS2 in sensitivity to cisplatin, and DNA mismatch repair activity was found to be reduced in EMT-6 spheroids compared to monolayers. Dominant negative PMS2 transfection caused increased resistance to cisplatin in EMT-6 and CHO cells. Our results implicate reduced DNA mismatch repair as a determinant factor of reversible multicellular resistance of tumor cells to alkylating agents.

Alkylating Agents↗

DNA methylation signatures in skeletal muscle associated with physical function in healthy older adults.

Despite the substantial variability in physical function among older adults, the molecular mechanisms remain poorly characterized, particularly within skeletal muscle. This study aimed to determine the patterns of DNA methylation in skeletal muscle associated with physical function in healthy older adults. We analyzed DNA methylation (EPIC v2 array; 875,554 CpG sites) in skeletal muscle from 92 healthy older adults (median age 74; 62% female). Associations were examined across five phenotypes: Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 6-min walk test (6MWT), handgrip strength, perceived disability (PAT-D), and lifestyle health (modified Life's Essential 8). Linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, BMI, and muscle fiber composition. Genomic inflation corrected via the BACON method (FDR&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). Gene set enrichment analysis was performed on suggestive hits (FDR&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.1). We identified significant differentially methylated probes (DMPs) and regions (DMRs) across all phenotypes: SPPB (70 DMPs, 22 DMRs), 6MWT (16 DMPs, 566 DMRs), handgrip strength (2 DMRs), PAT-D (19 DMPs, 1 DMR), and lifestyle health (2 DMPs). DMRs largely overlapped promoters. Identified genes overlapped known musculoskeletal and neurological GWAS hits, including RUNX2 and FOXL1 (bone mineral density), IGFBP3 (muscle mass), and NEK1 and SHANK1 (neurological function). Enrichment analysis revealed that 6MWT-associated genes relate to nervous and skeletal system development, while handgrip-associated genes involve cytoskeletal dynamics and protein assembly. Epigenetic variation in aging skeletal muscle is associated with physical function. The enrichment of pathways related to nervous and musculoskeletal development suggests specific epigenetic mechanisms underlying functional decline, offering potential targets for intervention in older adults.

DNA methylation↗

Adrenoleukodystrophy: overlapping deletions point to a gene location in Xq28.

Adrenoleukodystrophy is a lethal X-linked neurodegenerative disorder which maps close to the red/green color pigment gene cluster in Xq28. We have reported a broad spectrum of color pigment gene changes in adrenoleukodystrophy patients, indicating that the genes may be quite close together. We now have used anonymous DNA probes centromeric to the color pigment gene cluster to analyze patients from 59 adrenoleukodystrophy kindreds. All patients showed normal hybridization using probe Fr9, 30 kb centromeric to the color pigment genes. However, using probe Fr11, 100 kb further centromeric, we found overlapping deletions in 2 patients. We isolated conventional and cosmid genomic clones encompassing 24 kb surrounding Fr11; the clones and map derived from this region localize the telomeric ends of the two deletions to distinct positions 8 kb apart. These overlapping deletions implicate this specific region as a likely site for the ALD gene.

Adrenoleukodystrophy↗

Overlapping but distinct profiles of gene expression elicited by glucocorticoids and progestins.

