Past Diseases that we now understand to be associated with defects in steroid and thyroid hormone firnrealization that it was (as are all other steroid hormones) derived from cholesterol (3, 4). While many considered this to be an achievement of modern endocrinology, one is humbled by the fact that Chinese alchemists (5), for medicinal reasons, developed empirical methods between the 10th and 16th centuries to purify steroids to near homogeneity. From the early 1900s to the present, there has been a tremendous increase in our knowledge of endocrine organs and the diverse physiology that they coordinate (3, 6). Three major classes of steroid hormones have been described on the basis of biological assays: the adrenal steroids (including cortisol and aldosterone), the sex steroids (progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone), and vitamin D3. These molecules were shown to be profoundly important for correct vertebrate development and physiology and, consequently, each has become a major focus of biological and clinical investigation (7). The adrenal steroids widely influence body homeostasis, controlling glycogen and mineral metabolism as well as mediating the stress response. They have widespread effects on the immune and nervous systems and influence the growth and differentiation of cultured cells. The sex steroids provoke the development and determination of the embryonic reproductive system, masculinize or feminize the brain at birth, control reproduction and reproductive behavior in I development of secondary sexual characteris-
tics. Vitamin D is necessary' for normal bone development and plays a critical role in calcium metabolism and bone differentiation. Aberrant production of these hormones has been associated with a broad spectrum of clinical disease including cancer. Both thyroid and steroid hormones can be important in metamor- osis. A thyroidectomized tadpole will not develop to a frog, but
Both thyroid and steroid hormones can be important in metamorphosis. A thyroidectomized tadpole will not develop to a frog, but addition Of thyroxine to the water induces all of the changes for development to a terrestrial adult (1). Similarly, ecdysteroids act as metamorphic hormones in insects (8). It was B)ssible to associate the action Of ecdysone directly to induced changes in chromosome structure (8) during ecdysone-induced chromosome puffng, suggesting a link between ;steroid hormones and activation of gene How can small, relatively simple molecules elicit such a diversity Of complex responses? The first clue was provided by the identification of steroid and thyroid hormone receptors through the use of radioactively labeled ligands in the early 1970s (9). In each case the hormone induced a change in the receptor such that it associated with binding sites in chromatin. This, in turn, led to the induction or repression of a limited number of genes (approximately 50 to 100 Err cell) (10). is achieved, in part, by restricted expression of the different receptors in specific cells and tissues. Because the chromatin structure Of each cell type is uniquely organized, different sets of genes may be accessible to the hormone receptor complex. Attempts were initiated to purify the steroid and thyroid hormone receptors despite the sobering realization that these- molecules
were present in only trace amounts (103 to 104 per cell) and would thus require enrichments of to 106-fold to achieve homogeneity. The development of high-affinity synthetic analogs of the ligands overcame many of the difficulties of receptor isolation and has revolutionized both clinical and biochemical studies (6, 7). By the early 1980s all but the androgen, mineralocorticoid, and thyroid hormone receptors were purified (11, 12). Each receptor undergoes a structural alteration or "transformation" upon hormone binding, which in turn enables DNA binding. Analysis of the purified glucocorticoid receptor revealed that DNA binding and hormone binding properties, although present in a single molecule, could be separated by limited proteolysis, leading to the first suggestion of a domain Structure (13, 14). Purification and biochemical characterization of the glucocorticoid receptor was accompanied by the identification of a variety of glucocorticoid-responsive genes (11, 12, 15). Many of these genes have been isolated and shown to be transcriptionally regulated by glucocorticoids. Gene transfer studies, particularly with the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter and the human metallothionein ILA promoter, identified short cis-acting sequences (about 20 bp in size) that are required for hormonal activation of transcription (16, 17). The attachment of these elements to an otherwise hormone-non responsive gene causes that gene to become hormone-responsive (18). These sequences, or elements (HREs), function in a position- and orientation-independent fashion and thus behave like transcriptional enhancers (19, 20). Unlike other enhancers, their activity is dependent upon the presence or absence of ligand. These studies suggest that transcriptional regulation derives from thc binding of hormone-receptor complexes to HRE sites on DNA. This interpretation has been verified by in vitro footprint analyses which reveal that purified glucocorticoid, estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormone receptors bind to the upstream DNA of responsive genes at sites which correspond to the genetically identified HREs (16, 19—25). The apparent dyad symmetry,' of these elements (Fig. 1) suggests that they interact with receptor dimers. Present Comparative anatomy. Analysis of the hormone receptors is essential for understanding both the origins of complex regulatory systems and how they contribute to the maintenance of the organism. isolation Of steroid receptor complementary DNAs (cDNAs) has identified a family of related genes that bind ligands of remarkable diversity. The interaction between steroid receptor genes, the genetic circuits that they control, and their contributions to spatial organization in the embryo and organ physiology in the adult can now be elucidated. The expression cloning of the human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR) provided the first completed structure of a steroid receptor and revealed a segment with astonishing relatedness to the viral oncogene erbA (26—28). This relationship of the hormone receptors to erbA was independently confirmed by the cloning of the human estrogen, progesterone, aldosterone, and vitamin D receptors (29— 36). Two groups initiated the characterization of the erbA proto- oncogene product that led to its startling identification as the
oncogene erbA (26—28). This relationship of the hormone receptors to erbA was independently confirmed by the Cloning Of the human estrogen, progesterone, aldosterone, and vitamin D receptors (29— 36). Two groups initiated the characterization of the erbA proto- oncogene product that led to its startling identification as the thyroid hormone receptor (37, 38). •Ihis represented a critical advance, for it suggested a unifying hypothesis for receptor structure and hormone action. Although steroid and thyroid hormones are neither structurally nor biosynthetically related, the existence of a common structure for their receptors supports the proposal that there is a large superfamily Of genes whose products are ligand-responsive transcription factors. The presence Of a highly conserved DNA sequence element initiated searches for such cryptic receptor genes. By means of low stringency hybridization techniques at least five new gene products have been identified. Two Of these, referred to as estrogen receptor—related genes I and 2 (ERRI and ERR2), arc more related to the steroid than to the thyroid hormone receptors but do not bind any of the major classes of known steroid hormones (39). The remaining are closer to the thyroid hormone receptor. Indeed, one of them is a second thyroid hormone receptor (40, 41). Another is the apparent receptor for the vitamin A—related metabolite retinoic acid (42, 43). Thc third is closely related to the receptor for retinoic acid; although
