SP1 enhances Zbtb7A gene expression via direct binding to GC box in HePG2 cells

BACKGROUND: Zbtb7A is a proto-oncogenic transcriptional regulator that plays an important role in adipogenesis, osteogenesis and oncogenesis, but little is known about the regulation of Zbtb7A gene expression which is of importance in the function uncovering of this gene. FINDING: Here, a 5'-flanking region of the human Zbtb7A gene was cloned and characterized. It was found that the GC box within Zbtb7A promoter is necessary for the promoter activity. Furthermore, we identified that Sp1 acts as an activator in the regulation of Zbtb7A promoter activity and the physical interaction between Sp1 and GC box is responsible for the activation of Zbtb7A gene promoter. CONCLUSION: Our results confirmed that Sp1 upregulates Zbtb7A gene expression via direct binding to GC box within the promoter.