The role of C/EBP in nutrient and hormonal regulation of gene expression.
C/EBPs are a family of transcription factors that play important roles in energy metabolism. Although initially thought to be constitutive regulators of transcription, an increasing amount of evidence indicates that their transactivating capacity within the cell can be modulated by nutrients and hormones. There are several mechanisms whereby this occurs. First, hormones/nutrients are known to directly alter the expression of C/EBPs. Second, hormones/nutrients may cause an alteration in the phosphorylation state of C/EBPs, which can affect their DNA-binding activity or transactivating capacity. Third, C/EBPs can function as accessory factors on gene promoters within a hormone response unit, interacting with other transcription factors to enhance the degree of responsiveness to specific hormones. Given their role in regulating genes involved in a wide variety of metabolic events, advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanism of action of C/EBPs will undoubtedly further our appreciation for the role these transcription factors play in both health and disease.
Roesler
W J
WJ
Department of Biochemistry, University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 5E5. bill.roesler@usask.ca
D022762:CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D017362:Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000494:pharmacology; D006728:Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D010729:Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (GTP) / Q000235:genetics; D010766:Phosphorylation; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D022762:CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins; D017362:Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006728:Hormones; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D010729:Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (GTP)