Functional analysis of xenobiotic response elements (XREs) in CYP 1A of the European Flounder (Platichthys flesus)

The induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 1A (CYP 1A) is an important step in the response to contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and has been used as a biomarker of exposure in fish. Several consensus response elements have been identified, including eight potential xenobiotic response elements (XREs) in the promoter region of the European flounder cytochrome P450 1A gene. However not all of these sequences are necessarily active. To help elucidate the molecular regulation of this important gene, site directed mutagenesis and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were employed to characterize the consensus transcription factor binding sites of the CYP 1A 5' flanking region. Mutation of response elements situated -1103, -859, -709 and -172 bases upstream of the transcription start site reduced the induction to 2.75, 1.51, 3.25 and 3.05 fold, respectively, compared with the full-length promoter (4.0-fold induction) on exposure to the PAH 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) (1.0 microM). These results indicate that four out of eight different XREs are functional in the control of CYP 1A in the flounder. The activity of these response elements adds to the evidence for considerable diversity in vertebrate CYP 1A regulation.