Receptor for glucocorticoids (GC). Has a dual mode of action: as a transcription factor that binds to glucocorticoid response elements (GRE), both for nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, and as a modulator of other transcription factors. Affects inflammatory responses, cellular proliferation and differentiation in target tissues. Could act as a coactivator for STAT5-dependent transcription upon growth hormone (GH) stimulation and could reveal an essential role of hepatic GR in the control of body growth. Involved in chromatin remodeling. Plays a significant role in transactivation.
Glucocorticoids are major regulators of a plethora of cellular functions, acting on target cells through glucocorticoid receptors (GR) and modulation of gene transcription, among other mechanisms. One main site of action of glucocorticoids is the hepatocyte, which responds to the hormonal stimulus with induction of several proteins among them enzymes of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), both nuclearly and mitochondrially encoded. The induction of OXPHOS is regarded as a result of a nuclear action of the receptor on the respective nuclear genes and on genes encoding mitochondrial transcription factors. The presence of GR in mitochondria and of sequences in the mitochondrial genome similar to glucocorticoid responsive elements, suggested a direct action of GR on mitochondrial transcription. We demonstrate in HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells specific binding of GR to the regulatory D-loop region of the mitochondrial genome and show that dexamethasone induces the mitochondrial transcription factors A, B1, and B2, the mitochondrial ribosomal RNA, and several mitochondrially encoded OXPHOS genes. Applying α-amanitin, the specific inhibitor of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II, the dexamethasone-induced transcription of the mitochondrial genes can still proceeds, whereas the DEX effect on transcription of the mitochondrial transcription factors is suppressed. Moreover, HepG2 cells overexpressing mitochondrial targeted GR showed increased RNA synthesis, cytrochrome oxidase subunit I protein expression, and mitochondrial ATP production. We conclude that glucocorticoids can stimulate directly mitochondrial transcription by the mitochondrially localized GR, affecting OXPHOS enzyme biosynthesis. This takes place in addition to their action on mitochondrial genes by way of induction of the nuclearly encoded mitochondrial transcription factors.
Interacting selectively and non-covalently with any protein or protein complex (a complex of two or more proteins that may include other nonprotein molecules).
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Physical InteractionIntAct
Large-scale data sets of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are a valuable resource for mapping and analysis of the topological and dynamic features of interactome networks. The currently available large-scale PPI data sets only contain information on interaction partners. The data presented in this study also include the sequences involved in the interactions (i.e., the interacting regions, IRs) suggested to correspond to functional and structural domains. Here we present the first large-scale IR data set obtained using mRNA display for 50 human transcription factors (TFs), including 12 transcription-related proteins. The core data set (966 IRs; 943 PPIs) displays a verification rate of 70%. Analysis of the IR data set revealed the existence of IRs that interact with multiple partners. Furthermore, these IRs were preferentially associated with intrinsic disorder. This finding supports the hypothesis that intrinsically disordered regions play a major role in the dynamics and diversity of TF networks through their ability to structurally adapt to and bind with multiple partners. Accordingly, this domain-based interaction resource represents an important step in refining protein interactions and networks at the domain level and in associating network analysis with biological structure and function.
Evidence
2:
Inferred from Physical InteractionHGNC
The HEXIM1 protein has been shown to form a protein-RNA complex composed of 7SK small nuclear RNA and positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb), which is composed of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) and cyclin T1, and to inhibit the kinase activity of CDK9, thereby suppressing RNA polymerase II-dependent transcriptional elongation. Here, we biochemically demonstrate that HEXIM1 forms a distinct complex with glucocorticoid receptor (GR) without RNA, CDK9, or cyclin T1. HEXIM1, through its arginine-rich nuclear localization signal, directly associates with the ligand-binding domain of GR. Introduction of HEXIM1 short interfering RNA and adenovirus-mediated exogenous expression of HEXIM1 positively and negatively modulated glucocorticoid-responsive gene activation, respectively. In the nucleus, HEXIM1 was shown to localize in a distinct compartment from that of the p160 coactivator transcriptional intermediary factor 2. Overexpression of HEXIM1 decreased ligand-dependent association between GR and transcriptional intermediary factor 2. Antisense-mediated disruption of 7SK blunted the negative effect of HEXIM1 on arylhydrocarbon receptor-dependent transcription but not on GR-mediated one, indicating that a class of transcription factors are direct targets of HEXIM1. These results indicate that HEXIM1 has dual roles in transcriptional regulation: inhibition of transcriptional elongation dependent on 7SK RNA and positive transcription elongation factor b and interference with the sequence-specific transcription factor GR via a direct protein-protein interaction. Moreover, the fact that the central nuclear localization signal of HEXIM1 is essential for both of these actions may argue the crosstalk of these functions.
