# ROLE FOR TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR LSF IN MAMMALIAN CELLS

> **NIH NIH R01** · DANA-FARBER CANCER INST · 1991 · $275,319

## Abstract

Precise programs of gene expression control many complex biological
processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and development.  An
elucidating of the mechanisms by which the normal controls are subverted,
as occurs in various neoplasms and during the development of some birth
defects, will therefore require a basic understanding of the regulation of
gene expression.  The transcription machinery required for the initiation
of transcription at RNA polymerase II promoters is quite complex, including
specific DNA-binding proteins, which control transcription only at
promoters containing their recognition sequences.

Expression from the SV40 late promoter is exquisitely regulated during
lytic infection of cells with SV40.  The cellular transcription factor LSF,
which stimulates transcription from the major late SV40 initiation site,
binds two distinct promote elements centered at 45 and 265 bp upstream of
this late initiation site.  The broad goal of these studies is to define
the role of LSF in regulation of transcription both during the SV40 lytic
cycle and within the mammalian cell.  The specific aims that will address
this broad goal are:  (1) to clone the gene for LSF, and define both the
DNA-binding and transcriptional activation regions of the protein; (2) to
study in detail the protein-DNA interactions of LSF at its two recognition
sites, and to determine whether bending of DNA and/or different
conformations of LSF play a role in the differential recognition; (3) to
determine the function of the two LSF binding sites within the SV40
promoters; (4) to determine the mechanism by which LSF stimulates
transcription; (5) to investigate potential interactions between LSF and
transcription factors binding at adjacent or overlapping sequences, and (6)
to determine whether LSF activity is regulated by SV40 infection.

LSF (a cellular protein) is likely to also play a role in regulating
expression of cellular genes.  LSF specifically binds sequences adjacent to
the serum response element in the c-fos promoter.  In addition, multiple
sequences within the cell cycle-regulated human thymidylate synthase and
thymidine kinase promoters are highly homologous to LSF recognition sites.
The cellular function of LSF will be addressed by delineating LSF binding
sites within cellular promoters, determining whether LSF activates or
represses transcription of these promoters, determining whether LSF
activity is regulated by serum, defined growth factors, or during the cell
cycle.  These studies will help determine if LSF regulates gene expression
in response to specific extracellular signals.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3176045
- **Project number:** 5R01CA038038-05
- **Recipient organization:** DANA-FARBER CANCER INST
- **SAM.gov UEI:** DPMGH9MG1X67
- **Principal Investigator:** ULLA M HANSEN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1991
- **Award amount:** $275,319
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-04-01 → 1993-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3176045

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3176045, ROLE FOR TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR LSF IN MAMMALIAN CELLS (5R01CA038038-05). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3176045. Licensed CC0.

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