receptor for the vitamin A—related metabolite retinoic acid (42, 43). Ihc third is closely related to the receptor for retinoic acid; although its ligand is not known (44, 45) thc receptor has been implicated in the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma, and has been named HAP. The recent characterization of the E75 locus from Drosophila predicts the existence of a protein with overall structural properties similar to the steroid and thyroid hormone receptors (46). Structural comparisons of the E,+5 gene product with the vertebrate hornologs indicate remarkable relatedness to the thyroid hormone and vitamin D receptors. Perhaps this is a receptor for the insect steroid ecdysone or the isoprenoid juvenile hormone. Schematic results of molecular cloning studies are presented in Fig. 2 in which the molecules have been aligned on the basis of regions of maximum protein homology (47). The numbers indicate the extent of sequence identity to the hGR. The central core sequence is rich in Cys, Lys, and Arg residues and is highly conserved (homologies ranging from 42 to 94% The homology in the ligand-binding domain is more graded and generally parallels the structural relatedness of the hormones themselves. Although the NH2-terminus is not conserved, it may contribute to important
the structure relatedness of the hormones themselves. Although the NH2-terminus is not conserved, it may contribute to important functional differences between receptors. Functional domains. The classic model for steroid/thyroid hormone action proposes that binding of the ligand to thc receptor
induces an allosteric change that allows the receptor-hormone complex to bind to its DNA response element in the promoter region of a target gene. It is this binding that leads to modulation of gene expression. The cloning of receptor cDNAs provides the first opportunity to dissect the molecular basis of steroid action. The identification of functional domains for hormone binding, DNA binding, and transactivation was facilitated by a screening assay that uses cultured cells transfected with two DNA expression vectors (Fig. 3). The trans-vector provides for the efficient production of the receptor in cells that do not normally express the receptor gene. The cis-vector contains a luciferase gene (or any other easily monitored function) coupled to a hormone-responsive promoter. Applications of hormone or an experimental agonist will activate the luciferase gene, causing light to be emitted from cell extracts. The level of light emitted is directly proportional to the effectiveness Of the hormone receptor complex in activating gene expression. In the case of the glucocorticoid receptor, the cis-vector contains the mammary tumor virus (MTV) promoter, which has a well- characterized glucocorticoid response element (GRE). transfection assay, expression of the cis-vector is induced about 500- fold in a hormone-dependent fashion. By means of this assay it is possible to investigate the effects of in vitro mutations on receptor activity.
Fig. 2. Schematic amino acid comparison Of members of the steroid hormone receptor superfamilv. Primary amino acid sequences have been aligned on the basis of regions of maximum amino acid similarity, with the ge amino acid identity indicated for each region in relation to the R (55). Domains shown are a domain at the NH2-terminal end, required for "Maximum activity"; the 66— to 68—amino acid DNA-binding ("DNA"); and the 250—amino acid hormone-binding domain ("Hor- mone"). The amino acid position Of each domain boundary is shown. Amino acid numbers for all receptors represent the human forms with the exception of v-erbA and E75 (46). Functional assignments have been determined by characterization of thc glucocorticoid and estrogen receptors. Designations are as follows: GR, glucocorticoid receptor; MR, mineralocorticoid receptor; PR, progesterone receptor; ER, estrogen receptor; ERRI or ERR2,
Sequence comparisons in combination with related functional studies have given rise to an emcrgmg picture for a common structure for the receptor superfamily gene products (Fig. 2). An unexpected and revealing result from the mutational studies is that loss of a portion of the hormone-binding region of the glucocorti- coid receptor engenders a constitutively active molecule (48, 49). •Ihe results provide the first mechanistic insight into the process of activation: neither the steroid-binding domain nor the steroid hormone itself is needed for DNA binding or transcriptional enhancement. Instead, it seems that the hormone-binding region normally prevents the domains for DNA binding and transcriptional activation from functioning. The addition of hormone apparently relieves this inhibition (50, 51). Our initial suspicion was that the DNA-binding domain is included within thc highly conserved central core of the protein. Three features supported this suggestion: (i) the clustering of basic residues likely to interact with DNA, (ii) the presence of a Cys-rich motif, and (iii) the high homolog,' of this core among receptors (27). To test this assignment, different parts of this region were mutated (48, 49, 52, 53). Mutants continue to bind hormone, indicating that the structure of the protein is intact; however, they do not bind DNA. A direct proof of function was provided by substituting the putative DNA•binding domain of the human
estrogen receptor—related I or 2; VDR, vitamin receptor; and and T3Ra, thyroid hormone receptors. The (+) or (—) indicates whether a has Exen demonstrated for the products of cloned receptor cDN or with purified receptor. HRE, hormone response element. This relates to whether the binding site has identified structurally and whether its enhancement properties have been demonstrated by gene transfer studies. For PR, DNA-binding properties have been shown only with the native purified receptor. "Hormone binding in vitro" indicates whether this property has been demonstrated by translation in a rabbit reticulocyte lvsate system (26). "Hormone binding in vivo" refers to expression o/ the cloned receptor in transfected cells. "Chromosome indicates the human chromosomc location. S ies are as follows: h, human; r, rat; m, mouse; c, chicken; and d, Drosophrac
Fig. 3. The cotransfee tion assay. Cultured cells T arc transfected with the receptor cDNA in an expression vector (the trans-vector). The func- tion of this transcnpuon RSV.LTR GRE factor can be monitored by the activity of a reporter gene (the luciferase gene) linked to an appropriate hormone-responsive promoter. In this case, the promoter is from the MMTV virus carrying a GRE enhancer. The trans- vector encodes the hGR, shown combining with the steroid hormone (tnanglc). Fig. 4. The finger swap. The mcxlular structure of the steroid receptors allows the exchange Of one domain for another to create a functional hy- brid. Thus, if the DNA• binding domain of a can- didate receptor is substi- tuted with the corre- region from glucocorticoid reccp• tor, the resulting chimer- ONA Cortisol ic receptor should stimulate MTV promoter when exposed to the appropriate ligand. 'This approach was used to functionally identify the retinoic acid receptor (42, 43) and alter the binding specificity of the estrogen receptor (54). estrogen receptor (hER) with that of the hGR, resulting in a hybrid receptor with the predicted switch in template specificity (54). This suggested a general strategy, referred to as the finger swap, which has been successfully exploited to characteri7ß novel receptors (Fig. 4).
