scholarly journals DNA sequences required for specific and efficient initiation of transcription at the polyoma virus early promoter.

1982 ◽  
Vol 2 (7) ◽  
pp. 737-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Jat ◽  
U Novak ◽  
A Cowie ◽  
C Tyndall ◽  
R Kamen

The 5'-flanking DNA sequences involved in the specific and efficient transcription of the polyoma virus early region have been investigated. Sequence requirements for efficient in vivo expression differed from those in vitro. Deletion of DNA located between 200 and 400 base pairs before the principal cap sites severely inhibited in vivo expression as measured by transformation ability, but did not affect in vitro transcription. Viable deletion mutants which lack the principal cap sites and the "TATA" box were very poor templates for in vitro transcription. Analysis of other deletion mutants in vitro demonstrated that no specific sequences more than 46 base pairs before the cap sites were important. Removal of the TATA box reduced in vitro transcriptional efficiency but did not alter the initiation sites. The synthesis of transcripts with abnormal 5' termini did not occur in vitro until sequence between the TATA box and the normal cap sites was also deleted. We further observed a nonspecific requirement for 90 to 100 base pairs of DNA 5' to the cap site for optimal transcription of DNA fragments in vitro.

1982 ◽  
Vol 2 (7) ◽  
pp. 737-751
Author(s):  
P Jat ◽  
U Novak ◽  
A Cowie ◽  
C Tyndall ◽  
R Kamen

The 5'-flanking DNA sequences involved in the specific and efficient transcription of the polyoma virus early region have been investigated. Sequence requirements for efficient in vivo expression differed from those in vitro. Deletion of DNA located between 200 and 400 base pairs before the principal cap sites severely inhibited in vivo expression as measured by transformation ability, but did not affect in vitro transcription. Viable deletion mutants which lack the principal cap sites and the "TATA" box were very poor templates for in vitro transcription. Analysis of other deletion mutants in vitro demonstrated that no specific sequences more than 46 base pairs before the cap sites were important. Removal of the TATA box reduced in vitro transcriptional efficiency but did not alter the initiation sites. The synthesis of transcripts with abnormal 5' termini did not occur in vitro until sequence between the TATA box and the normal cap sites was also deleted. We further observed a nonspecific requirement for 90 to 100 base pairs of DNA 5' to the cap site for optimal transcription of DNA fragments in vitro.


2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (17) ◽  
pp. 8310-8319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Sanchez-Vazquez ◽  
Colin N. Dewey ◽  
Nicole Kitten ◽  
Wilma Ross ◽  
Richard L. Gourse

The second messenger nucleotide ppGpp dramatically alters gene expression in bacteria to adjust cellular metabolism to nutrient availability. ppGpp binds to two sites on RNA polymerase (RNAP) inEscherichia coli, but it has also been reported to bind to many other proteins. To determine the role of the RNAP binding sites in the genome-wide effects of ppGpp on transcription, we used RNA-seq to analyze transcripts produced in response to elevated ppGpp levels in strains with/without the ppGpp binding sites on RNAP. We examined RNAs rapidly after ppGpp production without an accompanying nutrient starvation. This procedure enriched for direct effects of ppGpp on RNAP rather than for indirect effects on transcription resulting from starvation-induced changes in metabolism or on secondary events from the initial effects on RNAP. The transcriptional responses of all 757 genes identified after 5 minutes of ppGpp induction depended on ppGpp binding to RNAP. Most (>75%) were not reported in earlier studies. The regulated transcripts encode products involved not only in translation but also in many other cellular processes. In vitro transcription analysis of more than 100 promoters from the in vivo dataset identified a large collection of directly regulated promoters, unambiguously demonstrated that most effects of ppGpp on transcription in vivo were direct, and allowed comparison of DNA sequences from inhibited, activated, and unaffected promoter classes. Our analysis greatly expands our understanding of the breadth of the stringent response and suggests promoter sequence features that contribute to the specific effects of ppGpp.


1984 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 657-665 ◽  
Author(s):  
K J Shaw ◽  
M V Olson

Deletion mutations ending in the 5'-flanking sequences of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SUP4-o gene have been analyzed for their effects on gene expression. This ochre-suppressing tRNATyr gene was cloned into a S. cerevisiae centromeric plasmid, and its level of in vivo expression was monitored by observing the suppressor phenotype of the gene after transformation into S. cerevisiae. A deletion mutant that retains only four base pairs of the 5'-flanking sequence is profoundly deficient in expression; deletion mutants extending to positions -18, -17, -16, or -15 are moderately deficient; deletion mutants extending to positions -36 or -27 are slightly defective; and mutants retaining more than 60 base pairs of the original 5'-flanking DNA are expressed normally. In some cases, the cloning procedure led to the introduction of multiple BamHI linkers at the SUP4-o-vector fusion site, and in one instance, the resulting structure dramatically affects gene function: the presence of three linkers abutting a -18 deletion completely inhibits the in vivo expression of SUP4-o. In contrast, three linkers that abut a -77 deletion have no effect on in vivo expression. The template properties of these plasmids in a homologous in vitro transcription system parallel the levels of in vivo expression, suggesting that the mutations predominantly affect transcription. The data demonstrate that there are significant functional constraints on the 5'-flanking sequences of this RNA polymerase III-transcribed gene. The dramatic effects of the multiple linker insertion at position -18 suggest that there may be extensive melting of the DNA in this region during normal transcription initiation.


