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Routes of Transcriptional Activation in the Testis: CREM and its Co-Activator ACT

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Part of the book series: Ernst Schering Research Foundation Workshop ((3368,volume 6))

Abstract

Coordinated gene expression programs govern the complex processes of cell growth and differentiation. The modulation of gene expression by specific signal transduction pathways enables cells to trigger the appropriate short- and long-term adaptation programs in response to environmental cues. Many transcription factors are final targets of specific transduction pathways. Factors of the CREB (cAMP-responsive element binding protein) family were originally identified as activators that respond directly to the cyclic AMP-dependent signaling pathway via phosphorylation by the protein kinase A (PKA) (Montminy 1997; Sassone-Corsi 1995). This family comprises a large number of proteins encoded by the CREB, CREM (cAMP-responsive element modulator) and ATF-1 (activating transcription factor 1) genes. Recently, it has become apparent that members of the CREB family play important roles in the nuclear responses to a variety of external signals. CREB and CREM have also been shown to function in many physiological systems, including memory and long-term potentiation (Silva et al. 1998), circadian rhythms (Foulkes et al. 1997), pituitary function (Struthers et al. 1991) and spermatogenesis (Sassone-Corsi 1998).

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De Cesare, D., Fimia, G.M., Morlon, A., Sassone-Corsi, P. (2000). Routes of Transcriptional Activation in the Testis: CREM and its Co-Activator ACT. In: Jégou, B., Pineau, C., Saez, J. (eds) Testis, Epididymis and Technologies in the Year 2000. Ernst Schering Research Foundation Workshop, vol 6. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-04050-8_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-04050-8_8

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