[The transcriptional regulation of the human gastrin gene by EGF]

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and phorbol esters stimulate the human gastrin promoter through a novel GC-rich DNA element 5'-68GGGGCGGGGTGGGGGG-53 called gERE (gastrin EGF response element). The transcription factor Sp1 and two fast migrating complexes designated gastrin EGF response proteins (gERP1 and gERP2) bind to gERE. Sp1 binds to the 5' half site and gERP bind to the 3' half site. Both the 5' and 3' domains and some overlap between the two domains are required to confer EGF induction. Complex interactions between Sp1 and other factors binding to overlapping gERE half-sites confer EGF responsiveness to the gastrin promoter.