receptors (Fig. These issues raise the question of whether there are structural aspects of the DNA-binding region that can explain its properties. The most striking feature is the conservation of Cys residues. A comparison of the amino acid sequences in the DNA.binding domain of the hormone receptors ( Fig. 5) reveals significant identity and similarity over these evolutionary divergent molecules. Out of 65 residues, 20 are invariant, an additional 7 are conserved in 7/8 of the gene products, and more than half are conserved in 5/8 of the molecules. Nine of the invariant residues are Cys, with one invariant His (Fig. 5). The positioning of the residues is similar to a motif originally observed in the 5S gene transcription factor TFIIIA (55) in which multiple Cys- and His-rich repeaung units apparently fold into a "fingered" structure coordinated by a zinc ion (Fig. 5). This finger of amino acids is proposed to interact with a half turn of DNA. Are such structures important for receptor function? Several results imply they arc [see (56) for reviewl. Site-directed mutagene- sis has shown that conserved Cys residues arc required for DNA binding (54, 57). Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that the binding of zinc by the receptors is required for DNA binding in vitro (58). Genomic analysis indicates that fingers are encoded by separate exons (36, 59) and an examination of the proposed structure suggests that these fingers are structurally distinct (56). This is most readily seen by the spacing between thc cysteines that would be involved in the putative zinc coordination complex. In addition, comparative studies show that the more NH2-terminal "first finger" is morc highly conserved among receptors than the more COOH-terminal "second finger." The first finger is relatively more hydrophilic and has few basic amino acids that might be expected to interact with DNA. The second finger is rich in Lys and Arg residues and is highly basic. Although attention has been
focused on zinc fingers, the residues between the two fingers and the residues immediately after the second finger are also highly con- sewed. This raises the possibility that these stretches mediate part of the DNA-binding function. In contrast to the highly conserved DNA-binding domain, the NHr terminal extension of the receptors is hypervariable in size and amino acid composition (Fig. 2). Nevertheless, evidence suggests it contributes to function. Deletions in this region of the glucocorticoid receptor reduce activity by IO- to 20-fold (48, 60). Genetic evidence for a functional role for the NH2-terminus also comes from analysis of the NIA (nuclear transfer increased) glucocorticoid receptor mutants (61). glucocorticoid receptors appear to contain an altered NHrtcrminus and, although they can bind hormone, they are not biologically functional. Similarly, an estrogen receptor with an NH terminal deletion is able to regulate the vitellogenin promoter in a normal fashion, but is tenfold less active in regulating the expression of the estrogen-responsive promoter p52 (62). Finally, preliminary evidence with the progesterone receptor indicates that the A and B forms, which differ by 128 amino acids at the NH2-terminus, may have strikingly different capacities to regulate gene expression (63). Such results further support the hypothesis that this domain may modulate receptor function by influencing transactivation, DNA binding, or both. Subfamilies and superfamilies. The startling discovery of a common structure for the steroid and thyroid hormone receptors and our ability to isolate new receptors by homology suggest that other proteins that contain similar structural features are likely to be hormone- or ligand-responsive transcription factors (LTFs). Apparently it is the analogous action of the hormones that is reflected in the homologous structure of their receptors. An extension of this proposal predicts that other small, hydrophobic molecules may interact with structurally related intracellular receptors. For exam- holestcrol is re latcd bv feedback mechanisms
proposal prEdicts that other small, hydrophobic molecules may interact with structurally related intracellular receptors. For example, production of cholesterol is regulated by feedback mechanisms that maintain overall levels by monitoring dietary intake and controlling synthesis accordingly (64). Recent evidence demonstrates that at least some of this regulation is transcriptional (65). Since cholesterol is structurally related to steroid hormones, and indeed serves as their biosynthetic precursor, it seems logical to predict both the existence of a cholesterol receptor and its membership in this superfamily. The herbicide TCDI) (dioxin) shows close structural relatedness to thyroid hormones and mediates a variety of metabolic effects as a consequence of its action on gene expression. A dioxin receptor has been identified (66), and it now seems likely that this receptor too, will ultimately be part of the LTF superfamily. One of the major issues to arise out of the characterization of this receptor is whether dioxin acts as an agonist or an antagonist for a natural endogenous ligand. Further investigation of this could reveal the existence of a new hormone that may have valuable physiologic and clinical implications. Preliminary evidence suggests the existence of additional members of the LTF family. For example, the integration of the hepatitis virus in a human liver carcinoma identified a genetic locus (HAP) with striking homology to the DNA-binding fingers of the steroid and thyroid hormone receptors (45). Aberrant expression of HAP could possibly be involved in tumor formation. Indeed, if this locus encodes a new hormone receptor, what might its ligand be? Strong homology to the retinoic acid receptor hints that the product of the HAP locus may bind a related molecule, possibly retinoic acid itself. By extension, the identification of genes for new receptors, by means of low-stringency hybridization techniques, promises to bc an exciting arca. Already, two novel gene products related to the estrogen receptor have been identified (Fig. 2) (39). Is their expression tissue-specific? Do they bind estrogen? Might they bind other sex steroids and help to identify new hormone response
systems? Such discoveries are likely to have an impact on health and human disease as well as expand our knowledge of basic human physiology. Remarkably, single ligands may have multiple receptors. Current- l", two thyroid hormone receptors have been identified and there may be more (37, 40, 41). What could the advantages bc to having different receptors for the same hormone? One possibility is that they are expressed in a tissue-specific fashion. This notion has already been confirmed by the identification of an abundant neuronal form of the thyroid hormone receptor (40). Second, it is possible that they respond differently to thyroid hormone metabolites. Third, since their DNA-binding domains differ slightly, they might activate overlapping, yet partially distinct, genetic networks. Finally, multiple thyroid receptor genes provide multiple promoter enhancers that might be responsive to distinct metabolic or hormonal regulators. The protein product of v-erbA is a derivative of the thyroid hormone receptor that has been proposed to promote leukemogenesis by acting as a thyroxin-independent transcription factor (37, 38). By unknown means, changes in the ligand-binding domain of the protein apparently activate the receptor, perhaps by forcing it into a configuration similar to that achieved by the binding of its physiological ligand. The activation of erbA may therefore be an example of how the loss of allosteric control can confer pathogenicity on the product of a proto-oncogene. In vitro studies already indicate that altered glucocorticoid receptors can be biologically active. It thus seems likely that truncations or mutations in other hormone receptors could lead to activated states perturbing homeostatic balance and abetting tumor progression. Although lacking decisive evidence, we can suggest that mutations in the estrogen and androgen receptors may contribute to thc conversion of steroid-dependent
Fig. 5. (TOP) Amino acid sequence of DNA-binding &.xnains. A computer program for the concurrent comparis(N1 of three or more amino acid sequences was used (47). Amino acid residues matched in at least five of the eight are boxed and designated in the consensus (Consequence. H' blc amino acids. Absolutely conserved residues are in tx»ld print. Hypothetical structure of the DNA•binding domain of the hormone receptors. This domain is configured into two putative zinc-binding fingers with each zinc ion forming a tetrahedral coordination com With Cys residues. Alternative ccx»rdination •tions might include Cys in the second finger and its proximal (r, shortening the finger and shifting the last conserved Cys into the "trailer" region.
