Background of the antigen
The Sp transcription factor family includes Sp1, Sp2, Sp3 (SPR-2) and Sp4 (SPR-1). Sp transcription factors share similar structures but do not share simi-lar functions. All four proteins contain a highly conserved DNA-binding domain composed of three zinc fingers at the C-terminus. Sp family members bind the consensus sequence GGGGCGGGGC and other closely related sequences which are known as GC boxes. Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 share a high affinity for GC boxes while Sp2 does not. Sp2 only weakly binds to GT boxes. Sp1, Sp2 and Sp3 are ubiquitously expressed, while Sp4 is abundantly expressed in brain with limited expression in other tissues. Sp1 and Sp3, but not Sp2 or Sp4, interact with E2, a regulatory element for the ∫4 subunit of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Sp3 is the only Sp member to inhibit Sp1 and Sp4 media
