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Characterization of pancreatic transcription factor Pdx-1 binding sites using promoter microarray and serial analysis of chromatin occupancy KELLER, David M, et al. The homeobox transcription factor Pdx-1 is necessary for pancreas organogenesis and beta cell function, however, most Pdx-1-regulated genes are unknown. To further the understanding of Pdx-1 in beta cell biology, we have characterized its genomic targets in NIT-1 cells, a mouse insulinoma cell line. To identify novel targets, we developed a microarray that includes traditional promoters as well as non-coding conserved elements, micro-RNAs, and elements identified through an unbiased approach termed serial analysis of chromatin occupancy. In total, 583 new Pdx-1 target genes were identified, many of which contribute to energy sensing and insulin release in pancreatic beta cells. By analyzing 31 of the protein-coding Pdx-1 target genes, we show that 29 are expressed in beta cells and, of these, 68 % are down- or up-regulated in cells expressing a dominant negative mutant of Pdx-1. W