Regulation of leptin promoter function by Sp1, C/EBP, and a novel factor

Leptin is a hormone produced in adipose cells that regulates energy expenditure, food intake, and adiposity. To understand leptin's transcriptional regulation, we are studying its promoter. Four conserved and functional regions were identified. Mutations in the C/EBP and TATA motifs each caused an approximately 10-fold decrease in promoter activity. The C/EBP motif bound recombinant C/EBP alpha and mediated trans-activation by C/EBP alpha, -beta, and -delta. Mutation of a consensus Sp1 site reduced promoter activity 2.5-fold and abolished binding of Sp1. Mutation of a fourth factor-binding site, denoted LP1, abolished protein binding and reduced promoter activity 2-fold. Factor binding to the LP1 motif was observed with adipocyte, but not with nonadipocyte extracts. Adipocytes from fa/fa Zucker rats transcribed the reporter plasmids more efficiently than did control adipocytes. No effect on the transient expression of leptin was noted upon treatment with a thiazolidinedione, BRL49653, or upon cotransfection with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma/retinoid X receptor-alpha or sterol response element-binding protein-1. Mutations of the Sp1, LP1, and C/EBP sites in pairwise combinations diminished promoter activity to the extent predicted assuming these motifs contribute independently to leptin promoter function. Our identification of motifs regulating leptin transcription is an important step in the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying hormonal and metabolic regulation of this gene.