alpha(1)-fetoprotein transcription factor is required for the expression of sterol 12 alpha-hydroxylase, the specific enzyme for cholic acid synthesis - Potential role in the bile acid-mediated regulation of gene transcription

Cholesterol conversion to bile acids occurs via the "classic" (neutral) or the "alternative" (acidic) bile acid biosynthesis pathways. Sterol 12 alpha -hydroxylase/CYP8b1 is the specific enzyme required for cholic acid synthes is. The levels of this enzyme determine the ratio of cholic acid to chenode oxycholic acid and thus the hydrophobicity of the circulating bile acid poo l. Expression of the 12 alpha-hydroxylase gene is tightly down-regulated by hydrophobic bile acids. In this study, we report the characterization of t wo DNA elements that are required for both the 12 alpha-hydroxylase promote r activity and bile acid-mediated regulation. Mutation of these elements su ppresses 12 alpha-hydroxylase promoter activity. Mutations of any other par t of the promoter do not alter substantially the promoter activity or alter regulation by bile acids relative to the wild type promoter. These two DNA elements bind alpha(1)-fetoprotein transcription factor (FTF), a member of the nuclear receptor family. We also show that overexpression of FTF in a non-liver cell line activates the sterol 12 alpha-hydroxylase promoter. The se studies demonstrate the crucial role of FTF for the expression and regul ation of a critical gene in the bile acid biosynthetic pathways.