Gastrin transactivates the chromogranin A gene through MEK-1/ERK- and PKC-dependent phosphorylation of Sp1 and CREB

Our previous work revealed that gastrin regulates chromogranin A (CgA) transcription through enhanced binding of Sp1, CREB and Egr-1 to a proximal gastrin-responsive promoter element (Gas-RE). Here, we provide a detailed characterization of the signalling pathways transmitting the effect of gastrin on the CgA promoter. Gastrin treatment of gastric AGS-B cells potently stimulated MEK-1 as well as MAP kinases ERK-1/-2, JNK and p38 in a time-dependent manner. Interruption of ERK-1/-2/MEK-1 pathways abolished the transactivating effect of gastrin, whereas blockade of JNK or p38 activity was without effect. Functional promoter analysis revealed that the minimal element CgA-85/-64 was sufficient and necessary to confer MEK-1/ERK responsiveness. Analysis of proximal signalling pathways showed that activation of the MEK-1/ERK-1/2 module by gastrin does not require Ras, PI3-kinase or intracellular calcium signals, but depends on activation of kinases of the PKC family. This report demonstrates that a pathway comprising PKCs > Raf-1 > MEK-1 > ERK-1/-2 mediates the effect of gastrin on the CgA promoter, and strongly suggests that enhanced phosphorylation of Sp1 and CREB is crucial for CgA transactivation through the G protein-coupled CCK-B/gastrin receptor.