A GABP-binding element in the Robo4 promoter is necessary for endothelial expression in vivo

We recently demonstrated that the 3-kb 5′-flanking region of the human ROBO4 gene directs endothelial cell–specific expression in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, a GA-binding protein (GABP)–binding motif at −119 was necessary for mediating promoter activity in vitro. The goal of the present study was to confirm the functional relevance of the −119 GABP-binding site in vivo. To that end, the Hprt locus of mice was targeted with a Robo4-LacZ transgenic cassette in which the GABP site was mutated. In other studies, the GABP mutation was introduced into the endogenous mouse Robo4 locus in which LacZ was knocked-in. Compared with their respective controls, the mutant promoters displayed a significant reduction in activity in embryoid bodies, embryos, and adult animals. Together, these data provide strong support for the role of the GABP-binding motif in mediating Robo4 expression in the intact endothelium.