New elements of glucocorticoid-receptor binding sites of hormone-regulated genes

The structure of the DNA regions recognized by glucocorticoid-receptor complexes (GIRC) was analyzed using frequency matrices and a modified perceptron method. Some complementary conservative elements which may modulate the efficiency of GIRC binding were found at both sides of the previously established conserved nucleotide sequence (core) (Beato, M. et al. (1987) J. Steroid Biochem. 27, 9-14). A criterion based on the concurrent use of several perceptron matrices to search for the potential GIRC binding site sequences has been worked out. By applying this criterion 73 sites were identified in 28 sequences of glucocorticoid regulated genes and 7 sites were identified in 26 sequences independent from glucocorticoid regulation.