Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Prediction and Validation of Gene Regulatory Elements Activated During Retinoic Acid Induced Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation
Published on: June 21, 2016
Identification of functional peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α response element in the human Ppsig gene
Abstract:
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), one of the key ligand-activated nuclear receptors interacting with PPAR response elements (PPREs), may trigger the expression of PPAR-responsive genes and be involved in the transcriptional regulation of lipid metabolism, energy balance, and some diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that the mouse Ppsig gene is a novel PPARα target gene taking a pivotal role in maintaining energy balance during fasting. Disparity between humans and rodents in their PPAR systems requires corroborating experiments to determine whether the hPpsig gene (Ppsig homologous gene in human) is also a PPARα target gene. In this work, eight putative PPREs in the promoter and first intron of hPpsig were identified. However, only one intronic PPRE could respond to PPARα by transient transfection. Furthermore, the binding activity of PPARα with this intronic PPRE was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay in vitro. This investigation might help to elucidate the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of Ppsig in humans.
Related Concept Videos
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Protein Import into the Peroxisomes
Peroxisomal Protein Import:
Peroxisomes lack the genetic machinery required to code for their own proteins. Hence, most peroxisomal membrane, lumenal and transmembrane proteins are synthesized in the cytoplasm or ER and transported to the peroxisome...
Reporter Genes
Commonly used reporter...
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes: