Enhancer and promoter element interactions dictate cyclic adenosine monophosphate mediated and cell-specific expression of the glycoprotein hormone alpha-gene

The glycoprotein hormone alpha-gene is preferentially expressed in placental cell lines, but it is also expressed in several other cell lines indicating that the differential activity of the alpha-gene regulatory elements in various cell types is more quantitative than qualitative. The 5'-flanking region of the alpha-gene contains several distinct DNA regulatory sequences including an upstream regulatory element [(URE) -181 to -150 base pairs (bp)] that stimulates basal expression and an 18 bp twice-repeated cAMP-responsive element [(CRE) -146 to -111 bp]. We constructed an array of fusion genes containing the URE and/or the CRE linked to different truncated promoters [alpha-gene, somatostatin (SRIF), glucagon, Simian Virus 40]. These constructions were transiently expressed in placental, fibroblast, or islet cell lines to identify regulatory sequences involved in cell-specific expression as well as interactions between the URE, the CRE, and different promoter elements. The URE, CRE, and alpha-promoter elements contribute approximately 3-, 6-, and 5-fold, respectively, to preferential expression in JEG-3 cells. In JEG-3 cells, the URE is strictly dependent on the CRE for activity, but it functions in a promoter-independent manner. In contrast, the CRE is markedly promoter dependent. When linked to heterologous enhancers, the alpha-promoter is more active in JEG-3 cells than in other cell lines, thereby contributing substantially to preferential expression in placental cells. Although the CREs derived from the alpha and SRIF genes both activate expression of the alpha promoter, only the alpha CRE activates the SRIF promoter in JEG-3 cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)