Thyrotropin-releasing Hormone (TRH) specific interaction between amino terminus of P-Lim and CREB binding protein (CBP)

P-Lim (Lhx3a) is a LIM homeodomain transcription factor essential for pituitary development and motor neuron specification in mice. The Lhx3 gene encodes two isoforms, which differ in their amino (N) termini, Lhx3a and 3b. The P-Lim DNA binding site on the glycoprotein hormone alpha subunit (α-GSU) gene promoter is conserved in mammals. P-Lim plays a pivotal role in mediating thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) signaling by binding CREB binding protein (CBP), as we have reported previously. Here, we demonstrate that P-Lim (Lhx3a) but not Lhx3b can mediate TRH signaling and bind to CBP. Moreover, TRH specifically induces P-Lim–CBP binding through the N-termini of P-Lim. We also found that the protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation site within the N-terminus of P-Lim is responsible for the P-Lim–CBP binding suggesting that the TRH signaling pathway phosphorylates P-Lim. These studies have elucidated the molecular mechanism by which TRH stimulates α-GSU gene expression.