v-Src activates the expression of 92-kDa type IV collagenase gene through the AP-1 site and the GT box homologous to retinoblastoma control elements. A mechanism regulating gene expression independent of that by inflammatory cytokines.

The 92-kDa type IV collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-9; MMP-9) is frequently expressed in cells showing an invasive nature during physiological and pathological processes, and the expression is strictly controlled by a variety of trans-membrane signals. Binding sites for NF-kB, Sp-1, and AP-1 are reportedly required for induction of MMP-9 gene expression by tumor necrosis factor-alpha or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Comparison of the sequence of the newly cloned mouse MMP-9 promoter region with our previous human isolate revealed that, in addition to the above mentioned elements, four units of GGGG(T/A)GGGG sequence (GT box) were conserved between the two species. In this study, we have demonstrated that one of the GT boxes located downstream of the AP-1 site is essential along with the AP-1 site for the activation of the promoter by v-Src but not by tumor necrosis factor-alpha or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Gel mobility-shift assays revealed that binding proteins for retinoblastoma control element, including Sp-1 family protein, can bind specifically to GT boxes. Thus, the v-Src signals to the AP-1 site and to the GT box homologous to retinoblastoma control element acted synergistically in transcriptional activation. These results suggest that certain v-Src-mediated signals are propagated along pathways that are independent of inflammatory cytokines.