High impact information on ZEB1

• The lens-specific expression of the delta 1-crystallin gene is governed by an enhancer in the third intron, which binds a positive (delta EF2) and negative (delta EF1) factor in its core region [1].
• Possession of heterogeneous DNA-binding domains and its dynamic change of expression in embryogenesis strongly suggest that delta EF1 acts in multiple ways depending on the cell type and the gene under its regulation [2].
• Besides mesoderm, delta EF1 was expressed in the nervous system and the lens, but other ectodermal tissues and endoderm remained very low in delta EF1 expression [2].
• During embryogenesis, delta EF1 expression was observed in the postgastrulation period in mesodermal tissues; initially, in the notochord, followed by somites, nephrotomes and other components [2].
• The C-terminal zinc fingers were found to be responsible for binding to the delta 1-crystallin enhancer core sequence. delta EF1 had proline-rich and acidic domains common to various transcriptional activators [2].

Biological context of ZEB1

• A nuclear factor delta EF1, which binds to the essential element of the delta 1-crystallin enhancer core, was molecularly cloned from the chicken by a southwestern method [2].
• To characterize the molecular mechanisms whereby delta EF1 activates gene expression, its C-terminal acidic domain was deleted and shown to be necessary for activation of transcription [3].
• Yet, the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional activation by delta EF1 have remained obscure [3].
• Correspondingly, these sites are required for induction by estrogen or by delta EF1 in transfection experiments [3].
• Surprisingly, two positive sites were found, one of which is the binding site for the estrogen-responsive transcription factor delta-EF1 [4].

Associations of ZEB1 with chemical compounds

• Upstream stimulatory factor (USF) is recruited into a steroid hormone-triggered regulatory circuit by the estrogen-inducible transcription factor delta EF1 [5].
• The transcription factor delta EF1 is a key player in estrogen-signaling cascades in vertebrates [3].

Analytical, diagnostic and therapeutic context of ZEB1

• Gel mobility shift assays demonstrate that delta EF1 binds to the 5' flanking region of the Ov gene at two sites, one at -810 to -806 and one at -152 to -148 with respect to the start point of transcription [3].

References