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. 1992 Sep;12(9):3796–3806. doi: 10.1128/mcb.12.9.3796

Transcription of the mouse secretory protease inhibitor p12 gene is activated by the developmentally regulated positive transcription factor Sp1.

S Robidoux 1, P Gosselin 1, M Harvey 1, S Leclerc 1, S L Guérin 1
PMCID: PMC360247  PMID: 1508185

Abstract

We have previously shown that a trans-acting protein produced in some tissue culture cells positively control the transcriptional activity directed by the mouse p12 promoter. This nuclear protein exerts its positive activity by interacting with a regulatory sequence designated p12.A and located between the TATA and CCAAT box elements on the p12 gene promoter. Using DNase I and dimethyl sulfate methylation interference footprinting techniques coupled with gel retardation assays, we found evidence that the protein which binds to the p12.A element is the well-known transcription factor Sp1. Mutational analysis in transient transfection assays confirmed the positive activity exerted by this protein in every cell line tested. In agreement with this observation, we detected a p12.A-Sp1 binding activity in nuclear extracts prepared from all cell lines used. However, a similar binding activity could not be detected in a number of nuclear extracts prepared from normal mouse tissues. In this report, we provide the evidence that the lack of Sp1-binding activity results from the degradation of Sp1 in the kidney, liver, and pancreas of the mouse.

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