PACAP-regulated phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase gene expression.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) induces the proximal -893 bp of rat phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) gene promoter in PC12 cells via PACAP type I receptors. Deletion mutation analysis suggested that the initial -392 bp of promoter, containing early growth response protein (Egr-1), specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and activator protein 2 (AP-2) binding sites (-165, -168 and -103 bp, respectively), was sufficient for PACAP activation. Egr-1 and AP-2 involvement was supported by PACAP induction of their mRNA and protein.