The role of C/EBP in nutrient and hormonal regulation of gene expression

• Published in: Annual review of nutrition Vol. 21; pp. 141 - 165
• Main Author: ROESLER, William J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Palo Alto, CA Annual Reviews 01.01.2001; Annual Reviews, Inc
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins - physiology; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein; Energy Metabolism; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gene Expression Regulation - drug effects; Glucocorticoids - pharmacology; Hormones; Hormones - pharmacology; Hormones - physiology; Humans; Molecular and cellular biology; Molecular genetics; Nutrients; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (GTP) - genetics; Phosphorylation; Protein Isoforms; Transcription, Genetic; Transcription. Transcription factor. Splicing. Rna processing; Human; Energy metabolism; Phosphorylation; Cyclic AMP; Review; Gene expression; Binding protein; Enhancer sequence; Animal; Hormonal regulation; Nutrient; Transcription factor; Transcription factor C/EBP
• ISSN: 0199-9885; 1545-4312
• DOI: 10.1146/annurev.nutr.21.1.141

C/EBPs are a family of transcription factors that play important roles in energy metabolism. Although initially thought to be constitutive regulators of transcription, an increasing amount of evidence indicates that their transactivating capacity within the cell can be modulated by nutrients and hormones. There are several mechanisms whereby this occurs. First, hormones/nutrients are known to directly alter the expression of C/EBPs. Second, hormones/nutrients may cause an alteration in the phosphorylation state of C/EBPs, which can affect their DNA-binding activity or transactivating capacity. Third, C/EBPs can function as accessory factors on gene promoters within a hormone response unit, interacting with other transcription factors to enhance the degree of responsiveness to specific hormones. Given their role in regulating genes involved in a wide variety of metabolic events, advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanism of action of C/EBPs will undoubtedly further our appreciation for the role these transcription factors play in both health and disease.