Glucocorticoids and progestins bind to receptors that share many structural and functional similarities, including virtually identical DNA recognition specificity. Nonetheless, the two hormones mediate very distinct biological functions. For example, progestins are associated with the incidence and progression of breast cancer, whereas glucocorticoids are growth suppressive in mammary cancer cells. To understand the mechanisms that engender biological specificity, we have employed two systematic approaches to identify genes that are differentially regulated by the two hormones. The first strategy is to utilize Affymetrix oligonucleotide arrays to compare glucocorticoid- and progestin-regulated gene expression in a human breast cancer cell line. This global analysis reveals that the two hormones regulate overlapping but distinct sets of genes, including 31 genes that are differentially regulated. Surprisingly, the set of differentially regulated genes was almost as large as the set of genes regulated by both hormones. Examination of the set of differentially regulated genes suggests mechanisms behind the distinct growth effects of the two hormones in breast cancer. The differential regulation of four genes representing different regulatory patterns was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Northern blot analyses. Treatment with cycloheximide or mifepristone (RU486) indicates that the regulation is a primary, receptor-mediated event. The second strategy is to employ a retroviral promoter trap and Cre/loxP-mediated, site-specific recombination to identify genes that are differentially regulated by glucocorticoids and progestins. A mouse fibroblast cell line (4F) stably expressing both glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and progesterone receptor (PR) and containing a single copy of a multifunctional selection plasmid was generated. This line was transduced with a self-inactivating retroviral promoter trap vector carrying coding sequences for Cre-recombinase (Cre) in the U3 region. Integration of the provirus places Cre expression under the control of genomic flanking sequence. Activation of Cre expression from integration into active genes results in a permanent switch between the selectable marker genes that convert the cells from neomycin resistant to hygromycin resistant. Selection for hygromycin resistance after hormone treatment yields recombinants in which Cre sequences in the U3 region are expressed from hormone-inducible, upstream cellular promoters. Because Cre-mediated recombination is a permanent event, the expression of the selectable marker genes is independent of ongoing Cre expression. Thus, this system permits the identification of genes that are transiently or weakly induced by hormone. Detailed analyses of genes identified in these studies will furnish a mechanistic understanding of differential regulation by glucocorticoids and progestins.

Animals↗

Overlapping functions of the myogenic bHLH genes MRF4 and MyoD revealed in double mutant mice.

The myogenic basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) genes - MyoD, Myf5, myogenin and MRF4 - exhibit distinct, but overlapping expression patterns during development of the skeletal muscle lineage and loss-of-function mutations in these genes result in different effects on muscle development. MyoD and Myf5 have been shown to act early in the myogenic lineage to establish myoblast identity, whereas myogenin acts later to control myoblast differentiation. In mice lacking myogenin, there is a severe deficiency of skeletal muscle, but some residual muscle fibers are present in mutant mice at birth. Mice lacking MRF4 are viable and have skeletal muscle, but they upregulate myogenin expression, which could potentially compensate for the absence of MRF4. Previous studies in which Myf5 and MRF4 null mutations were combined suggested that these genes do not share overlapping myogenic functions in vivo. To determine whether the functions of MRF4 might overlap with those of myogenin or MyoD, we generated double mutant mice lacking MRF4 and either myogenin or MyoD. MRF4/myogenin double mutant mice contained a comparable number of residual muscle fibers to mice lacking myogenin alone and myoblasts from those double mutant mice formed differentiated multinucleated myotubes in vitro as efficiently as wild-type myoblasts, indicating that neither myogenin nor MRF4 is absolutely essential for myoblast differentiation. Whereas mice lacking either MRF4 or MyoD were viable and did not show defects in muscle development, MRF4/MyoD double mutants displayed a severe muscle deficiency similar to that in myogenin mutants. Myogenin was expressed in MRF4/MyoD double mutants, indicating that myogenin is insufficient to support normal myogenesis in vivo. These results reveal unanticipated compensatory roles for MRF4 and MyoD in the muscle differentiation pathway and suggest that a threshold level of myogenic bHLH factors is required to activate muscle structural genes, with this level normally being achieved by combinations of multiple myogenic bHLH factors.

Animals↗

K-ras is an essential gene in the mouse with partial functional overlap with N-ras.

Mammalian ras genes are thought to be critical in the regulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation and are mutated in approximately 30% of all human tumors. However, N-ras and H-ras are nonessential for mouse development. To characterize the normal role of K-ras in growth and development, we have mutated it by gene targeting in the mouse. On an inbred genetic background, embryos homozygous for this mutation die between 12 and 14 days of gestation, with fetal liver defects and evidence of anemia. Thus, K-ras is the only member of the ras gene family essential for mouse embryogenesis. We have also investigated the effect of multiple mutations within the ras gene family. Most animals lacking N-ras function and heterozygous for the K-ras mutation exhibit abnormal hematopoietic development and die between days 10 and 12 of embryogenesis. Thus, partial functional overlap appears to occur within the ras gene family, but K-ras provides a unique and essential function.

