ISSN:
1435-232X
Keywords:
Key words Site-1 protease (S1P)
;
Sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs)
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Site-1 protease (S1P) is a subtilisin-related enzyme that cleaves sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) in the lumen of endoplasmic reticulum, thereby initiating the release of transcriptionally active NH2-terminal fragments of SREBPs from membranes. In the experiments reported here, we localized the human S1P gene to chromosome 16q24 by fluorescent in situ hybridization and radiation-hybrid mapping, and determined its genomic structure. This gene is more than 60 kb long and contains 23 exons and 22 introns. Its transcription-initiation site within exon 1 is separate from the initiation codon in exon 2. Analysis of the exon/intron structure revealed that the S1P gene consists of a mosaic of functional units: exon 1 encodes the 5′ non-translated region; exon 2 encodes the NH2-terminal signal sequence; and exons 2 and 3 encode the pro-peptide sequence that is released when S1P is self-activated by intramolecular cleavage. Exons 5–10 encode the subtilisin-homology domain that is critical for catalytic activity, and exon 23 encodes the transmembrane region. Analysis of the putative promoter region revealed a highly G/C-rich region containing a binding site for ADD1/SREBP-1, as well as Sp1 and AP2 sites. Therefore, expression of the S1P gene may be under the control of SREBP-1, a key regulator of the expression of genes essential for intracellular lipid metabolism. Our data establish a basis for investigations to detect molecular variants in this gene that may alter levels of plasma lipoproteins and/or otherwise disrupt intracellular lipid metabolism.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s100380070029
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