The TATA-Box Sequence in the Basal Promoter Contributes to Determining Light-Dependent Gene Expression in Plants

Abstract

A prototype 13-bp TATA-box sequence, TCACTATATATAG, was mutated at each nucleotide position and examined for its function in the core promoter. Specific nucleotides in the first TATA, the second TATA, as well as the flanking sequences influenced promoter function in transient transformation of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum var Petit Havana) leaves. The effect of a given mutation on reporter gene expression in light versus dark was variable and sometimes contrasting. Some mutations, like T 7 or A 8 /C or G, completely inactivated the expression of the minimal promoter in light but not in dark. In general, the sequence requirement for dark expression was less stringent than that for light expression. The selective effect of TATA-box mutations on light versus dark expression was exerted on core promoter function in the chromatin-integrated state also. Even in the presence of an upstream light response activator element, TATA-box mutations influenced modulation of the promoter by light. An A at the eighth position was specifically involved in the red light response of the promoter. Selectivity in gene expression was associated with a high level of transcript initiation from a site that was not active in the dark. Nuclear proteins from dark-and light-grown seedlings showed that the sequence variation within the TATA-box governs the formation of alternative transcriptional complexes. The experiments give direct evidence for the role of a core TATA-box sequence in determining the level as well as selectivity of gene expression in plants.

A T9G Mutation in the Prototype TATA-Box TCACTATATATAG Determines Nucleosome Formation and Synergy with Upstream Activator Sequences in Plant Promoters

“…In an earlier work (Kiran et al, 2006), we had demonstrated the critical role that nucleotides at the seventh and eighth positions play in the consensus TATA-box TCACTATATATAG for light-mediated transcription, both in the presence and absence of the 52-bp lre (Martinez-Hernandez et al, 2002). This study investigates the role of the ninth nucleotide in expression from the same prototype minimal promoter (Pmec) containing TCACTATATATAG as a consensus TATA-box (Supplemental Fig.…”

“…TFIID is a multisubunit protein complex consisting of TBP and approximately 14 associated factors that plays a critical role not only in promoter binding but also as a transducer in conveying the upstream regulating signals to the downstream general transcription machinery. The core promoter and its elements are highly variable, so they can be a point of regulation for gene-specific transcription (Zhu et al, 1995;Nakamura et al, 2002;Kiran et al, 2006;Bjornsdottir and Myers, 2008). Efficient transcription generally requires the synergistic action of multiple activators bound at distinct sites upstream (or downstream) of the promoter (Struhl, 1999).…”

“…We previously examined (Kiran et al, 2006) the effect of point mutations in a 13-bp prototype TATAbox sequence (Sawant et al, 1999) in light-mediated transcription. The nucleotides at the seventh and eighth positions in the prototype TATA-box were reported as critical to light-dependent transcription.…”

Cloning and characterization of a cold inducible Pal promoter from Fagopyrum tataricum

“…A number of cis-elements have been identified from varied species that have been shown to involving responding to stimuli of light, signal molecule and invading bacteria [4][5][6].…”

In-depth analysis of jasmonate-mediated indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis and its implication in plant development

“…Remarkably, the G-box variant 3 was relatively close of a 5'-TATAAA-3' sequence, positions -153 (pYUC8) and -267 (pYUC9). This sequence was identified as the consensus TATA-box, which is commonly recognized as a transcription enhancer (Kiran et al 2006). …”