The ETS Domain Transcription Factor Elk-1 Regulates the Expression of Its Partner Protein, SRF

• Published in: The Journal of biological chemistry 2005-01, Vol.280 (2), p.1149-1155
• Main Authors: Kasza, Aneta, O'Donnell, Amanda, Gascoigne, Karen, Zeef, Leo A.H., Hayes, Andy, Sharrocks, Andrew D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Base Sequence; Binding Sites; Cell Line; DNA-Binding Proteins - genetics; DNA-Binding Proteins - metabolism; Down-Regulation - drug effects; ets-Domain Protein Elk-1; Gene Expression Regulation - drug effects; Humans; MAP Kinase Signaling System - drug effects; Mitogens - pharmacology; Promoter Regions, Genetic - genetics; Proto-Oncogene Proteins - chemistry; Proto-Oncogene Proteins - genetics; Proto-Oncogene Proteins - metabolism; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets; Response Elements - genetics; rho GTP-Binding Proteins - metabolism; RNA, Messenger - genetics; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Serum Response Factor - genetics; Transcription Factors - chemistry; Transcription Factors - genetics; Transcription Factors - metabolism
• ISSN: 0021-9258; 1083-351X
• DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M411161200

The ternary complex factors (TCF) are a subfamily of ETS domain transcription factors that bind and activate serum response elements (SREs) in the promoters of target genes in a ternary complex with a second transcription factor, serum response factor (SRF). Here, we have identified the SRF gene as a target for the TCFs, thereby providing a positive feedback loop whereby TCF activation leads to the enhancement of the expression of its partner protein SRF. The binding of the TCF Elk-1 to the SRF promoter and subsequent regulation of SRF expression occurs in a ternary complex-dependent manner. Our data therefore reveal that SRF is an important target for the ERK and Rho signaling pathways that converge on a ternary TCF-SRF complex at the SRE on the SRF promoter.