breast tumors and prostate tumors to hormone-independent growth (67). As previ0Lßly mentioned, the integration site of the hepatitis virus in a human tumor may lead to the identification of a new receptor in which a genetic lesion is associated with malignant transformation. A critical Step will be the demonstration that mutant receptors contribute to tumorigenesis. It will then be necessary to determine how they exert their effects, whether it simply involves the constitutive activation of hormone-responsive genes or whether it includes an altered substrate specificity so that new genes come under the regulation Of mutated receptors. Once a genetic lesion has been identified, this information can be used to contribute to diagnosis and treatment. Although for many decades it has been understood that sex steroids can influence behavior, the role Of other hormones in neurologic function is controversial. Since the 19th-century discovery by Addison of adrenal insufficiency (68), glucocorticoids have been associated with patients' inability to concentrate, drowsiness, restlessness, insomnia, irritability, apprehension, disturbed sleep, and visibly psychotic episodes and manic-depressive disorders. The effects of thyroid hormones on neuronal development and the high level of expression of the thyroid hormone receptor in the adult nervous system lead to the prediction that aberrant hormonal production, variation in receptor expression, or receptor mutations influencing hormone-binding properties could mediate aberrant metabolic effects in the central nervous system (69). Thus, an important fill-ure area of investigation is the contribution of receptors to the etiology of psychiatric disorders. Onnyeny and Although it is widely believed that differential regulation of gene expression is the critical level at which early development is controlled, this does not provide a conceptual framework for the process by which spatial organization is achieved. Despite excellent evidence for graded positional information in Drosophila and nematodes, it is unclear how this relates to morphogenic signals in vertebrates. One long-standing theory is that pattern formation is achieved by the establishment of a gradient of a diffusible substance or morphogen. Work by numerous laboratories over the last several years has indicated that retinoic acid manifests morphogenic properties. Recently, Thaller and Eichele (70) demon- strated that retinoic acid is indeed the substance responsible for establishment of the anterior-posterior axis in the developing chick limb bud. The ability of retinoic acid to induce differentiation in teratocarcinoma cells (71) to parietal endoderm suggests a role for it in the earliest stages of embryonic development. The discovery of the retinoic acid receptor (42, 43) was made possible from the demonstration that conserved regions in the receptors correspond to discrete functional domains. Thus, by exchanging the DNA-binding domain of the retinoic receptor for the comparable region from the glucocorticoid receptor, a hybrid molecule was generated that activates GRE•responsive promoters (such as the MMTV-LTR) in response to retinoic acid (Fig. 4) (42). By analogy with steroid receptors, we can propose that the interaction of retinoic acid with its intracellular receptor triggers a cascade of regulatory events that results from the activation of specific sets of genes. Thus, for the first time in a vertebrate system, it should be possible to investigate the mechanism of morphogenesis by identifying a discrete complement of developmental control With regard to establishment of spatial information, one obvious question is whether there is a gradient of receptor itself. Further- more, preliminary results reveal the presence of related genes. Might there be receptors for other morphogens and do they also contribute to development? Mechanisms. What are the molecular interactions between the li d and the rece r that lead to activation? Once activated how
does this molecule find a particular binding site and what is the detailed nature of the DNA-protein interaction? What is the molec- ular interaction between the receptor and the transcriptional chinery? How do receptors and their potential interaction with other transactivators cause RNA polymerase II to initiate transcription? It must be emphasized that steroid and thyroid hormones can repress gene expression as well as activate it. It is important to determine whether repression and activation are mediated by the same types of DNA sequences and whether other protein factors are involved. Once a receptor is bound to DNA, how does it activate transcription? Molecular interactions with cognate binding sequences have been analyzed for the transcriptional regulatory proteins lac, X, and cro (72). Because the DNA-binding domain of the hormone receptors is fundamentally different from that Of these molecules (which employ a helix-turn helix motif), it will be necessary to co- crystallize the receptors with cognate DNA-binding sites. These studies, along with site-directed mutagenesis of the receptor, should provide information on how the protein recognizes DNA, but may not reveal the dynamics of transactivation. It will be necessary' to determine whether transactivation and DNA binding can be sepa- rated as they have been in other regulatory proteins such as GAIA and GCN4 (73, 74). Assuming these åznctions are separable, it should be B)ssible to identiFY receptor variants that bind normallv to DNA but fail to transactivate (48, 52, 62). On the basis of this knowledge it will then bc necessary to develop techniques to characterize the activation process itself. Does the receptor associate with Other transcriptional regulatory proteins? Does this cucur before the receptor binds to its HRE? Must the receptor remain bound to the DNA template for the associated gene to or can a transiently bound receptor initiate permanent
with other transcriptional regulatory proteins? Docs this occur before the receptor binds to its HRE? Must the receptor remain bound to the DNA template for the associated gene to remain active Or can a transiently bound receptor initiate permanent Structural change? The identification of a transactivation function in the NH:- terminus Of the glucocorticoid receptor leads to an unexpected conclusion (52). Since the NH2-terminus is not conserved among different receptors, they each may achieve this function by distinct means. It has been suggested that the activation domain of yeast GAL4 includes a stretch Of acidic amino acids configured in an amphipathic a helix (75). Apparently, overall strucTural features are critical, rather than the specific sequence. Likewise, the T, region is acidic and so is the activation domain of another yeast regulator, GCN4 (74). It remains to bc seen if acidic domains embody the activation function of all the steroid receptors. If so, it might suggest that diverse groups of regulatory proteins from yeast to man employ a remarkably conserved approach to transcriptional control. If the receptors interact with other proteins through acid domains, it will bc necessary to purify and characterize these molecules. Ultimately the role of individual components and the mechanism of transactivation must be confirmed by the development of receptor-dependent in vitro transcription systems.
paradoxical and reciprocal effects of gcnc regulation on the cell and that of the cell on the gene embody functional physiology in a profound sense. For this paradox reflects both the irreversible changes of embryonic development as well as the recurrent changes in organ physiology in the adult.
