title: Estrogen induces transcription of the Xenopus laevis serum retinol-binding protein gene.
abstract: We have isolated and sequenced a full-length cDNA cloned tentatively identified as encoding Xenopus laevis serum retinol-binding protein (RBP) mRNA. The derived amino acid sequence of the Xenopus protein is 63% homologous to the sequence of the human RBP. 17 of 19 amino acids identified as critical in the retinol-binding pocket of human RBP are identical or conservative replacements in the Xenopus protein. The RBP cDNA clone has been used as a hybridization probe to demonstrate that administration of estradiol-17 beta to male X. laevis induces hepatic RBP mRNA 10-fold from its constitutive in vivo level of 1,800 molecules/cell to approximately 18,000 molecules/cell. Using a simplified method for determining relative rates of gene transcription, we demonstrate an estrogen-mediated increase in the rate of RBP gene transcription. These quantitative data provide the first demonstration that a steroid hormone regulates the levels of vertebrate retinol-binding protein mRNA.
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects*; D014982:Xenopus laevis
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins; D004247:DNA