Anemia↗

Comprehensive analysis of diagnostic biomarkers related to histone acetylation in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has become a serious disease that endangers human health, with high morbidity and mortality. Numerous studies have reported histone acetylation can result in the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. This article aims to explore the potential biomarkers of histone acetylation regulatory genes (ARGs) in AMI patients. METHODS: Five AMI datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Next, ARG-related genes were gathered by gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and Spearman's correlation analysis. Subsequently, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify the module genes related to histone acetylation regulation. In the GSE60993 and GSE48060 datasets, the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AMI and control samples were screened. Importantly, the intersecting genes were obtained by overlapping ARGs-related genes, common DEGs, and module genes. Then, the biomarkers in AMI were determined by machine learning, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and quantitative PCR (qPCR). In addition, immune analysis, drug prediction, molecular docking, and the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network targeting the biomarkers were analyzed, respectively. RESULTS: Here, a total of 18 intersecting genes were identified by overlapping 7,349 ARGs-related genes, 5,565 module genes, and 25 common DEGs. Further, five biomarkers (AQP9, HLA-DQA1, MCEMP1, NKG7, and S100A12) were obtained, and a nomogram was constructed and verified based on these biomarkers. Notably, the biomarkers were significantly associated with CD8 T cells and neutrophils. In addition, the drugs related to biomarkers were predicted, and ATOGEPANT with the molecular target (S100A12) had a high binding affinity (docking score = -10&#xa0;kcal/mol). CONCLUSION: AQP9, HLA-DQA1, MCEMP1, NKG7, and S100A12 were identified as biomarkers related to ARGs in AMI, which provides a new perspective to study the relationship between ARGs and AMI.

Humans↗

Overlapping transcription of the nifA regulatory gene in Rhizobium meliloti.

Gene fusions were used to demonstrate complex overlapping transcriptional controls of the regulatory gene nifA in Rhizobium meliloti bacteroids isolated from alfalfa root nodules. Gene nifA has previously been shown to be transcribed from promoter PnifA and to be required for activation of promoters P1 (nifHDK) and P2 (fixABC) during symbiotic nitrogen fixation with alfalfa. P2 is located approximately 4 kb upstream from nifA and is shown in this report to be responsible for at least one-half of the nifA expression observed in bacteroids. Substantial transcription of nifA occurs during symbiosis as evidenced by the fact that PnifA was found to be 53% as active as either P1 or P2. Together, the data indicate that more than half of the transcripts initiated at P2 fail to terminate before reaching nifA. Additional studies indicated that there may be weak promoter activity in the symbiotically essential region downstream from nifA.

Acetyltransferases↗

Glycogen storage disease type Ib: structural and mutational analysis of the microsomal glucose-6-phosphate transporter gene.

Glycogen storage disease type Ib is caused by a mutation in the gene encoding microsomal glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) transporter. We determined the exon/intron organization of the G6P transporter gene. Four overlapping genomic fragments containing the entire coding region of the gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using exonic primers, and their nucleotide sequences were determined. The gene spans 4.5 kb and has eight exons. All exon/intron boundaries adhered to the canonical AG/GT rule. We then designed eight pairs of PCR primers to amplify all coding exons for a mutational analysis and studied five Japanese patients with the disease. Two novel homozygous mutations were identified in two families: a three-base deletion (delV235) in exon 2 in a consanguineous family and a splicing mutation (IVS7+1G-->T) in intron 7 in a nonconsanguineous family. Patient 3 was a compound heterozygote of W118R and IVS1+1G-->A, both of which we previously identified [Kure et al., 1998: Biochem Biophys Res Commun 248:426-431]. Patients 4 and 5 were homozygotes of W118R. Including our previous study, we found a total of ten W118R alleles in nine Japanese patients. The results support our previous suggestion that W118R is prevalent among Japanese patients. The genomic sequence data and mutation spectrum obtained from the Japanese patients will facilitate genetic diagnosis of glycogen storage disease type Ib.

