The T-box factor Tpit recruits SRC/p160 co-activators and mediates hormone action

J Biol Chem. 2003 Nov 21;278(47):46523-32. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M305626200. Epub 2003 Sep 11.

Abstract

Tpit (Tbx19) is a transcription factor belonging to the T-box family, and it is essential for late differentiation of pituitary pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-expressing corticotroph and melanotroph cells. Tpit is also required, both in humans and mice, for cell-specific expression of the POMC gene in cooperation with the homeoprotein Pitx1. Despite their important roles as developmental regulators, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the functions of T-box factors in general, and of Tpit in particular, are still poorly defined. We now report that Tpit functions as an activator of transcription by recruiting SRC/p160 co-activators to its cognate DNA target in the POMC promoter, the Tpit/Pitx-RE. We also show that Tpit is a mediator of hormone signaling and that the Tpit/Pitx-RE is responsive to signals elicited by hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone. These signals are mediated by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, and activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase also enhances Tpit and SRC-dependent transcription. We have previously shown that corticotropin-releasing hormone action is also exerted at the POMC promoter through the orphan nuclear receptor NGFI-B and its recruitment of SRC co-activators. Given that Tpit exhibits transcriptional synergy with NGFI-B, our results suggest that Tpit, along with NGFI-B and SRC-2, is part of a transcription regulatory complex assembled on the POMC promoter in response to hormonal stimulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • Homeodomain Proteins / physiology*
  • Hormones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System
  • Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1
  • Pro-Opiomelanocortin / genetics
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Receptors, Steroid / metabolism
  • Receptors, Steroid / physiology
  • T-Box Domain Proteins
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / physiology*
  • Transfection

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Hormones
  • NR4A1 protein, human
  • Nr4a1 protein, mouse
  • Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Receptors, Steroid
  • T-Box Domain Proteins
  • TBX19 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • Pro-Opiomelanocortin
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases