Molecular structure and function of rat platelet-derived growth factor beta-receptor gene promoter

To understand the regulatory mechanism of platelet-derived growth factor beta-receptor gene expression.

A 1.7 kb genomic fragment was obtained from a rat genomic library. After we had determined an entire sequence of this fragment, transcription start sites were determined both by primer extension analysis and by riboprobe mapping. We performed a functional promoter assay by using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Progressive 5'-deletions of the fragment and site-directed mutagenesis for the CCAAT motif located at -67 or -94 were used for the assay, and their promoter activities in vascular smooth muscle cells were assessed. Gel-mobility shift analysis was also performed for the CCAAT motif at -67. Effects of the upstream sequence spanning -310 through -120 on heterologous gene promoters were also investigated.

Multiple transcription start sites were observed in the 5'-flanking region, and the 1.7 kb sequence was actually active as a functional promoter in vascular smooth muscle cells. Two important sequences responsible for the basal transcriptional activity were identified by the functional promoter assay. One was the CCAAT motif at -67 which acts as a promoter itself, and the other was the upstream region spanning -310 through -210 which positively regulates the basal promoter activity.

The basal promoter activity of the rat platelet-derived growth factor beta-receptor gene is mainly regulated by the interaction or coordination of two sequences, the CCAAT motif and the upstream control element.