GATA factors and androgen receptor collaborate to transcriptionally activate the Rhox5 homeobox gene in Sertoli cells.

ABSTRACT: How Sertoli-specific expression is initiated is poorly understood. Here, we address this issue using the proximal promoter (Pp) from the Rhox5 homeobox gene. Its Sertoli cell-specific expression is achieved, in part, through a negative regulatory element that inhibits Pp transcription in non-Sertoli cell lines. Complementing this negative regulation is positive regulation conferred by four androgen-response elements (AREs) that interact with the androgen receptor (AR), a nuclear hormone receptor expressed at high levels in Sertoli cells. A third control mechanism is provided by a consensus GATA-binding site that is crucial for Pp transcription both in vitro and in vivo. Several lines of evidence suggested that GATA factors and AR act cooperatively to activate Pp transcription: (i) the GATA

SUBMITTER: Bhardwaj A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2268436 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature