Nucleotide sequence of the gene coding for ovine corticotropin-releasing factor and regulation of its mRNA levels by glucocorticoids.
The ovine gene CRF, coding for corticotropin-releasing factor, has been isolated and the nucleotide sequence determined. The degree of nucleotide sequence homology between the ovine and human CRF genes is unusual, in that the 5' flanking regions are more highly conserved than the protein-coding regions. This striking degree of homology would indicate that a strong selective pressure is being exerted over an extensive area of the 5' flanking region, which could include transcriptional control elements. The 5' flanking region of the ovine CRF gene contains five elements which share homology with the glucocorticoid receptor DNA binding sequence. Also Northern blot analysis indicates that hypothalamic CRF mRNA levels are negatively regulated by glucocorticoids. Dexamethasone treatment halves the CRF mRNA content of the hypothalamus, whereas adrenalectomy causes a three- to four-fold increase in CRF mRNA levels.
Roche
P J
PJ
Howard Florey Institute of Experimental Physiology and Medicine, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Crawford
R J
RJ
Fernley
R T
RT
Tregear
G W
GW
Coghlan
J P
JP
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005796:Genes; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000502:physiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*; D015183:Restriction Mapping; D012689:Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid; D012756:Sheep; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone