Single-stranded DNA-binding proteins regulate the abundance and function of the LIM-homeodomain transcription factor LHX2 in pituitary cells

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2008 Aug 22;373(2):303-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.06.027. Epub 2008 Jun 17.

Abstract

A family of single-stranded DNA-binding proteins (or SSBPs) has been shown to augment the function of LIM-homeodomain (LIM-HD) transcription factors in embryogenesis by interaction with LIM domain-binding protein-1 (LDB1). No DNA-binding complex has been described, however, containing a LIM-HD protein, LDB1, and SSBP, and the mechanism by which SSBPs affect LIM-HD function had not been elucidated. Through use of electrophoretic mobility shift, antibody supershift, and ChIP analyses, we show that an Lhx2-Ldb1-Ssbp3 complex binds a specific element in the Lhx2 target gene Cga (encoding the alpha subunit of glycoprotein hormones) in the alphaT3-1 pituitary cell line. Using overexpression and knockdown approaches, we demonstrate that SSBP3 inhibits Lhx2 and Ldb1 turnover, stimulates assembly of this DNA-binding complex, promotes its recruitment to the Cga promoter, and enhances Cga transcription. These studies provide novel insights into the regulation of pituitary gene expression and LIM-HD function more generally.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Line
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / metabolism*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Glycoprotein Hormones, alpha Subunit / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
  • LIM Domain Proteins
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins
  • Mice
  • Pituitary Gland / cytology
  • Pituitary Gland / metabolism*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Transcription Factors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Glycoprotein Hormones, alpha Subunit
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • LIM Domain Proteins
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins
  • Ldb1 protein, mouse
  • Lhx2 protein, mouse
  • Ssbp3 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors