In situ DNA-protein binding: a novel method for detecting DNA-binding activity of transcription factor in brain.

A novel method, in situ DNA-protein binding (in situ DPB), was developed to detect the distribution and DNA-binding activity of AP-1 and Sp1 binding proteins in situ. The regional distribution of AP-1 binding protein in mouse brain was different from that of Sp1. Antibody against the DNA-binding domain of Jun protein markedly reduced the AP-1 but not the Sp1 binding activity. The binding activity of AP-1 probe increased markedly in the brain after administration of methamphetamine. These results suggest that the in situ DPB is convenient and sensitive for detecting the distribution and the DNA-binding activity of transcription factors in situ.