Differential Effects of the Adenovirus E1A Oncogene on Members of the AP-1 Transcription Factor Family

Abstract

The adenovirus early region 1A (E1A) oncogene interferes with the expression level and activity of the AP-1 transcription factor family. E1A abolished the transactivating function of AP-1 (Jun/Fos), which binds to the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-responsive element of the collagenase gene (collTRE). In contrast, the activity of another member of the AP-1 family that binds to the c-junTRE was not repressed. The mRNA expression of the c-jun gene was, in fact, strongly elevated in various cell types expressing the E1A gene of either adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) or Ad12. The regulation of the junB gene by adenovirus E1A, on the other hand, depended both on the cell type and on the transforming adenovirus serotype. The fact that E1A-induced alterations in the repertoire of AP-1 transcription factors depend on its transforming domain in conserved region 1 suggests that the effects are relevant for the transformation process.