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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
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Prediction and Validation of Gene Regulatory Elements Activated During Retinoic Acid Induced Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation
Published on: June 21, 2016
Distal regulatory elements are required for Fshr expression, in vivo
Brian P Hermann1, Kaori I Hornbaker, Rengasamy R M Maran
1Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|November 14, 2006
Summary
Regulatory sequences outside the main Follicle-Stimulating Hormone receptor (Fshr) gene locus are essential for its proper expression in gonadal cells. Distal conserved elements are implicated in controlling Fshr
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular endocrinology
- Genomics
Background:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is crucial for gametogenesis.
- FSH acts via its receptor (Fshr) on Sertoli and granulosa cells.
- Regulatory sequences for Fshr cell-specific expression are unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify minimal regulatory regions for Fshr expression.
- Determine sequences responsible for Fshr spatiotemporal control.
- Investigate distal regulatory elements for Fshr transcriptional regulation.
Main Methods:
- Generated transgenic mice with a large Fshr locus (YAC60).
- Analyzed transgene expression using RT-PCR.
- Performed comparative genomics to find conserved regions (ECRs).
- Assessed ECR activity via transient transfection in cell lines.
Main Results:
- A 413kb Fshr locus (YAC60) did not confer normal expression patterns in mice.
- Six of seven evolutionarily conserved regions (ECRs) were outside YAC60.
- ECRs showed modest transcriptional activity; ECR4 and ECR5 had differential effects.
Conclusions:
- Distal regulatory regions outside the 413kb locus are necessary for Fshr expression.
- Identified ECRs likely play a role in Fshr transcriptional regulation.
- Further investigation of distal elements is required for understanding Fshr control.
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