REFERENCES AND NOTES l. J. G. Gudematsch, Arch. Enrveålungsmech Org. 35, 457 (1912); J. S. Huxley, Nature 123, 712 (1929); W. Elkin, Men. Soc. Endocnnol. 18, 137 (1970). 2. E. C. Kendall, J. A". Md. Assoc. 64, 2042 (1915). 3. R. Gaunt. Handba'k of pJ"0kyy: Endocnnolqy, R. Grccp and E. Fais. (Amcncan Physiological S«xicty. Washington, 1975). vol. 6, pp. 1—12, 4. p. J. Bentley. Comparattrr Vertebrate (Cambridge Univ. press, Cambridge. 1986). pp. 65—76, yfish
tics. Vitamin D is necessary' for normal bone development and plays a critical role in calcium metabolism and bone differentiation. Aberrant production of these hormones has been associated with a broad spectrum of clinical disease including cancer. Both thyroid and steroid hormones can be important in metamor- osis. A thyroidectomized tadpole will not develop to a frog, but
Both thyroid and steroid hormones can be important in metamorphosis. A thyroidectomized tadpole will not develop to a frog, but addition Of thyroxine to the water induces all of the changes for development to a terrestrial adult (1). Similarly, ecdysteroids act as metamorphic hormones in insects (8). It was B)ssible to associate the action Of ecdysone directly to induced changes in chromosome structure (8) during ecdysone-induced chromosome puffng, suggesting a link between ;steroid hormones and activation of gene How can small, relatively simple molecules elicit such a diversity Of complex responses? The first clue was provided by the identification of steroid and thyroid hormone receptors through the use of radioactively labeled ligands in the early 1970s (9). In each case the hormone induced a change in the receptor such that it associated with binding sites in chromatin. This, in turn, led to the induction or repression of a limited number of genes (approximately 50 to 100 Err cell) (10). is achieved, in part, by restricted expression of the different receptors in specific cells and tissues. Because the chromatin structure Of each cell type is uniquely organized, different sets of genes may be accessible to the hormone receptor complex. Attempts were initiated to purify the steroid and thyroid hormone receptors despite the sobering realization that these- molecules
were present in only trace amounts (103 to 104 per cell) and would thus require enrichments of to 106-fold to achieve homogeneity. The development of high-affinity synthetic analogs of the ligands overcame many of the difficulties of receptor isolation and has revolutionized both clinical and biochemical studies (6, 7). By the early 1980s all but the androgen, mineralocorticoid, and thyroid hormone receptors were purified (11, 12). Each receptor undergoes a structural alteration or "transformation" upon hormone binding, which in turn enables DNA binding. Analysis of the purified glucocorticoid receptor revealed that DNA binding and hormone binding properties, although present in a single molecule, could be separated by limited proteolysis, leading to the first suggestion of a domain Structure (13, 14). Purification and biochemical characterization of the glucocorticoid receptor was accompanied by the identification of a variety of glucocorticoid-responsive genes (11, 12, 15). Many of these genes have been isolated and shown to be transcriptionally regulated by glucocorticoids. Gene transfer studies, particularly with the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter and the human metallothionein ILA promoter, identified short cis-acting sequences (about 20 bp in size) that are required for hormonal activation of transcription (16, 17). The attachment of these elements to an otherwise hormone-non responsive gene causes that gene to become hormone-responsive (18). These sequences, or elements (HREs), function in a position- and orientation-independent fashion and thus behave like transcriptional enhancers (19, 20). Unlike other enhancers, their activity is dependent upon the presence or absence of ligand. These studies suggest that transcriptional regulation derives from thc binding of hormone-receptor complexes to HRE sites on DNA. This interpretation has been verified by in vitro footprint analyses which reveal that purified glucocorticoid, estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormone receptors bind to the upstream DNA of responsive genes at sites which correspond to the genetically identified HREs (16, 19—25). The apparent dyad symmetry,' of these elements (Fig. 1) suggests that they interact with receptor dimers. Present Comparative anatomy. Analysis of the hormone receptors is essential for understanding both the origins of complex regulatory systems and how they contribute to the maintenance of the organism. isolation Of steroid receptor complementary DNAs (cDNAs) has identified a family of related genes that bind ligands of remarkable diversity. The interaction between steroid receptor genes, the genetic circuits that they control, and their contributions to spatial organization in the embryo and organ physiology in the adult can now be elucidated. The expression cloning of the human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR) provided the first completed structure of a steroid receptor and revealed a segment with astonishing relatedness to the viral oncogene erbA (26—28). This relationship of the hormone receptors to erbA was independently confirmed by the cloning of the human estrogen, progesterone, aldosterone, and vitamin D receptors (29— 36). Two groups initiated the characterization of the erbA proto- oncogene product that led to its startling identification as the
oncogene erbA (26—28). This relationship of the hormone receptors to erbA was independently confirmed by the Cloning Of the human estrogen, progesterone, aldosterone, and vitamin D receptors (29— 36). Two groups initiated the characterization of the erbA proto- oncogene product that led to its startling identification as the thyroid hormone receptor (37, 38). •Ihis represented a critical advance, for it suggested a unifying hypothesis for receptor structure and hormone action. Although steroid and thyroid hormones are neither structurally nor biosynthetically related, the existence of a common structure for their receptors supports the proposal that there is a large superfamily Of genes whose products are ligand-responsive transcription factors. The presence Of a highly conserved DNA sequence element initiated searches for such cryptic receptor genes. By means of low stringency hybridization techniques at least five new gene products have been identified. Two Of these, referred to as estrogen receptor—related genes I and 2 (ERRI and ERR2), arc more related to the steroid than to the thyroid hormone receptors but do not bind any of the major classes of known steroid hormones (39). The remaining are closer to the thyroid hormone receptor. Indeed, one of them is a second thyroid hormone receptor (40, 41). Another is the apparent receptor for the vitamin A—related metabolite retinoic acid (42, 43). Thc third is closely related to the receptor for retinoic acid; although
receptor for the vitamin A—related metabolite retinoic acid (42, 43). Ihc third is closely related to the receptor for retinoic acid; although its ligand is not known (44, 45) thc receptor has been implicated in the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma, and has been named HAP. The recent characterization of the E75 locus from Drosophila predicts the existence of a protein with overall structural properties similar to the steroid and thyroid hormone receptors (46). Structural comparisons of the E,+5 gene product with the vertebrate hornologs indicate remarkable relatedness to the thyroid hormone and vitamin D receptors. Perhaps this is a receptor for the insect steroid ecdysone or the isoprenoid juvenile hormone. Schematic results of molecular cloning studies are presented in Fig. 2 in which the molecules have been aligned on the basis of regions of maximum protein homology (47). The numbers indicate the extent of sequence identity to the hGR. The central core sequence is rich in Cys, Lys, and Arg residues and is highly conserved (homologies ranging from 42 to 94% The homology in the ligand-binding domain is more graded and generally parallels the structural relatedness of the hormones themselves. Although the NH2-terminus is not conserved, it may contribute to important
the structure relatedness of the hormones themselves. Although the NH2-terminus is not conserved, it may contribute to important functional differences between receptors. Functional domains. The classic model for steroid/thyroid hormone action proposes that binding of the ligand to thc receptor
induces an allosteric change that allows the receptor-hormone complex to bind to its DNA response element in the promoter region of a target gene. It is this binding that leads to modulation of gene expression. The cloning of receptor cDNAs provides the first opportunity to dissect the molecular basis of steroid action. The identification of functional domains for hormone binding, DNA binding, and transactivation was facilitated by a screening assay that uses cultured cells transfected with two DNA expression vectors (Fig. 3). The trans-vector provides for the efficient production of the receptor in cells that do not normally express the receptor gene. The cis-vector contains a luciferase gene (or any other easily monitored function) coupled to a hormone-responsive promoter. Applications of hormone or an experimental agonist will activate the luciferase gene, causing light to be emitted from cell extracts. The level of light emitted is directly proportional to the effectiveness Of the hormone receptor complex in activating gene expression. In the case of the glucocorticoid receptor, the cis-vector contains the mammary tumor virus (MTV) promoter, which has a well- characterized glucocorticoid response element (GRE). transfection assay, expression of the cis-vector is induced about 500- fold in a hormone-dependent fashion. By means of this assay it is possible to investigate the effects of in vitro mutations on receptor activity.
