The transcriptional repressor ICER binds to multiple loci throughout the genome.

The events culminating in ovulation are controlled by the cyclical actions of hormones such as Follical Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The secondary messenger, cyclic AMP (cAMP) conveys the intracellular activity of these hormones. It is well established that a family of transcription factors facilitate cAMP mediated gene expression, yet it remains unknown how these factors directly affect ovulation.

Activation of estrogen receptor-beta regulates hippocampal synaptic plasticity and improves memory.

Estrogens have long been implicated in influencing cognitive processes, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and the roles of the estrogen receptors alpha (ERalpha) and beta (ERbeta) remain unclear. Using pharmacological, biochemical and behavioral techniques, we demonstrate that the effects of estrogen on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory are mediated through ERbeta. Selective ERbeta agonists increased key synaptic proteins in vivo, including PSD-95, synaptophysin and the AMPA-receptor subunit GluR1.

Transcriptional regulation of cyclin D2 by the PKA pathway and inducible cAMP early repressor in granulosa cells.

Cyclin D2 (Ccnd2) is an essential gene for folliculogenesis, as null mutation in mice impairs granulosa cell proliferation in response to FSH. Ccnd2 mRNA is induced during the estrus cycle by FSH and is rapidly inhibited by LH. Yet, the responsive elements and transcription factors accounting for the gene expression of cyclin D2 in the ovary have not been fully characterized.

Upstream elements present in the 3'-untranslated region of collagen genes influence the processing efficiency of overlapping polyadenylation signals.

3'-Untranslated regions (UTRs) of genes often contain key regulatory elements involved in gene expression control. A high degree of evolutionary conservation in regions of the 3'-UTR suggests important, conserved elements. In particular, we are interested in those elements involved in regulation of 3' end formation.

The RNA binding protein nuclear factor 90 functions as both a positive and negative regulator of gene expression in mammalian cells.

Nuclear factor 90 (NF90) was originally isolated in a complex that binds to the antigen recognition response element (ARRE-2) present in the interleukin-2 promoter. To characterize the transcriptional properties of NF90 in mammalian cells, we examined its ability to modulate promoter function in cellular transfection assays. NF90-Gal4 fusion proteins inhibited transcription from the adenovirus major late promoter in a fashion that was dependent on Gal4 targeting.