The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling pathway regulates bile acid and cholesterol homeostasis. Here, we demonstrate, using a variety of gain-and loss-of-function approaches, a role of FXR in the process of cell motility, which involves the small heterodimeric partner (SHP)-dependent up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9. We use this observation to reveal a transcriptional regulatory mechanism involving the SP/KLF transcription factors, SP2 and KLF6. Small interference RNA-based silencing studies in combination with promoter, gel shift, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicate that SP2 and KLF6 bind to the matrix metalloproteinase-9 promoter and together function to maintain this gene in a silenced state. However, upon activation of FXR, SHP interacts with SP2 and KLF6, disrupting the SP2/KLF6 repressor complex. Thus, together, these studies identify a mechanism for antagonizing Sp/KLF protein repression function via SHP, with this process regulating endothelial cell motility.
Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR)3 is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors. In response to ligand binding, FXR regulates expression of genes involved in bile acid, cholesterol, and triglyceride metabolism (1-9). FXR heterodimerizes with the 9-cis-retinoic acid receptor ␣, which allows binding to a specific DNA sequence composed of two inverted hexamer repeats separated by one nucleotide (IR-1), thereby regulating target gene transcription (10 -12). An alternate mechanism of regulation occurs through FXR-dependent up-regulation of the atypical nuclear receptor, small heterodimeric partner (SHP). Although SHP lacks a DNA binding domain, it regulates transcription by several putative mechanisms that are not fully understood (13-15).Recent work has delineated a requisite role for Sp/KLF transcription factors for diverse biological functions (16 -19). The Sp/KLF family contains 24 identified members, including SP1-8 and KLF1-16, which bind with varying affinity to GCrich DNA sequences of target gene promoters (20). Interestingly, these proteins may function as transcriptional activators or repressors, although the mechanisms by which specificity of effect is achieved are not well defined.Because bile acids such as chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) are the natural ligands for FXR (21-23), prior investigations have largely been pursued in cells with active bile acid signaling, such as hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and enterocytes (4,24,25). However, more recent work has expanded the scope of this nuclear receptor system into a diversity of cell types and functions, including vascular wall cells (26 -28), thereby suggesting potentially important and heretofore unrecognized actions that may be achieved by the FXR pathway. In this study, we delineate a signaling pathway by which FXR promotes endothelial cell motility through transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). This pathway requires SHP inhibition of an SP2/KLF6 repressor complex. Thus, whereas SP2 and KLF6 repress MMP-9 promoter acti...