Identification of the critical cis-acting elements in the promoter of the mouse Prnd gene coding for Doppel protein

Abstract

Prnd gene encodes a prion-like protein Doppel. To elucidate the transcriptional regulation of the mouse Prnd gene, we performed a study of its 5′ flanking region. Serial deletion analysis of the −1863/+27 genomic fragment revealed the region −185/+27 as a core promoter. Cis-acting elements at the −182/−177 (E box) and −108/−104 (CCAAT box) positions were identified as the main activators of the Prnd expression in GC1-spg cells, with NF-Y being the important contributor. The gel-shift experiments confirmed the binding of the transcription factors to −108/−104 NF-Y consensus motif. An intron1 was found to enhance the Prnd expression in bEND.3 endothelial cells, suggesting an involvement of the endothelial-specific enhancer.