YY1 is involved in the regulation of the bi‐directional promoter of the Surf‐1 and Surf‐2 genes

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Abstract
The Surfeit locus is an unusual cluster of at least 6 housekeeping genes whose organisation is conserved between birds and mammals. We have previously shown that the divergently transcribed Surf‐1 and Surf‐2 genes are separated by a bi‐directional, TATA‐Iess promoter. In mouse, the Surf‐1/Surf‐2 promoter contains three important factor binding sites: Su1, Su2, and Su3. These sites are conserved between the mouse and human Surf‐1/Surf‐2 promoters, bind nuclear factors in vitro, and are required for accurate and efficient expression of Surf‐1 and Surf‐2 in vivo. Using gel retardation assays, methylation interference experiments, and specific antibodies we demonstrate that the Su1 binding factor is the initiator protein YY1. Over‐expression of YY1 results in a major stimulation of transcription in the Surf‐1 direction and a minor stimulation of transcription in the Surf‐2 direction.