Gap junctional communication modulates gene transcription by altering the recruitment of Sp1 and Sp3 to connexin-response elements in osteoblast promoters
Loss-of-function mutations of gap junction proteins, connexins, represent a mechanism of
disease in a variety of tissues. We have shown that recessive (gene deletion) or dominant
(connexin45 overexpression) disruption of connexin43 function results in osteoblast
dysfunction and abnormal expression of osteoblast genes, including down-regulation of
osteocalcin transcription. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of gap junction-sensitive
transcriptional regulation, we systematically analyzed the rat osteocalcin promoter for …
disease in a variety of tissues. We have shown that recessive (gene deletion) or dominant
(connexin45 overexpression) disruption of connexin43 function results in osteoblast
dysfunction and abnormal expression of osteoblast genes, including down-regulation of
osteocalcin transcription. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of gap junction-sensitive
transcriptional regulation, we systematically analyzed the rat osteocalcin promoter for …