A DNA-binding protein, tfp1, involved in juvenile hormone-regulated gene expression in Locusta migratoria

• Published in: Insect biochemistry and molecular biology 2006-09, Vol.36 (9), p.726-734
• Main Authors: Zhou, S., Tejada, M., Wyatt, G.R., Walker, V.K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Base Sequence; DNA-binding protein; DNA-binding proteins; DNA-Binding Proteins - physiology; fat body; Female; gene expression regulation; Gene Expression Regulation - physiology; hormonal regulation; Hormone response element; Juvenile hormone; juvenile hormone (JH) response element; juvenile hormones; Juvenile Hormones - physiology; leucine zipper; Locust; Locusta migratoria; Locusta migratoria - physiology; locusts; Molecular Sequence Data; nucleotide sequences; recombinant proteins; response elements; tfp1; transcription (genetics); Transcription factor; transcription factors; Transcription Factors - physiology; yeast one-hybrid system
• ISSN: 0965-1748; 1879-0240
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2006.06.004

A partially palindromic 15-nt. sequence upstream from a juvenile hormone-regulated gene ( jhp21) was previously identified in the African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria. This sequence was proposed as a juvenile hormone (JH) response element (JHRE), and a protein that bound to it, as a transcription factor (TF). A yeast strain was constructed containing four tandem copies of the JHRE and after transfection with a cDNA library made to fat bodies from vitellogenic females, yeast one-hybrid experiments yielded sequences for four putative binding proteins. One of these sequences, corresponding to a transcript that was present in fat body irrespective of JH stimulation, encodes a 35 kDa protein. This was designated tfp1 and appears to have a leucine zipper motif and a lipid-binding motif. Recombinant tfp1 bound to JHRE in electrophoretic mobility shift experiments and addition of tfp1 antibody in the binding reaction resulted in the disappearance or shift of TF. We suggest that JH induces the association of pre-existing proteins, including tfp1, to form an active complex, which binds to the JHRE upstream from jhp21 and regulates its transcription.