Fig. 2. Schematic amino acid comparison Of members of the steroid hormone receptor superfamilv. Primary amino acid sequences have been aligned on the basis of regions of maximum amino acid similarity, with the ge amino acid identity indicated for each region in relation to the R (55). Domains shown are a domain at the NH2-terminal end, required for "Maximum activity"; the 66— to 68—amino acid DNA-binding ("DNA"); and the 250—amino acid hormone-binding domain ("Hor- mone"). The amino acid position Of each domain boundary is shown. Amino acid numbers for all receptors represent the human forms with the exception of v-erbA and E75 (46). Functional assignments have been determined by characterization of thc glucocorticoid and estrogen receptors. Designations are as follows: GR, glucocorticoid receptor; MR, mineralocorticoid receptor; PR, progesterone receptor; ER, estrogen receptor; ERRI or ERR2,
Sequence comparisons in combination with related functional studies have given rise to an emcrgmg picture for a common structure for the receptor superfamily gene products (Fig. 2). An unexpected and revealing result from the mutational studies is that loss of a portion of the hormone-binding region of the glucocorti- coid receptor engenders a constitutively active molecule (48, 49). •Ihe results provide the first mechanistic insight into the process of activation: neither the steroid-binding domain nor the steroid hormone itself is needed for DNA binding or transcriptional enhancement. Instead, it seems that the hormone-binding region normally prevents the domains for DNA binding and transcriptional activation from functioning. The addition of hormone apparently relieves this inhibition (50, 51). Our initial suspicion was that the DNA-binding domain is included within thc highly conserved central core of the protein. Three features supported this suggestion: (i) the clustering of basic residues likely to interact with DNA, (ii) the presence of a Cys-rich motif, and (iii) the high homolog,' of this core among receptors (27). To test this assignment, different parts of this region were mutated (48, 49, 52, 53). Mutants continue to bind hormone, indicating that the structure of the protein is intact; however, they do not bind DNA. A direct proof of function was provided by substituting the putative DNA•binding domain of the human
estrogen receptor—related I or 2; VDR, vitamin receptor; and and T3Ra, thyroid hormone receptors. The (+) or (—) indicates whether a has Exen demonstrated for the products of cloned receptor cDN or with purified receptor. HRE, hormone response element. This relates to whether the binding site has identified structurally and whether its enhancement properties have been demonstrated by gene transfer studies. For PR, DNA-binding properties have been shown only with the native purified receptor. "Hormone binding in vitro" indicates whether this property has been demonstrated by translation in a rabbit reticulocyte lvsate system (26). "Hormone binding in vivo" refers to expression o/ the cloned receptor in transfected cells. "Chromosome indicates the human chromosomc location. S ies are as follows: h, human; r, rat; m, mouse; c, chicken; and d, Drosophrac
Fig. 3. The cotransfee tion assay. Cultured cells T arc transfected with the receptor cDNA in an expression vector (the trans-vector). The func- tion of this transcnpuon RSV.LTR GRE factor can be monitored by the activity of a reporter gene (the luciferase gene) linked to an appropriate hormone-responsive promoter. In this case, the promoter is from the MMTV virus carrying a GRE enhancer. The trans- vector encodes the hGR, shown combining with the steroid hormone (tnanglc). Fig. 4. The finger swap. The mcxlular structure of the steroid receptors allows the exchange Of one domain for another to create a functional hy- brid. Thus, if the DNA• binding domain of a can- didate receptor is substi- tuted with the corre- region from glucocorticoid reccp• tor, the resulting chimer- ONA Cortisol ic receptor should stimulate MTV promoter when exposed to the appropriate ligand. 'This approach was used to functionally identify the retinoic acid receptor (42, 43) and alter the binding specificity of the estrogen receptor (54). estrogen receptor (hER) with that of the hGR, resulting in a hybrid receptor with the predicted switch in template specificity (54). This suggested a general strategy, referred to as the finger swap, which has been successfully exploited to characteri7ß novel receptors (Fig. 4).