Evidence
3:
Inferred from Physical InteractionIntAct
Additional sex comb-like 1 (ASXL1, 170 kDa), a mammalian homolog of Drosophila ASX, was identified as a protein that interacts with retinoic acid receptor (RAR) in the presence of retinoic acid (RA). Systematic binding assays showed that the C-terminal nuclear receptor box (LVMQLL) of ASXL1 and the activation function-2 activation domain (AF-2 AD) core of the RAR are critical for ligand-dependent interaction. The interaction was confirmed using in vitro glutathione S-transferase pulldown and in vivo immunoprecipitation (IP) assays. Confocal microscopy revealed that ASXL1 localizes in the nucleus. In addition to the intrinsic transactivation function of ASXL1, its cotransfection together with an RA-responsive luciferase reporter increased the RAR activity. This ASXL1 activity appears to be mediated through the functional cooperation with SRC-1, as shown by GST pulldown, IP, chromatin IP, and transcription assays. In the presence of ASXL1, more acetylated histone H3 was accumulated on the RA-responsive promoter in response to RA. Finally, stable expression of ASXL1 increased the expression of endogenous RA-regulated genes and enhanced the antiproliferative potential of RA. Overall, these results suggest that ASXL1 is a novel coactivator of RAR that cooperates with SRC-1 and implicates it as a potential antitumor target of RA in RA-resistant cancer cells.
Evidence
4:
Inferred from Physical InteractionIntAct
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) acts as a ligand dependent transcription factor but can also cross talk with other signaling pathways via protein-protein interactions. In this paper we describe methods to study novel cytosolic GR interacting proteins, using mAb based immunoaffinity chromatography of GR from rat liver cytosol. Co-purifying proteins were identified by 2-DE in combination with MALDI-TOF-MS. Non-liganded/non-activated and in vitro liganded/activated GR, respectively, co-purifies with specific sets of proteins. Of these 34 were conclusively identified, seven have previously been reported to be part of the GR-complex, revealing 27 new possible interacting candidates for the GR-complex. Of the novel GR interacting proteins the major vault protein, TATA binding interacting protein 49a and glycoprotein PP63 were of special interest. Furthermore, using 2-D DIGE we show that the set of proteins interacting with non-liganded GR is distinctly different in protein amount compared to the proteins found with liganded/activated GR. This suggests the presence of different GR complexes in the cell, which was further substantiated by the finding of several separate GR native protein complexes, "GR-receptosomes", using blue native gel electrophoresis. Our findings suggest the existence of several new mechanisms for GR signaling and regulation.
Evidence
5:
Inferred from Physical InteractionBHF-UCL
Oral estrogen administration attenuates the metabolic action of growth hormone (GH) in humans. To investigate the mechanism involved, we studied the effects of estrogen on GH signaling through Janus kinase (JAK)2 and the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) in HEK293 cells stably expressing the GH receptor (293GHR), HuH7 (hepatoma) and T-47D (breast cancer) cells. 293GHR cells were transiently transfected with an estrogen receptor-alpha expression plasmid and luciferase reporters with binding elements for STAT3 and STAT5 or the beta-casein promoter. GH stimulated the reporter activities by four- to sixfold. Cotreatment with 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in the response of all three reporters to GH to a maximum of 49-66% of control at 100 nM (P < 0.05). No reduction was seen when E(2) was added 1-2 h after GH treatment. Similar inhibitory effects were observed in HuH7 and T-47D cells. E(2) suppressed GH-induced JAK2 phosphorylation, an effect attenuated by actinomycin D, suggesting a requirement for gene expression. Next, we investigated the role of the suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) in E(2) inhibition. E(2) increased the mRNA abundance of SOCS-2 but not SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 in HEK293 cells. The inhibitory effect of E(2) was absent in cells lacking SOCS-2 but not in those lacking SOCS-1 and SOCS-3. In conclusion, estrogen inhibits GH signaling, an action mediated by SOCS-2. This paper provides evidence for regulatory interaction between a sex steroid and the GHJAKSTAT pathway, in which SOCS-2 plays a central mechanistic role.
