Differential regulation of the coexpressed calcitonin/alpha-CGRP and beta-CGRP neuroendocrine genes

J Biol Chem. 1988 Jan 5;263(1):5-8.

Abstract

The rat calcitonin/alpha-CGRP and beta-CGRP genes are members of a neuroendocrine gene family that are coexpressed in a distinct cell-specific pattern. The alpha- and beta-CGRP gene sequences predict highly related peptides that differ by only a single amino acid. Using rat medullary thyroid carcinoma cells as an in vitro system for testing hormone responsiveness, we have shown that the calcitonin/alpha-CGRP and beta-CGRP genes are differentially regulated. The synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, caused a 2- to 5-fold increase in calcitonin and alpha-CGRP mRNAs due to an increase in the nuclear transcription rate. In contrast, the levels of beta-CGRP mRNA did not significantly change following dexamethasone treatment. Differential regulation within neuroendocrine gene families might be a common mechanism for generating functionally similar peptides in response to a variety of hormonal signals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Calcitonin / genetics*
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
  • Cell Line
  • Dexamethasone / pharmacology
  • Genes*
  • Genes, Regulator*
  • Humans
  • Neuropeptides / genetics*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms
  • Transcription, Genetic / drug effects

Substances

  • Neuropeptides
  • Dexamethasone
  • Calcitonin
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide