Retinoic acid induction of mouse cellular retinoic acid-binding protein-I gene expression is enhanced by sphinganine.

Cellular retinoic acid-binding protein-I (CRABP-I) gene expression is induced in mouse embryonal carcinoma P19 cells specifically by retinoic acid (RA) and the induction is enhanced by sphinganine. The effects of retinoic acid and sphinganine on CRABP-I gene expression can be accounted for by a stimulation of its transcription rate. Using a lacZ reporter system, it was determined that a DNA fragment containing a putative AP-1 binding site in the promoter region of CRABP-I gene is required for the up-regulation of CRABP-I gene transcription.