title: Identification and Characterization of LHX8 DNA Binding Elements.
abstract: Lhx8 (LIM homeobox 8) gene encodes a LIM homeodomain transcriptional regulator that is preferentially expressed in germ cells and critical for mammalian folliculogenesis. However, Lhx8 DNA binding sequences are not characterized yet. We aimed to identify and characterize a cis-acting sequence of germ-cell specific transcriptional factor, Lhx8. To identify Lhx8 DNA binding element, Cyclic Amplification of Sequence Target (CAST) Analysis was performed. Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) was processed for the binding specificity of Lhx8. Luciferase assay was for the transcriptional activity of Lhx8 through identified DNA binding site. We identified a putative cis-acting sequence, TGATTG as Lhx8 DNA binding element (LBE). In addition, Lhx8 binds to the LBE with high affinity and augments transcriptional activity of luciferase reporter driven by artificial promoter containing the Lhx8 binding element. These findings indicate that Lhx8 directly regulates the transcription of genes containing Lhx8 binding element in oocytes during early folliculogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seoul 135-081, Korea.
authors.forename: Miree
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seoul 135-081, Korea.
authors.forename: Sanghyun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jeon
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seoul 135-081, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji-Hye
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Jeong
authors.affiliation: Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 135-081, Korea.
authors.forename: Miseon
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seoul 135-081, Korea.
authors.forename: Dong-Ryul
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 135-081, Korea.
authors.forename: Tae Ki
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Yoon
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam 463-7121, Korea.
authors.forename: Dong Hee
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seoul 135-081, Korea ; Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 135-081, Korea.
authors.forename: Youngsok
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Choi
keywords: Folliculogenesis; Lhx8; Transcription factor