Regulation of ceruloplasmin gene activity in mammary gland cells

Tissue-specific regulation of the expression of ceruloplasmin (Cp) gene, which encodes major copper-containing extracellular glycoprotein was investigated. A decrease of the Cp concentration associated with copper amounts in milk during the first 3 days of lactation was used as phenotypic index for evaluating the Cp enzyme activity in the mammary gland. Computer analysis of mammalian Cp gene promoter region has revealed conserved sequences of cis -elements, which potentially were capable of regulating the enzyme activity. It has been shown that changes in the nucleotide sequence of specific transcriptional factor binding sites located at 5′-end of Cp gene were associated with disturbance of the regular downregulation of Cp gene activity during lactation.