1984 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 657-665
Author(s):  
K J Shaw ◽  
M V Olson

Deletion mutations ending in the 5'-flanking sequences of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SUP4-o gene have been analyzed for their effects on gene expression. This ochre-suppressing tRNATyr gene was cloned into a S. cerevisiae centromeric plasmid, and its level of in vivo expression was monitored by observing the suppressor phenotype of the gene after transformation into S. cerevisiae. A deletion mutant that retains only four base pairs of the 5'-flanking sequence is profoundly deficient in expression; deletion mutants extending to positions -18, -17, -16, or -15 are moderately deficient; deletion mutants extending to positions -36 or -27 are slightly defective; and mutants retaining more than 60 base pairs of the original 5'-flanking DNA are expressed normally. In some cases, the cloning procedure led to the introduction of multiple BamHI linkers at the SUP4-o-vector fusion site, and in one instance, the resulting structure dramatically affects gene function: the presence of three linkers abutting a -18 deletion completely inhibits the in vivo expression of SUP4-o. In contrast, three linkers that abut a -77 deletion have no effect on in vivo expression. The template properties of these plasmids in a homologous in vitro transcription system parallel the levels of in vivo expression, suggesting that the mutations predominantly affect transcription. The data demonstrate that there are significant functional constraints on the 5'-flanking sequences of this RNA polymerase III-transcribed gene. The dramatic effects of the multiple linker insertion at position -18 suggest that there may be extensive melting of the DNA in this region during normal transcription initiation.


1984 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-141
Author(s):  
J Brady ◽  
M Radonovich ◽  
M Thoren ◽  
G Das ◽  
N P Salzman

We have previously identified an 11-base DNA sequence, 5'-G-G-T-A-C-C-T-A-A-C-C-3' (simian virus 40 [SV40] map position 294 to 304), which is important in the control of SV40 late RNA expression in vitro and in vivo (Brady et al., Cell 31:625-633, 1982). We report here the identification of another domain of the SV40 late promoter. A series of mutants with deletions extending from SV40 map position 0 to 300 was prepared by nuclease BAL 31 treatment. The cloned templates were then analyzed for efficiency and accuracy of late SV40 RNA expression in the Manley in vitro transcription system. Our studies showed that, in addition to the promoter domain near map position 300, there are essential DNA sequences between nucleotide positions 74 and 95 that are required for efficient expression of late SV40 RNA. Included in this SV40 DNA sequence were two of the six GGGCGG SV40 repeat sequences and an 11-nucleotide segment which showed strong homology with the upstream sequences required for the efficient in vitro and in vivo expression of the histone H2A gene. This upstream promoter sequence supported transcription with the same efficiency even when it was moved 72 nucleotides closer to the major late cap site. In vitro promoter competition analysis demonstrated that the upstream promoter sequence, independent of the 294 to 304 promoter element, is capable of binding polymerase-transcription factors required for SV40 late gene transcription. Finally, we show that DNA sequences which control the specificity of RNA initiation at nucleotide 325 lie downstream of map position 294.


1998 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3771-3781 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi Li ◽  
James L. Manley

ABSTRACT The Drosophila homeodomain protein Even-skipped (Eve) is a transcriptional repressor, and previous studies have suggested that it functions by interfering with the basal transcription machinery. Here we describe experiments indicating that the mechanism of Eve repression involves a direct interaction with the TATA binding protein (TBP) that blocks binding of TBP-TFIID to the promoter. We first compared Eve activities in in vitro transcription systems reconstituted with either all the general transcription factors or only TBP, TFIIB, TFIIF30, and RNA polymerase II. In each case, equivalent and very efficient levels of repression were observed, indicating that no factors other than those in the minimal system are required for repression. We then show that Eve can function efficiently when its recognition sites are far from the promoter and that the same regions of Eve required for repression in vivo are necessary and sufficient for in vitro repression. This includes, in addition to an Ala-Pro-rich region, residues within the homeodomain. Using GAL4-Eve fusion proteins, we demonstrate that the homeodomain plays a role in repression in addition to DNA binding, which is to facilitate interaction with TBP. Single-round transcription experiments indicate that Eve must function prior to TBP binding to the promoter, suggesting a mechanism whereby Eve represses by competing with the TATA box for TBP binding. Consistent with this, excess TATA box-containing oligonucleotide is shown to specifically and efficiently disrupt the TBP-Eve interaction. Importantly, we show that Eve binds directly to TFIID and that this interaction can also be disrupted by the TATA oligonucleotide. We conclude that Eve represses transcription via a direct interaction with TBP that blocks TFIID binding to the promoter.


