Related Experiment Videos
The BOB.1 / OBF.1 co-activator is essential for octamer-dependent transcription in B cells
H Laumen1, P J Nielsen, T Wirth
1Institut für Medizinische Strahlenkunde und Zellforschung Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
European Journal of Immunology
|February 12, 2000
Summary
The BOB.1 / OBF.1 co-activator is essential for octamer-dependent gene transcription in B cells. Its absence halts transcription, even with other enhancers present, highlighting its non-redundant role.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- The BOB.1 / OBF.1 / OCA-B protein acts as a B cell-specific co-activator for Oct1 and Oct2 transcription factors.
- Previous studies showed normal gene expression in BOB.1 / OBF.1-deficient animals despite octamer motifs, raising questions about its precise role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific role of BOB.1 / OBF.1 in octamer-dependent transcription within B cells.
- To determine if BOB.1 / OBF.1 is essential for the function of octamer motifs in gene regulation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized BOB.1 / OBF.1-deficient B cells and introduced a hormone-regulated conditional allele.
- Assayed octamer-dependent reporter gene activity and an authentic immunoglobulin kappa-promoter.
- Examined the effect of strong enhancer elements and lipopolysaccharide induction on transcription.
Main Results:
- Promoters solely reliant on octamer motifs were inactive in BOB.1 / OBF.1-deficient B cells.
- Reintroduction of BOB.1 / OBF.1 restored hormone-dependent transcriptional activity.
- This dependence was observed for the immunoglobulin kappa-promoter and could not be compensated by other enhancers.
Conclusions:
- BOB.1 / OBF.1 is a non-redundant and absolutely required co-activator for octamer-dependent transcription in B cells.
- The protein's function is critical for mediating the activity of Oct1 and Oct2 on specific gene promoters.
- Findings clarify the essential role of BOB.1 / OBF.1 in B cell-specific gene regulation.