Evidence
6:
Inferred from Physical InteractionUniProtKB
Proteins belonging to the 14--3-3 family interact with various regulatory proteins involved in cellular signaling, cell cycle regulation, or apoptosis. 14--3-3 proteins have been suggested to act by regulating the cytoplasmic/nuclear localization of their target proteins or by acting as molecular scaffolds or chaperones. We have previously shown that overexpression of 14--3-3 enhances the transcriptional activity of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which is a member of the nuclear receptor family. In this study, we show that 14--3-3 interacts with the nuclear receptor corepressor RIP140. In transfection assays, RIP140 antagonizes 14--3-3- enhanced GR transactivation. Using colocalization studies we demonstrate that 14--3-3 can export RIP140 out of the nucleus and, interestingly, can also change its intranuclear localization. Moreover, we also observed that 14--3-3 can bind various other nuclear receptors and cofactors. In summary, our findings suggest that 14--3-3-mediated intracellular relocalization of the GR corepressor RIP140 might be a novel mechanism to enhance glucocorticoid responsiveness of target genes. They furthermore indicate a more general role for 14--3-3 protein by influencing the nuclear availability of nuclear receptor-associated cofactors.
Evidence
7:
Inferred from Physical InteractionUniProtKB
J. Biol. Chem. 274, 18121-18127 (1999)[PubMed:10364267]
Recent development in the field of gene regulation by nuclear receptors (NRs) have identified a role for cofactors in transcriptional control. While some of the NR-associated proteins serve as coactivators, the effect of the receptor interacting protein 140 (RIP140) on NR transcriptional responses is complex. In this report we have studied the effect of RIP140 on gene regulation by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). We demonstrate that RIP140 antagonized all GR-mediated responses tested, which included activation through classical GRE, the synergistic effects of glucocorticoids on AP-1 and Pbx1/HOXB1 responsive elements, as well as gene repression through a negative GRE and cross-talk with NF-kappaB (RelA). This involved the ligand-binding domain of the GR and did not occur when the GR was bound to the antagonist RU486. The strong repressive effect of RIP140 was restricted to glucocorticoid-mediated responses in as much as it slightly increased signaling through the RelA and the Pit-1/Pbx proteins and only slightly repressed signaling through the Pbx1/HOXB1 and AP-1 proteins, excluding general squelching as a mechanism. Instead, this suggests that RIP140 acts as a direct inhibitor of GR function. In line with a direct effect of RIP140 on the GR, we demonstrate a GR-RIP140 interaction in vitro by a glutathione S-transferase-pull down assay. Furthermore, the repressive effect of RIP140 could partially be overcome by overexpression of the coactivator TIF2, which involved a competition between TIF2 and RIP140 for binding to the GR.
Evidence
8:
Inferred from Physical InteractionUniProtKB
J. Biol. Chem. 272, 8153-8156 (1997)[PubMed:9079630]
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor. In this study, we used the yeast two-hybrid system to isolate cDNAs encoding proteins that interact with the human GR ligand-binding domain (LBD) in a ligand-dependent manner. One isolated cDNA from a HeLa cell library encoded the COOH-terminal portion of the eta-isoform of the 14-3-3 protein (residues 187-246). Glucocorticoid agonists, triamcinolone acetonide and dexamethasone, induced the GR LBD/14-3-3eta protein fragment interaction, but an antagonist, RU486, did not. Glutathione S-transferase pull-down experiments in vitro showed that full-length 14-3-3eta protein also interacted with the activated GR. Transient transfection studies using COS-7 cells revealed a stimulatory effect of 14-3-3eta protein on transcriptional activation by the GR. The 14-3-3 family members have recently been found to associate with a number of important signaling proteins, such as protein kinase C and Raf-1, as functional modulators. Our findings suggest a novel regulatory role of 14-3-3eta protein in GR-mediated signaling pathways and also point to a mechanism whereby GR may cross-talk with other signal transduction systems.
