Abstract
SRY Regulation of Tcf21, a Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factor, During Male Sex Determination
Biology of reproduction, Vol.78(Suppl_1), pp.184-184
05/01/2008
Abstract
In an embryo, expression of SRY drives the differentiation of the genital ridge into a testis. How SRY directs subsequent testicular development has not been clearly undestood, as no in vivo target gene for SRY has been identified so far. Tcf21, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, is involved in differentiation of several cell types. Tcf21 null mutant mice do not completely develop testis cords indicating its role in differentiation of testicular somatic cell types during embryonic development. We have found in our microarray database that Tcf21 transcripts remain high during sex determination and decrease gradually at later stages of development. Immunocytochemical studies suggest that Tcf21 protein is present in the Sertoli cells during sex determination; but at later stages, it is present only in the interstitial cells. Further, promoter analysis identified three putative SRY-binding sites (HMG-boxes) located within the -2kb promoter region; two of these overlap. Co-transfection of rat E13 male testicular cell line with a rat SRY expression plasmid and -1.9Kb Tcf21 promoter in luciferase reporter plasmid showed stimulation of the -1.9Kb Tcf21 promoter. Mutation of a SRY binding site in the promoter construct diminished the overall promoter activity markedly and also diminished SRY-stimulation of the promoter, suggesting that SRY interacts with the Tcf21 promoter in vitro. To further confirm the specific binding of SRY to its motif site in the Tcf21 promoter in vitro and in vivo, we are conducting electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Data obtained so far suggests that SRY may directly regulate Tcf21 expression.
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Details
- Title
- SRY Regulation of Tcf21, a Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factor, During Male Sex Determination
- Creators
- Ramji K. Bhandari - Washington State UniversityTracy Clement - Washington State UniversityIngrid Sadler-RigglemanMichael K. Skinner - Washington State University
- Publication Details
- Biology of reproduction, Vol.78(Suppl_1), pp.184-184
- Academic Unit
- Biological Sciences, School of
- Identifiers
- 99901080816001842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Abstract