Autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene is expressed in human activated CD4+ T-cells and regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway

The autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene is a gene responsible for autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy. Here we show that AIRE is expressed in human peripheral CD4-positive T-cells, and most highly in antigen-and interleukin 2-stimulated T (IL-2T) cells. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including MAPK kinase (MEK) 1/2 and p38 MAPK, were phosphorylated in IL-2T cells and the expression of the AIRE gene was inhibited by a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580), thereby indicating that AIRE gene expression is controlled by the MAPK pathway in IL-2T cells. These data suggested the possible significance of the AIRE gene in the peripheral immune system.     

Functional analysis of the human IGF-I gene promoters

The two putative promoter regions of the human insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) gene, located upstream of the two alternatively used leader exons 1 and 2, were tested for promoter activity in transient transfection assays. Both regions were shown to possess promoter activity. The results further indicate cell-type-specific regulation of the activities of the two promoters in endogenously IGF-I producing human cell lines of different origin. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.