Evidence
9:
Inferred from Physical InteractionUniProtKB
Unlike other nuclear receptors, transactivation by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is increased by the inhibition of the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway. Here, we demonstrate that the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2), UbcH7, physically interacts with the GR and, when overexpressed, reduces the ability of the receptor to upregulate gene expression. Chemical inhibition of the 26S proteasome abolished the downregulation effect of overexpressed UbcH7, suggesting a role for the 26S proteasome, and GR protein stability in mediating the UbcH7 effect. Furthermore, a UbcH7 dominant negative mutant (C89S), unable to transfer ubiquitin, failed to repress GR transactivation. Indeed, overexpression of the mutant UbcH7 was sufficient to augment GR transactivation to levels achieved using the proteasome inhibitor MG132, but there was no further induction when MG132 and the UbcH7 mutant were used together. Expression of the dominant negative UbcH7 abolished ligand-dependent downregulation of GR protein, suggesting that the UbcH7 effect was mediated by regulation of GR protein concentration. Taken together, these data show that UbcH7 is a key regulator of GR turnover and glucocorticoid sensitivity.
Evidence
10:
Inferred from Physical InteractionUniProtKB
Regulation of gene transcription by nuclear receptors involves association with numerous coregulators. Receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140) is a corepressor that negatively regulates the ligand-induced activity of several nuclear receptors, including the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). In the present study, we have characterized the role of the intranuclear localization of RIP140 in its corepressor activity. In the absence of ligand-activated GR, RIP140 is localized in small nuclear foci targeted by a 40-amino-acid-long sequence. Although the focus-targeting domain overlaps with a binding sequence for the corepressor CtBP (C-terminal binding protein), interaction with CtBP is not involved in the localization. RIP140 foci do not correspond to PML bodies but partly colocalize with domains harboring the corepressor SMRT. Upon ligand binding, GR and RIP140 are redistributed to large nuclear domains distinct from the RIP140 foci. The redistribution requires regions of RIP140 with corepressor activity, as well as the DNA-binding domain of GR. Furthermore, we show that full RIP140 corepressor activity is contributed both by C-terminal receptor-binding LXXLL motifs and interaction with the CtBP corepressor. In conclusion, our results suggest that the corepressor function of RIP140 is multifaceted and involves binding to nuclear receptors, as well as additional functions mediated by the formation and intranuclear relocalization of a repressive protein complex.
Interacting selectively and non-covalently with DNA of a specific nucleotide composition, e.g. GC-rich DNA binding, or with a specific sequence motif or type of DNA e.g. promotor binding or rDNA binding.
IEAOrtholog Compara
Sequence-specific DNA binding transcription factor activitydefinition[GO:0003700]‹silver
Interacting selectively and non-covalently with a specific DNA sequence in order to modulate transcription. The transcription factor may or may not also interact selectively with a protein or macromolecular complex.
Interacting selectively and non-covalently with a steroid, any of a large group of substances that have in common a ring system based on 1,2-cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene.
The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the adrenal gland over time, from its formation to the mature structure. This gland can either be a discrete structure located bilaterally above each kidney, or a cluster of cells in the head kidney that perform the functions of the adrenal gland. In either case, this organ consists of two cells types, aminergic chromaffin cells and steroidogenic cortical cells.
The chemical reactions and pathways involving glucocorticoids, hormonal C21 corticosteroids synthesized from cholesterol. Glucocorticoids act primarily on carbohydrate and protein metabolism, and have anti-inflammatory effects.
Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of gluconeogenesis, the formation of glucose from noncarbohydrate precursors, such as pyruvate, amino acids and glycerol.
The cellular process in which a signal is conveyed to trigger a change in the activity or state of a cell. Signal transduction begins with reception of a signal (e.g. a ligand binding to a receptor or receptor activation by a stimulus such as light), or for signal transduction in the absence of ligand, signal-withdrawal or the activity of a constitutively active receptor. Signal transduction ends with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. regulation of transcription or regulation of a metabolic process. Signal transduction covers signaling from receptors located on the surface of the cell and signaling via molecules located within the cell. For signaling between cells, signal transduction is restricted to events at and within the receiving cell.
Alternative splicing of the human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR) pre-mRNA generates two highly homologous isoforms, termed hGR alpha and hGR beta. hGR alpha is a ligand-activated transcription factor which, in the hormone-bound state, modulates the expression of glucocorticoid-responsive genes by binding to specific glucocorticoid response element (GRE) DNA sequences. In contrast, hGR beta does not bind glucocorticoids and is transcriptionally inactive. We demonstrate here that hGR beta is able to inhibit the effects of hormone-activated hGR alpha on a glucocorticoid-responsive reporter gene in a concentration-dependent manner. [3H]-Dexamethasone binding studies indicate that hGR beta does not alter the affinity of hGR alpha for its hormonal ligand. The presence of hGR beta in nuclear extracts and its ability to bind to a radiolabeled GRE oligonucleotide suggest that its inhibitory effect may be due to competition for GRE target sites. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis shows expression of hGR beta mRNA in multiple human tissues. These results indicate that hGR beta may be a physiologically and pathophysiologically relevant endogenous inhibitor of glucocorticoid action, which may participate in defining the sensitivity of target tissues to glucocorticoids. They also underline the importance of distinguishing between the two receptor isoforms in all future studies of hGR function and the need to revisit old data.