receptors (Fig. These issues raise the question of whether there are structural aspects of the DNA-binding region that can explain its properties. The most striking feature is the conservation of Cys residues. A comparison of the amino acid sequences in the DNA.binding domain of the hormone receptors ( Fig. 5) reveals significant identity and similarity over these evolutionary divergent molecules. Out of 65 residues, 20 are invariant, an additional 7 are conserved in 7/8 of the gene products, and more than half are conserved in 5/8 of the molecules. Nine of the invariant residues are Cys, with one invariant His (Fig. 5). The positioning of the residues is similar to a motif originally observed in the 5S gene transcription factor TFIIIA (55) in which multiple Cys- and His-rich repeaung units apparently fold into a "fingered" structure coordinated by a zinc ion (Fig. 5). This finger of amino acids is proposed to interact with a half turn of DNA. Are such structures important for receptor function? Several results imply they arc [see (56) for reviewl. Site-directed mutagene- sis has shown that conserved Cys residues arc required for DNA binding (54, 57). Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that the binding of zinc by the receptors is required for DNA binding in vitro (58). Genomic analysis indicates that fingers are encoded by separate exons (36, 59) and an examination of the proposed structure suggests that these fingers are structurally distinct (56). This is most readily seen by the spacing between thc cysteines that would be involved in the putative zinc coordination complex. In addition, comparative studies show that the more NH2-terminal "first finger" is morc highly conserved among receptors than the more COOH-terminal "second finger." The first finger is relatively more hydrophilic and has few basic amino acids that might be expected to interact with DNA. The second finger is rich in Lys and Arg residues and is highly basic. Although attention has been
focused on zinc fingers, the residues between the two fingers and the residues immediately after the second finger are also highly con- sewed. This raises the possibility that these stretches mediate part of the DNA-binding function. In contrast to the highly conserved DNA-binding domain, the NHr terminal extension of the receptors is hypervariable in size and amino acid composition (Fig. 2). Nevertheless, evidence suggests it contributes to function. Deletions in this region of the glucocorticoid receptor reduce activity by IO- to 20-fold (48, 60). Genetic evidence for a functional role for the NH2-terminus also comes from analysis of the NIA (nuclear transfer increased) glucocorticoid receptor mutants (61). glucocorticoid receptors appear to contain an altered NHrtcrminus and, although they can bind hormone, they are not biologically functional. Similarly, an estrogen receptor with an NH terminal deletion is able to regulate the vitellogenin promoter in a normal fashion, but is tenfold less active in regulating the expression of the estrogen-responsive promoter p52 (62). Finally, preliminary evidence with the progesterone receptor indicates that the A and B forms, which differ by 128 amino acids at the NH2-terminus, may have strikingly different capacities to regulate gene expression (63). Such results further support the hypothesis that this domain may modulate receptor function by influencing transactivation, DNA binding, or both. Subfamilies and superfamilies. The startling discovery of a common structure for the steroid and thyroid hormone receptors and our ability to isolate new receptors by homology suggest that other proteins that contain similar structural features are likely to be hormone- or ligand-responsive transcription factors (LTFs). Apparently it is the analogous action of the hormones that is reflected in the homologous structure of their receptors. An extension of this proposal predicts that other small, hydrophobic molecules may interact with structurally related intracellular receptors. For exam- holestcrol is re latcd bv feedback mechanisms
proposal prEdicts that other small, hydrophobic molecules may interact with structurally related intracellular receptors. For example, production of cholesterol is regulated by feedback mechanisms that maintain overall levels by monitoring dietary intake and controlling synthesis accordingly (64). Recent evidence demonstrates that at least some of this regulation is transcriptional (65). Since cholesterol is structurally related to steroid hormones, and indeed serves as their biosynthetic precursor, it seems logical to predict both the existence of a cholesterol receptor and its membership in this superfamily. The herbicide TCDI) (dioxin) shows close structural relatedness to thyroid hormones and mediates a variety of metabolic effects as a consequence of its action on gene expression. A dioxin receptor has been identified (66), and it now seems likely that this receptor too, will ultimately be part of the LTF superfamily. One of the major issues to arise out of the characterization of this receptor is whether dioxin acts as an agonist or an antagonist for a natural endogenous ligand. Further investigation of this could reveal the existence of a new hormone that may have valuable physiologic and clinical implications. Preliminary evidence suggests the existence of additional members of the LTF family. For example, the integration of the hepatitis virus in a human liver carcinoma identified a genetic locus (HAP) with striking homology to the DNA-binding fingers of the steroid and thyroid hormone receptors (45). Aberrant expression of HAP could possibly be involved in tumor formation. Indeed, if this locus encodes a new hormone receptor, what might its ligand be? Strong homology to the retinoic acid receptor hints that the product of the HAP locus may bind a related molecule, possibly retinoic acid itself. By extension, the identification of genes for new receptors, by means of low-stringency hybridization techniques, promises to bc an exciting arca. Already, two novel gene products related to the estrogen receptor have been identified (Fig. 2) (39). Is their expression tissue-specific? Do they bind estrogen? Might they bind other sex steroids and help to identify new hormone response
systems? Such discoveries are likely to have an impact on health and human disease as well as expand our knowledge of basic human physiology. Remarkably, single ligands may have multiple receptors. Current- l", two thyroid hormone receptors have been identified and there may be more (37, 40, 41). What could the advantages bc to having different receptors for the same hormone? One possibility is that they are expressed in a tissue-specific fashion. This notion has already been confirmed by the identification of an abundant neuronal form of the thyroid hormone receptor (40). Second, it is possible that they respond differently to thyroid hormone metabolites. Third, since their DNA-binding domains differ slightly, they might activate overlapping, yet partially distinct, genetic networks. Finally, multiple thyroid receptor genes provide multiple promoter enhancers that might be responsive to distinct metabolic or hormonal regulators. The protein product of v-erbA is a derivative of the thyroid hormone receptor that has been proposed to promote leukemogenesis by acting as a thyroxin-independent transcription factor (37, 38). By unknown means, changes in the ligand-binding domain of the protein apparently activate the receptor, perhaps by forcing it into a configuration similar to that achieved by the binding of its physiological ligand. The activation of erbA may therefore be an example of how the loss of allosteric control can confer pathogenicity on the product of a proto-oncogene. In vitro studies already indicate that altered glucocorticoid receptors can be biologically active. It thus seems likely that truncations or mutations in other hormone receptors could lead to activated states perturbing homeostatic balance and abetting tumor progression. Although lacking decisive evidence, we can suggest that mutations in the estrogen and androgen receptors may contribute to thc conversion of steroid-dependent
Fig. 5. (TOP) Amino acid sequence of DNA-binding &.xnains. A computer program for the concurrent comparis(N1 of three or more amino acid sequences was used (47). Amino acid residues matched in at least five of the eight are boxed and designated in the consensus (Consequence. H' blc amino acids. Absolutely conserved residues are in tx»ld print. Hypothetical structure of the DNA•binding domain of the hormone receptors. This domain is configured into two putative zinc-binding fingers with each zinc ion forming a tetrahedral coordination com With Cys residues. Alternative ccx»rdination •tions might include Cys in the second finger and its proximal (r, shortening the finger and shifting the last conserved Cys into the "trailer" region.
