Repression of the myelin P0 gene by the POU transcription factor SCIP

SCIP is a POU domain transcription factor expressed by Schwann cells, the myelin-forming glial cells of the peripheral nervous system. In this study, we investigate SCIP regulation of the gene encoding P0, the major structural protein of peripheral myelin. We find that SCIP represses transcription of this gene through the joint action of the SCIP POU domain and an amino terminal domain that acts cell specifically. Maximal repression is DNA-binding-dependent, and analysis of the P0 promoter reveals the presence of multiple SCIP binding sites. Surprisingly, none of these sites in their native positions dramatically affect P0 promoter activity or its repression by SCIP, although they mediate repression when moved closer to the P0 transcription start site. We propose that repression occurs through a quenching mechanism mediated by the SCIP POU and amino terminal domains acting in concert with other nuclear proteins, including a Schwann cell-specific adapter.