The synthesis of RNA from a DNA template by RNA polymerase II, originating at an RNA polymerase II promoter. Includes transcription of messenger RNA (mRNA) and certain small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs).
J. Biol. Chem. 271, 9550-9559 (1996)[PubMed:8621628]
Alternative splicing of the human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR) primary transcript produces two receptor isoforms, hGRalpha and hGRbeta, which differ at their carboxyl termini. The hGRalpha isoform conveys endocrine information to target tissues by altering patterns of gene expression in a hormone-dependent fashion. In contrast to hGRalpha, very little is known about the hGRbeta splice variant. Using hGRalpha- and hGRbeta-specific riboprobes on human multiple tissue Northern blots, we show that the hGRbeta message has a widespread tissue distribution. We also prove by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction that the alternative splicing event underlying the formation of the hGRbeta message occurs in these tissues. Because the hGRbeta protein differs from hGRalpha at the extreme COOH terminus, we investigated several of the biochemical properties of hGRbeta expressed in transfected cells. hGRbeta does not bind the glucocorticoid agonist dexamethasone nor the glucocorticoid antagonist RU38486 in vivo. Moreover, in contrast to hGRalpha, hGRbeta is located primarily in the nucleus of transfected cells independent of hormone administration. Finally, in the absence of hGRalpha, hGRbeta is transcriptionally inactive on a glucocorticoid-responsive enhancer. However, when both isoforms are expressed in the same cell, hGRbeta inhibits the hormone-induced, hGRalpha-mediated stimulation of gene expression. Thus, hGRbeta potentially functions as a dominant negative inhibitor of hGRalpha activity.
Eur. J. Cell Biol. 79, 299-307 (2000)[PubMed:10887960]
Glucocorticoid hormones regulate the transcription of nuclear genes by way of their cognate receptors. In addition, these hormones also modulate mitochondrial gene transcription by mechanisms which are as yet poorly understood. Using immunofluorescence labeling and confocal laser scanning microscopy we show that the glucocorticoid receptor of HeLa and Hep-2 cells is specifically enriched at the sites of the mitochondria which were visualized by labeling with the vital dye CMX and antibodies against cytochrome oxidase subunit I. Immunogold electron microscopy demonstrated that the receptor was located within the inner space of the mitochondria. Immunoblotting experiments also revealed the presence of glucocorticoid receptor in mitochondria isolated from HeLa and Hep-2 cells. Finally, living HeLa cells expressing green fluorescent-glucocorticoid receptor fusion protein revealed a distinct mitochondrial GFP fluorescence. Our results support the concept of a receptor-mediated direct action of steroid hormones on mitochondrial gene transcription.
High constitutive expression of isoform beta by neutrophils may provide a mechanism by which these cells escape glucocorticoid-induced cell death. Up-regulation by proinflammatory cytokines such as IL8 further enhances their survival in the presence of glucocorticoids during inflammation.
CuratedUniProtKB
Can up- or down-modulate aggregation and nuclear localization of expanded polyglutamine polypeptides derived from AR and HD through specific regulation of gene expression. Aggregation and nuclear localization of expanded polyglutamine proteins are regulated cellular processes that can be modulated by this receptor, a well-characterized transcriptional regulator.
Protein involved in the transfer of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA) by DNA-directed RNA polymerase. In the case of some RNA viruses, protein involved in the transfer of genetic information from RNA to messenger RNA (mRNA) by RNA-directed RNA polymerase.
A reference proteome is a set of protein sequences derived from a complete proteome which constitutes a defined standard for a particular user community. Reference proteomes are manually defined according to a number of criteria. They cover the proteomes of well- studied model organisms and other proteomes of interest for biomedical and biotechnological research. Reference proteomes have been selected to provide broad coverage of the tree of life, and constitute a representative cross-section of the taxonomic diversity to be found within UniProtKB.