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The connexin43 gene is responsive to oestrogen
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Florida 33101.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|February 22, 1994
Summary
Connexin43, a key gap junction protein, has a promoter region responsive to estrogen. This finding is crucial for understanding its role in smooth muscle and potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Cell biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Connexin43 is the primary protein in gap junctions, vital for heart and smooth muscle function, including the myometrium.
- The connexin43 gene shares organizational similarities with other connexin genes, featuring a large intron in its 5' untranslated region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulatory elements within the connexin43 gene promoter.
- To determine the influence of estrogen on connexin43 gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Molecular cloning of the connexin43 gene and analysis of its promoter region.
- Reporter gene assays using luciferase linked to the connexin43 promoter in HeLa cells.
- Co-transfection with estrogen receptor cDNA to assess estrogen's effect.
Main Results:
- The connexin43 promoter contains a TATA box, AP-1, AP-2 sites, and estrogen response elements.
- Constitutive expression of luciferase was observed when the connexin43 promoter-luciferase construct was transfected into HeLa cells.
- Estrogen upregulated luciferase expression in a cell-specific manner when cells were co-transfected with estrogen receptor cDNA.
Conclusions:
- The promoter region of the connexin43 gene possesses regulatory elements, including estrogen response elements.
- Estrogen can modulate connexin43 gene expression in a cell-specific manner, suggesting a role in physiological processes regulated by estrogen.