Role of GAC63 in transcriptional activation mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor

J Biol Chem. 2006 May 5;281(18):12242-7. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M512537200. Epub 2006 Mar 2.

Abstract

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a member of the basic helix-loop-helix/Per-Arnt-Sim (bHLH-PAS) gene family, binds a variety of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and mediates their toxic effects. GAC63 has been shown to act as a coactivator in nuclear receptor-mediated gene transcription. In this report, we demonstrate that GAC63 interacts with AHR through its bHLH-PAS domain. Overexpression of GAC63 greatly enhanced AHR-regulated reporter gene activity in a ligand-dependent manner in transient transfection assays. Upon ligand treatment, endogenous GAC63 was recruited to the xenobiotic response element of the mouse CYP1A1 gene, an AHR-responsive gene. Reduction of the endogenous GAC63 level by small interfering RNA inhibited transcriptional activation by AHR. These findings reveal a new function of GAC63 in AHR-mediated gene transcription.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1 / metabolism
  • Ligands
  • Mice
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / physiology*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / physiology*
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Transcriptional Activation*
  • Xenobiotics

Substances

  • GAC63 protein, mouse
  • Ligands
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon
  • Transcription Factors
  • Xenobiotics
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1