Agonistic and Antagonistic Action of AP2, Msx2, Pax6, Prox1 and Six3 in the Regulation of <i>Sox2</i> Expression

Abstract

Sox2 transcription factor is expressed in neural tissues and sensory epithelia from the early stages of development. Particularly, it is known to activate crystallin gene expression and to be involved in differentiation of lens and neural tissues. However, its place in the signaling cascade is not well understood. Here, we report about the response of its promoter to the presence of other transcription factors, AP2alpha, Msx2, Pax6, Prox1 and Six3, in a transient reporter gene assay using HEK293 cells as recipient cells. Taking our data together, AP2, Pax6 and PROX1 can activate the Sox2 promoter. Msx2 has an inhibitory effect, whereas Six3 does not affect the Sox2 promoter. These data indicate a common activating cascade at least for AP2, Pax6, Prox1 and Sox2.