Citation
- Authors: Nishikawa, Y., Matsuzaki, Y., Kimura, K., Rokunohe, A., Nakano, H., Sawamura, D.
- Year: 2018
- Journal: Biochem Genet 56 93-102
- Applications: in vitro / DNA / jetPEI
- Cell type: HaCaT
Description: Human keratinocyte cells
Abstract
Infection of microbial pathogen triggers the innate immune system, and the induction of interferons (IFNs) play a vital role in host antiviral response. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) was identified as a crucial regulator of the DNA sensing pathway, and activates both nuclear factor-kappaB and interferon regulatory factor 3 transcription pathways to evoke IFNs production. In this study, we studied the upregulation of STING mRNA expression, induced by IFN-gamma in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). STING promoter assays clarified that a gamma-activated sequence (GAS), located at - 7 to - 15-bp, is required for IFN-gamma-upregulated promoter activity. Furthermore, an electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1) attach to the GAS motif on the human STING promoter region. This indicates that IFN-gamma/Janus kinases/STAT1 signaling is essential for the STING upregulation in human keratinocytes.