breast tumors and prostate tumors to hormone-independent growth (67). As previ0Lßly mentioned, the integration site of the hepatitis virus in a human tumor may lead to the identification of a new receptor in which a genetic lesion is associated with malignant transformation. A critical Step will be the demonstration that mutant receptors contribute to tumorigenesis. It will then be necessary to determine how they exert their effects, whether it simply involves the constitutive activation of hormone-responsive genes or whether it includes an altered substrate specificity so that new genes come under the regulation Of mutated receptors. Once a genetic lesion has been identified, this information can be used to contribute to diagnosis and treatment. Although for many decades it has been understood that sex steroids can influence behavior, the role Of other hormones in neurologic function is controversial. Since the 19th-century discovery by Addison of adrenal insufficiency (68), glucocorticoids have been associated with patients' inability to concentrate, drowsiness, restlessness, insomnia, irritability, apprehension, disturbed sleep, and visibly psychotic episodes and manic-depressive disorders. The effects of thyroid hormones on neuronal development and the high level of expression of the thyroid hormone receptor in the adult nervous system lead to the prediction that aberrant hormonal production, variation in receptor expression, or receptor mutations influencing hormone-binding properties could mediate aberrant metabolic effects in the central nervous system (69). Thus, an important fill-ure area of investigation is the contribution of receptors to the etiology of psychiatric disorders. Onnyeny and Although it is widely believed that differential regulation of gene expression is the critical level at which early development is controlled, this does not provide a conceptual framework for the process by which spatial organization is achieved. Despite excellent evidence for graded positional information in Drosophila and nematodes, it is unclear how this relates to morphogenic signals in vertebrates. One long-standing theory is that pattern formation is achieved by the establishment of a gradient of a diffusible substance or morphogen. Work by numerous laboratories over the last several years has indicated that retinoic acid manifests morphogenic properties. Recently, Thaller and Eichele (70) demon- strated that retinoic acid is indeed the substance responsible for establishment of the anterior-posterior axis in the developing chick limb bud. The ability of retinoic acid to induce differentiation in teratocarcinoma cells (71) to parietal endoderm suggests a role for it in the earliest stages of embryonic development. The discovery of the retinoic acid receptor (42, 43) was made possible from the demonstration that conserved regions in the receptors correspond to discrete functional domains. Thus, by exchanging the DNA-binding domain of the retinoic receptor for the comparable region from the glucocorticoid receptor, a hybrid molecule was generated that activates GRE•responsive promoters (such as the MMTV-LTR) in response to retinoic acid (Fig. 4) (42). By analogy with steroid receptors, we can propose that the interaction of retinoic acid with its intracellular receptor triggers a cascade of regulatory events that results from the activation of specific sets of genes. Thus, for the first time in a vertebrate system, it should be possible to investigate the mechanism of morphogenesis by identifying a discrete complement of developmental control With regard to establishment of spatial information, one obvious question is whether there is a gradient of receptor itself. Further- more, preliminary results reveal the presence of related genes. Might there be receptors for other morphogens and do they also contribute to development? Mechanisms. What are the molecular interactions between the li d and the rece r that lead to activation? Once activated how
does this molecule find a particular binding site and what is the detailed nature of the DNA-protein interaction? What is the molec- ular interaction between the receptor and the transcriptional chinery? How do receptors and their potential interaction with other transactivators cause RNA polymerase II to initiate transcription? It must be emphasized that steroid and thyroid hormones can repress gene expression as well as activate it. It is important to determine whether repression and activation are mediated by the same types of DNA sequences and whether other protein factors are involved. Once a receptor is bound to DNA, how does it activate transcription? Molecular interactions with cognate binding sequences have been analyzed for the transcriptional regulatory proteins lac, X, and cro (72). Because the DNA-binding domain of the hormone receptors is fundamentally different from that Of these molecules (which employ a helix-turn helix motif), it will be necessary to co- crystallize the receptors with cognate DNA-binding sites. These studies, along with site-directed mutagenesis of the receptor, should provide information on how the protein recognizes DNA, but may not reveal the dynamics of transactivation. It will be necessary' to determine whether transactivation and DNA binding can be sepa- rated as they have been in other regulatory proteins such as GAIA and GCN4 (73, 74). Assuming these åznctions are separable, it should be B)ssible to identiFY receptor variants that bind normallv to DNA but fail to transactivate (48, 52, 62). On the basis of this knowledge it will then bc necessary to develop techniques to characterize the activation process itself. Does the receptor associate with Other transcriptional regulatory proteins? Does this cucur before the receptor binds to its HRE? Must the receptor remain bound to the DNA template for the associated gene to or can a transiently bound receptor initiate permanent
with other transcriptional regulatory proteins? Docs this occur before the receptor binds to its HRE? Must the receptor remain bound to the DNA template for the associated gene to remain active Or can a transiently bound receptor initiate permanent Structural change? The identification of a transactivation function in the NH:- terminus Of the glucocorticoid receptor leads to an unexpected conclusion (52). Since the NH2-terminus is not conserved among different receptors, they each may achieve this function by distinct means. It has been suggested that the activation domain of yeast GAL4 includes a stretch Of acidic amino acids configured in an amphipathic a helix (75). Apparently, overall strucTural features are critical, rather than the specific sequence. Likewise, the T, region is acidic and so is the activation domain of another yeast regulator, GCN4 (74). It remains to bc seen if acidic domains embody the activation function of all the steroid receptors. If so, it might suggest that diverse groups of regulatory proteins from yeast to man employ a remarkably conserved approach to transcriptional control. If the receptors interact with other proteins through acid domains, it will bc necessary to purify and characterize these molecules. Ultimately the role of individual components and the mechanism of transactivation must be confirmed by the development of receptor-dependent in vitro transcription systems.
paradoxical and reciprocal effects of gcnc regulation on the cell and that of the cell on the gene embody functional physiology in a profound sense. For this paradox reflects both the irreversible changes of embryonic development as well as the recurrent changes in organ physiology in the adult.
REFERENCES AND NOTES l. J. G. Gudematsch, Arch. Enrveålungsmech Org. 35, 457 (1912); J. S. Huxley, Nature 123, 712 (1929); W. Elkin, Men. Soc. Endocnnol. 18, 137 (1970). 2. E. C. Kendall, J. A". Md. Assoc. 64, 2042 (1915). 3. R. Gaunt. Handba'k of pJ"0kyy: Endocnnolqy, R. Grccp and E. Fais. (Amcncan Physiological S«xicty. Washington, 1975). vol. 6, pp. 1—12, 4. p. J. Bentley. Comparattrr Vertebrate (Cambridge Univ. press, Cambridge. 1986). pp. 65—76, yfish
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