Identification of repressor element 1 in cytochrome P450 genes and their negative regulation by RE1 silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencer factor.

RE1 silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencing factor (REST/NRSF) mediates transcriptional repression in many neuron-specific genes by interaction with the repressor element 1/neuron-restrictive silencing element (RE1/NRSE). This element has been identified at least in 20 neuron specific genes. REST/NRSF is highly expressed in non-neuronal tissues, where it is thought to repress gene transcription. We performed a BLAST search to look for the presence of RE1/NRSE elements in the rat cytochrome P450 genes. We identified the presence of RE1/NRSE element in the cytochrome P450 genes CYP1A1, 2A2, 2E1 and 3A2. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and supershift assays were carried out to prove functionality of these sites and detect the interaction of REST/NRSF with this sequence. Cotransfection studies in PC12 cells with a plasmid containing the RE1 element of the CYP genes, cloned upstream of the minimal type II sodium channel promoter, in the presence of REST/NRSF, showed a marked expression inhibition of the CAT reporter gene. These data suggest that the RE1 elements that exist in these four CYP genes might be a target for the REST/NRSF transcription factor and such an interaction might play a role in the negative regulation of these genes.