Multiple proteins bind the insulin response element in the human IGFBP-1 promoter.

An insulin response element (IRE) has been identified approximately 100 base pairs (bp) 5' to the transcription start site of the human insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (hIGFBP-1) gene. This cis element appears crucial to the multihormonal regulation of hIGFBP-1 expression in liver, since (i) an intact IRE is required for maximal stimulation of hIGFBP-1 promoter activity by dexamethasone, and (ii) the IRE confers insulin inhibition of both basal and dexamethasone-stimulated hIGFBP-1 promoter activity. Further progress in understanding how the IRE confers insulin and glucocorticoid effects requires identification of transcription factors confering effects of these hormones. D-site binding protein (DBP), and members of the hepatic nuclear factor 3 (HNF 3) and high mobility group I/Y (HMG I/Y) protein families, each known to bind DNA elements similar in sequence to the IRE, were tested for IRE binding. DBP, HMGI and HNF 3 beta each protected the hIGFBP-1 IRE from DNAseI digestion. Additional studies are required to establish whether binding of any of these proteins to the IRE is important to the regulation of hIGFBP-1 expression by insulin and/or glucocorticoids.