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c-Jun can mediate androgen receptor-induced transactivation

A Bubulya1, S C Wise, X Q Shen

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, USA.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|October 4, 1996
PubMed

Insights

The proto-oncoprotein c-Jun indirectly regulates androgen receptor (AR) activity without binding DNA or interacting with c-Fos. c-Jun enhances AR-mediated transcription, suggesting a novel mediator role in gene regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The proto-oncoprotein c-Jun typically heterodimerizes with c-Fos to form the transcription factor AP-1.
  • AP-1 regulates gene transcription through DNA binding and transactivation.
  • The androgen receptor (AR) is a key regulator of gene expression, particularly in prostate cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate a novel, indirect mechanism by which c-Jun regulates transcription via the androgen receptor.
  • To determine if c-Jun can influence AR-mediated transactivation independently of c-Fos or DNA binding.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a modified yeast two-hybrid system in Cos cells to assess protein interactions.
  • Performed dose-response and time-course experiments to evaluate c-Jun's effect on AR activity.
  • Investigated the impact of c-Fos on AR and c-Jun interactions.

Main Results:

  • c-Jun supports AR-mediated transactivation independently of c-Fos or direct DNA binding.
  • The positive effect of c-Jun on AR activity is dose-dependent.
  • c-Jun interacts with the DNA binding/hinge region of the androgen receptor.
  • c-Jun relieves AR self-squelching and its effect is primary, preceding c-Fos interference.

Conclusions:

  • c-Jun acts as a mediator for androgen receptor-induced transactivation through a novel indirect mechanism.
  • This finding reveals a new regulatory pathway for AR activity, potentially impacting cancer biology.
  • c-Jun's interaction with the AR's CD regions is crucial for this mediating function.

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