Activin regulates luteinizing hormone β-subunit gene expression through smad-binding and homeobox elements

LH beta-subunit ( LH beta), which is essential for ovulation and reproductive fitness, is synthesized specifically in pituitary gonadotropes. In this study, we show that LH beta gene expression is induced by activin in mouse primary pituitary cells if the cells are treated within 24 h after dispersion in culture. Furthermore, male mice deficient in Smad3, and therefore in activin signaling, have lower expression of both LH beta and FSH beta mRNAs compared with their wild-type littermates. Using the L beta T2 immortalized mouse gonadotrope cell line that endogenously expresses LH, we identify specific elements in the regulatory region of the rat LH beta gene necessary for its induction by activin. Activin responsiveness is conferred by a promoter-proximal region located -121/-86 from the transcriptional start site. Maximal LH beta induction by activin requires a homeobox element ( HB) and a 5'-early growth response (Egr) site found in this region of the promoter. Juxtaposed to the HB are three Smad- binding elements ( SBEs), which are essential for LH beta induction. Interestingly, two of the SBEs are also critical for basal expression of the LH beta gene. We demonstrate that Smad proteins are necessary and sufficient for activin induction of the LH beta gene. Furthermore, Smad proteins can bind one of the identified SBEs. In addition to binding this SBE, Smad proteins interact with pituitary homeobox 1 ( Ptx-1) and orthodenticle homeobox 1 ( Otx-1), which can bind the HB located close to the Smad- binding site. Thus, activin induction of LH beta gene expression requires a combination of several transcription factors, both basal and activin induced, as well as cooperation between multiple DNA elements.