POU transcription factors differentially regulate the D1A dopamine receptor gene in cultured cells

Transcription is regulated by complex interactions between cis-elements and transcription factors. In this study, we found that members of the POU transcription factor family differentially regulate a cis-element of the human D1A dopamine receptor gene. The differences in transactivating abilities among POU factors are derived neither from their different binding affinities to the responsive element nor from their interaction with other types of transcription factors, suggesting the participation of coactivators. We also observed that POU family members, when expressed simultaneously, act competitively on this regulatory element. Our findings demonstrate that members of the same transcription factor family result in different outcomes in cultured cells. These observations suggest a novel model for in vivo gene regulation by different members of a transcription factor family through a single cis-element.