Antiporters↗

Assessment of the CTNNA3 gene encoding human alpha T-catenin regarding its involvement in dilated cardiomyopathy.

Alpha T-catenin is a novel member of the alpha-catenin family, which shows most abundant expression in cardiomyocytes and in peritubular myoid cells of the testis, pointing to a specific function for alpha T-catenin in particular muscle tissues. Like other alpha-catenins, alpha T-catenin provides an indispensable link between the cadherin-based cell-cell adhesion complex and the cytoskeleton, to mediate cell-cell adhesion. By isolating genomic clones, combined with database sequence analysis, we have been able to determine the structure of the CTNNA3 and Ctnna3 genes, encoding human and mouse alpha T-catenin, respectively. The positions of the exon-exon boundaries are completely conserved in CTNNA3, Ctnna3, and the alpha N-catenin encoding CTNNA2 gene. They overlap largely with the boundaries of the CTNNA1 and CTNNAL1 genes encoding alpha E-catenin and alpha-catulin, respectively. This emphasizes that these alpha-catenin genes evolved from the same ancestor gene. Nevertheless, the introns of CTNNA3 and Ctnna3 are remarkably large (often more than 100 kb) compared with introns of other CTNNA genes. The CTNNA3 gene was mapped to chromosome band 10q21 by both fluorescence in situ hybridization and polymerase-chain-reaction-based hybrid mapping. This region encodes a gene for autosomal dominant familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a common cause of morbidity and mortality. As alpha T-catenin is highly expressed in healthy heart tissue, we have considered CTNNA3 as a candidate disease gene in a family showing DCM linkage to the 10q21-q23 locus. Mutation screening of all 18 exons of the CTNNA3 gene in this family has, however, not detected any DCM-linked CTNNA3 mutations.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning and analysis of translational control for genes encoding the Cfr9I restriction-modification system.

The complete type-II Cfr9I restriction-modification (R-M) system of Citrobacter freundii strain RFL9, recognizing the DNA sequence CCCGGG, has been cloned and expressed, and functionally active enzymes have been produced in Escherichia coli. Both the methyltransferase (MTase; M.Cfr9I) and restriction endonuclease (ENase; R.Cfr9I) were found to be encoded on a 2.3-kb cloned fragment in the same transcriptional orientation, but differing in translational phases. The last codon (underlined) (ATGA) of the MTase-encoding gene (Cfr9IM) overlaps with the start codon for the ENase-encoding gene (overlined) (cfr9IR). A nucleotide sequence complementary to a predicted Shine-Dalgarno sequence preceding cfr9IR is within this gene. Predicted free energy (delta G) for formation of the mRNA secondary structure involving these complementary sequences was found to be -16.1 kcal/mol. Amino-acid sequence homology of 80% was found between R.Cfr9I and R.XcyI.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Promoter characterization and genomic organization of the gene encoding integrin-linked kinase 1.

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK)-1 is a 59-kDa serine-threonine protein kinase, which associates with the cytoplasmic domain of beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3 integrins and acts as a receptor proximal kinase regulating integrin-mediated signal transduction. We have recently identified an isoform of ILK (ILK-2), which is expressed, in a TGF-beta 1-dependent manner, in a highly invasive tumor cell line but not in normal adult tissues. In contrast, ILK-1 is ubiquitously expressed in normal tissues and is up-regulated in various tumors independent of TGF-beta 1. Here, we report the structural organization and the promoter activity of the human ILK-1 gene, contained within a 8.8-kb genomic fragment cloned from a human BAC library. The mature protein is encoded by 13 exons. The last coding exon contains the entire 3' UTR of the ILK-1 gene, which overlaps with the complementary 3' UTR sequence of the TAF2H gene, a TATA box binding protein-associated factor. A major transcriptional initiation start site was found 138 bp upstream of exon 1 in close proximity to a consensus initiator element (Inr). The ILK gene is transcribed by a TATA-less and CAAT-less promoter with typical features of housekeeping genes. The promoter activity was characterized by a luciferase reporter assay and the minimal sequence conferring promoter activity was 349 bp in size and located immediately upstream of exon 1.

Base Sequence↗