1988 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 2513-2522
Author(s):  
J Gottlieb ◽  
N Muzyczka

When circular recombinant plasmids containing adeno-associated virus (AAV) DNA sequences are transfected into human cells, the AAV provirus is rescued. Using these circular AAV plasmids as substrates, we isolated an enzyme fraction from HeLa cell nuclear extracts that excises intact AAV DNA in vitro from vector DNA and produces linear DNA products. The recognition signal for the enzyme is a polypurine-polypyrimidine sequence which is at least 9 residues long and rich in G.C base pairs. Such sequences are present in AAV recombinant plasmids as part of the first 15 base pairs of the AAV terminal repeat and in some cases as the result of cloning the AAV genome by G.C tailing. The isolated enzyme fraction does not have significant endonucleolytic activity on single-stranded or double-stranded DNA. Plasmid DNA that is transfected into tissue culture cells is cleaved in vivo to produce a pattern of DNA fragments similar to that seen with purified enzyme in vitro. The activity has been called endo R for rescue, and its behavior suggests that it may have a role in recombination of cellular chromosomes.


2001 ◽  
Vol 21 (19) ◽  
pp. 6429-6439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Martin ◽  
Valerie L. Gerlach ◽  
David A. Brow

ABSTRACT The Saccharomyces cerevisiae U6 RNA gene,SNR6, possesses upstream sequences that allow productive binding in vitro of the RNA polymerase III (Pol III) transcription initiation factor IIIB (TFIIIB) in the absence of TFIIIC or other assembly factors. TFIIIC-independent transcription ofSNR6 in vitro is highly sensitive to point mutations in a consensus TATA box at position −30. In contrast, the TATA box is dispensable for SNR6 transcription in vivo, apparently because TFIIIC bound to the intragenic A block and downstream B block can recruit TFIIIB via protein-protein interactions. A mutant allele ofSNR6 with decreased spacing between the A and B blocks,snr6-Δ42, exhibits increased dependence on the upstream sequences in vivo. Unexpectedly, we find that in vivo expression of snr6-Δ42 is much more sensitive to mutations in a (dT-dA)7 tract between the TATA box and transcription start site than to mutations in the TATA box itself. Inversion of single base pairs in the center of the dT-dA tract nearly abolishes transcription of snr6-Δ42, yet inversion of all 7 base pairs has little effect on expression, indicating that the dA-dT tract is relatively orientation independent. Although it is within the TFIIIB footprint, point mutations in the dT-dA tract do not inhibit TFIIIB binding or TFIIIC-independent transcription ofSNR6 in vitro. In the absence of the chromatin architectural protein Nhp6, dT-dA tract mutations are lethal even when A-to-B block spacing is wild type. We conclude that the (dT-dA)7 tract and Nhp6 cooperate to direct productive transcription complex assembly on SNR6 in vivo.


1999 ◽  
Vol 181 (12) ◽  
pp. 3777-3783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilfried G. B. Voorhorst ◽  
Yannick Gueguen ◽  
Ans C. M. Geerling ◽  
Gerti Schut ◽  
Isabell Dahlke ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The genetic organization, expression, and regulation of thecelB locus of the hyperthermophilic archaeonPyrococcus furiosus were analyzed. This locus includes thecelB gene, which codes for an intracellular β-glucosidase, and a divergently orientated gene cluster,adhA-adhB-lamA, which codes for two alcohol dehydrogenases and an extracellular β-1,3-endoglucanase that is transcribed as a polycistronic messenger (the lamA operon). During growth ofP. furiosus on either the β-1,4-linked glucose dimer cellobiose or the β-1,3-linked glucose polymer laminarin, the activities of both β-glucosidase and endoglucanase were increased at least fivefold compared with levels during growth on maltose or pyruvate. Northern blot analysis revealed an enhanced transcription of both the celB gene and the lamA operon in the presence of these glucose-containing substrates. The in vivo and in vitro transcription initiation sites of both the celB gene and the lamA operon were identified 25 nucleotides downstream of conserved TATA box motifs. A number of repeating sequences have been recognized in the celB-adhA intergenic region, some of which might be part of a transcriptional regulator-binding site.


1986 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. 937-944
Author(s):  
Balazs J. Kovacs ◽  
Peter H. W. Butterworth

Experiments are described which probe the relationship between three sequence elements which make up the eukaryotic RNA polymerase II promoter. A cloned eukaryotic gene, from which the TATA-box and 400 base pairs of Y-flanking sequence has been deleted, is still transcriptionally active in vivo (following its transfection into cultured mammalian cells) and in vitro. Deletion has appropriately positioned a cluster of five TATA box-like sequences upstream from multiple potential cap sites. Which cap sites are actually used can be predicted from the DNA sequence of TATA box-like sequences and their spatial relationship with respect to possible transcriptional start sites, although there appears to be some difference in cap site utilisation in vitro and in vivo. Data suggest that deletion has also removed “upstream” sequences which affect promoter function.


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