A novel protein containing Cdc10/SWI6 motifs regulates expression of mRNA encoding catecholamine biosynthesizing enzymes.

Catecholaminergic (dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and adrenergic) transmitter phenotypes require the cooperative actions of four biosynthetic enzymes: tyrosine hydroxylase, aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, dopamine beta-hydroxylase, and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase. Mechanisms that control expression of these enzymes in a transmitter phenotype-specific manner, however, are poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence that overexpression of a novel cdc10/SWI6 motif-containing protein, V-1, elicits the coordinate up-regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase, aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, and dopamine beta-hydroxylase mRNAs in the neuronal cell line PC12D, and as a result, catecholamine levels are increased.