title: Xenopus cytoskeletal actin and human c-fos gene promoters share a conserved protein-binding site.
abstract: Xenopus laevis cytoskeletal actin gene promoters contain a 20-bp sequence homologous to the serum response element (SRE) required for transient human c-fos gene transcription in response to serum factors. Both sequences bind the same factor in HeLa cell extracts, as shown by binding competition, DNase I and dimethylsulphate (DMS) protection and DMS interference assays. A similar protein is present in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Sequences containing the SRE homology are essential for constitutive activity of the actin promoter in both Xenopus and mouse cells, and a synthetic SRE functions as a promoter element in these cells. In mouse cells, transcription of both transfected Xenopus actin and actin/c-fos fusion genes is activated following serum stimulation. These data suggest that the SRE and its cognate protein form part of a regulatory pathway that has been highly conserved during evolution.
mesh_terms: D000199:Actins / Q000235:genetics*; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D005796:Genes; D006367:HeLa Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D011485:Protein Binding; D011519:Proto-Oncogenes; D012689:Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid; D014982:Xenopus laevis
chemical_list: D000199:Actins