Identification of the Doublesex protein binding sites that activate expression of lozenge in the female genital disc in Drosophila melanogaster

The suppressor of hairy-wing [su(Hw)] locus of Drosophila melanogaster encodes a zinc finger protein that binds a repeated motif in the gypsy retroposon. Mutations of su(Hw) suppress the phenotypes associated with mutations caused by gypsy insertions. To examine the mechanisms by which su(Hw) alters gene expression, a fragment of gypsy containing multiple su(Hw) protein-binding sites was inserted into various locations in the well-characterized Drosophila hsp70 heat shock gene promoter. We found no evidence for activation of basal hsp70 transcription by su(Hw) protein in cultured Drosophila cells but observed that it can repress heat shock-induced transcription. Repression occurred only when su(Hw) protein-binding sites were positioned between binding sites for proteins required for heat shock transcription. We propose that su(Hw) protein interferes nonspecifically with protein-protein interactions required for heat shock transcription, perhaps sterically, or by altering the ability of DNA to bend or twist.

Download Full-text

Repression of hsp70 heat shock gene transcription by the suppressor of hairy-wing protein of Drosophila melanogaster

Molecular and Cellular Biology ◽

10.1128/mcb.11.4.1894-1900.1991 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 1894-1900

Author(s):

C Holdridge ◽

D Dorsett

Keyword(s):

Drosophila Melanogaster ◽

Heat Shock ◽

Protein Binding ◽

Protein Interactions ◽

Binding Sites ◽

Zinc Finger Protein ◽

Gene Promoter ◽

Heat Shock Gene ◽

Protein Binding Sites ◽

Shock Gene

The suppressor of hairy-wing [su(Hw)] locus of Drosophila melanogaster encodes a zinc finger protein that binds a repeated motif in the gypsy retroposon. Mutations of su(Hw) suppress the phenotypes associated with mutations caused by gypsy insertions. To examine the mechanisms by which su(Hw) alters gene expression, a fragment of gypsy containing multiple su(Hw) protein-binding sites was inserted into various locations in the well-characterized Drosophila hsp70 heat shock gene promoter. We found no evidence for activation of basal hsp70 transcription by su(Hw) protein in cultured Drosophila cells but observed that it can repress heat shock-induced transcription. Repression occurred only when su(Hw) protein-binding sites were positioned between binding sites for proteins required for heat shock transcription. We propose that su(Hw) protein interferes nonspecifically with protein-protein interactions required for heat shock transcription, perhaps sterically, or by altering the ability of DNA to bend or twist.

Download Full-text

EVALUATION OF TISSUE STEROID BINDING IN VITRO

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/acta.0.068s223 ◽

1971 ◽

Vol 68 (1_Suppl) ◽

pp. S223-S246 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

C. R. Wira ◽

H. Rochefort ◽

E. E. Baulieu

Keyword(s):

Protein Binding ◽

Binding Sites ◽

Experimental System ◽

Specific Protein ◽

Coupling Mechanism ◽

Target Tissue ◽

Protein Binding Sites ◽

Definition Of ◽

Hormone Specificity

ABSTRACT The definition of a RECEPTOR* in terms of a receptive site, an executive site and a coupling mechanism, is followed by a general consideration of four binding criteria, which include hormone specificity, tissue specificity, high affinity and saturation, essential for distinguishing between specific and nonspecific binding. Experimental approaches are proposed for choosing an experimental system (either organized or soluble) and detecting the presence of protein binding sites. Techniques are then presented for evaluating the specific protein binding sites (receptors) in terms of the four criteria. This is followed by a brief consideration of how receptors may be located in cells and characterized when extracted. Finally various examples of oestrogen, androgen, progestagen, glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid binding to their respective target tissues are presented, to illustrate how researchers have identified specific corticoid and mineralocorticoid binding in their respective target tissue receptors.

Download Full-text