The Promoter of an Androgen Dependent Gene in the Hamster Flank Organ

In 1997, researchers investigated the androgen-dependent gene expression in hamster flank organs to understand hair follicle and sebaceous gland growth. They identified a cDNA clone, FAR-17a, and its expression was found to be sensitive to androgen levels. The study involved isolating a genomic clone with the promoter and upstream region, which significantly activated a luciferase reporter gene in Cos 7 cells and was further stimulated by androgen in SC-3 cells. Despite the lack of typical androgen responsive elements in the promoter region, the gene appeared to be indirectly stimulated by androgen-dependent transcription factors. A 50-bp probe was used to identify a clone with the complete sequence, and the transcription start site was determined. The promoter activity was five to six times stronger than the control in Cos7 and N. cells and responsive to testosterone in SC-3 cells. The study concluded that the gene might be controlled by indirect action of androgen or a GRE/ARE heterodimer, and further analysis was needed to understand the promoter activity fully.