Competition for DNA steroid response elements as a possible mechanism for neuroendocrine integration.
For the analysis of a simple steroid-dependent mating behavior, careful response definition, complete neural circuit delineation and placement of estrogen-responsive cells within this circuit have been accomplished. Molecular studies of two relevant genes have emphasized DNA/RNA hybridization assays and DNA binding techniques. For both the rat preproenkephalin gene and the gene for the progesterone receptor, a strong induction by estrogen, tissue specificity of expression and a sex difference in regulation are prominent phenomena. On the rat preproenkephalin promoter, estrogen (ER) and thyroid receptors may compete for a DNA binding site. Likewise, progesterone (PR) and glucocorticoid receptors may compete for the same sites. On the rat PR gene, interactions between ER and AP-1 binding proteins are of special interest. Such interactions could underlay competitions and synergies between steroid hormones and neurally signalled events in the environment.
Pfaff
D W
DW
Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021.
Freidin
M M
MM
Wu-Peng
X S
XS
Yin
J
J
Zhu
Y S
YS
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D001667:Binding, Competitive; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism*; D004745:Enkephalins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000378:metabolism*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000235:genetics; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000235:genetics; D011987:Receptors, Steroid / Q000378:metabolism*; D013256:Steroids / Q000378:metabolism*
D004745:Enkephalins; D011498:Protein Precursors; D011987:Receptors, Steroid; D013256:Steroids; D011374:Progesterone; D004247:DNA; C033660:preproenkephalin