GTF2IRD1 regulates transcription by binding an evolutionarily conserved DNA motif 'GUCE'

GTF2IRD1 is a member of a family of transcription factors whose defining characteristic is varying numbers of a helix-loop-hefix like motif, the I-repeat. Here, we present functional analysis of human GTF2IRD1 in regulation of three genes (HOXC8, GOOSECOID and TROPONIN ISLOW)- We define a regulatory motif (GUCE-GTF2IRD1 Upstream Control Element) common to all three genes. GUCE is bound in vitro by domain 1-4 of GTF2IRD1 and mediates transcriptional regulation by GTF2IRD1 in vivo. Definition of this site will assist in identification of other downstream targets of GTF2IRD1 and elucidation of its role in the human developmental disorder Williams-Beuren syndrome. (c) 2007 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.