A novel AP-1 site is critical for maximal induction of the follicle-stimulating hormone beta gene by gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
Regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis is a central point of convergence for signals controlling reproduction. The FSHbeta subunit is primarily regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), gonadal steroids, and activin. Here, we identify elements in the mouse FSHbeta promoter responsible for GnRH-mediated induction utilizing the LbetaT2 cell line that endogenously expresses FSH. The proximal 398 bp of the mouse FSHbeta promoter is sufficient for response to GnRH. This response localizes primarily to an AP-1 half-site (-72/-69) juxtaposed to a CCAAT box, which binds nuclear factor-Y. Both elements are required for AP-1 binding, creating a novel AP-1 site. Multimers of this site confer GnRH induction, and mutation or internal deletion of this site reduces GnRH induction by 35%. The same reduction was achieved using a dominant negative Fos protein. This is the only functional AP-1 site identified in the proximal 398 bp, since its mutation eliminates FSHbeta induction by c-Fos and c-Jun. GnRH regulation of the FSHbeta gene occurs through induction of multiple Fos and Jun isoforms, forming at least four different AP-1 molecules, all of which bind to this site. Mitogen-activated protein kinase activity is required for induction of FSHbeta and JunB protein. Finally, AP-1 interacts with nuclear factor-Y, which occupies its overlapping site in vivo.
Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0674, USA.
Djurdjica
D
Coss
Suzanne B R
SB
Jacobs
Cheryl E
CE
Bender
Pamela L
PL
Mellon
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D001665:Binding Sites; D002417:Cattle; D037201:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit / Q000235:genetics*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D016762:Genes, fos; D016758:Genes, jun; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007739:L Cells; D008156:Luciferases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D016297:Mutagenesis, Site-Directed; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D051381:Rats; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D012689:Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid; D012756:Sheep; D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014162:Transfection
D037201:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D008156:Luciferases