Endothelin‐1 gene regulation

Over two decades of research have demonstrated that the peptide hormone endothelin-1 (ET-1) plays multiple, complex roles in cardiovascular, neural, pulmonary, reproductive, and renal physiology. Differential and tissue-specific production of ET-1 must be tightly regulated in order to preserve these biologically diverse actions. The primary mechanism thought to control ET-1 bioavailability is the rate of transcription from the ET-1 gene (ednl). Studies conducted on a variety of cell types have identified key transcription factors that govern ednl expression. With few exceptions, the cts-acting elements bound by these factors have been mapped in the ednl regulatory region. Recent evidence has revealed new roles for some factors originally believed to regulate ednl in a tissue or hormone-specific manner. In addition, other mechanisms involved in epigenetic regulation and mRNA stability have emerged as important processes for regulated ednl expression. The goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the specific factors and signaling systems that govern ednl activity at the molecular level.—Stow, L. R., Jacobs, M. E., Wingo, C. S., Cain, B. D. Endothelin-1 gene regulation. FASEB J. 25, 16–28 (2011). www.fasebj.org