Regulatory roles of a novel gonadotropin-inducible transcription factor (GIOT) for ovarian functions

在本研究中，我们试图寻找GIOT(促性腺激素诱导的卵巢转录因子)的卵巢靶基因，以阐明GIOT在卵巢功能中的作用。GIOT似乎结合了GIOT靶基因的上游调控区，我们已经克隆了促性腺激素治疗强烈诱导的各种卵巢基因，如SR-BI(清道夫受体)、NGF-IA(EGR-1)、STAR(类固醇生成急性调节蛋白)、LH-受体、20-βHSD、3-βHDS、P450scc等，我们检测了GIOT对这些基因转录的影响。利用荧光素酶检测系统，研究GIOT对这些促性腺激素诱导基因转录活性的影响。此外，我们还试图在大鼠颗粒细胞中鉴定GIOT相互作用蛋白。因此，我们克隆了一个编码HMG-box类转录调控因子的新基因，并将其命名为GCX-1。GCX-1被发现仅在生殖器官中表达。这项工作取得了丰硕的成果，发现了一个新的生殖组织特异性转录因子。

In this study we have tried to identify ovarian target genes for GIOT (Gonadotropin Inducible Ovarian Transcription factor) in order to clarify roles of GIOT in ovarian functions. GIOT seems to bind upstream regulatory regions of target genes for GIOT, and we have already cloned various ovarian genes that are strongly induced by gonadotropin treatment, such as SR-BI (Scavenger Receptor class B type I), NGF-IA (egr-1), StAR (Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory protein), LH-receptor, 20-beta HSD, 3-beta HDS, P450scc, etc. We have checked effects of GIOT on the transcription of these genes. By using luciferase assay system, effects of GIOT on the transcriptional activity of these gonadotropin inducible genes. In addition, we have tried to identify GIOT interacting proteins in rat granulosa cells. As a result, we have cloned a novel gene that encodes a HMG-box type transcriptional regulator, and we named it GCX-1. GCX-1 is found to be expressed exclusively in reproductive organs. Identification of a novel transcription factor specific to reproductive tissues is a fruitful result of this work.