An archaebacterial promoter sequence assigned by RNA polymerase binding experiments

Canadian Journal of Microbiology
M ThommG S Beckler

Abstract

To identify an archaebacterial promoter sequence, nuclease protection studies with the purified RNA polymerase of Methanococcus vannielii were performed. The enzyme binds specifically both at protein-encoding (hisA and methyl CoM reductase, component C) and tRNA-rRNA genes. The binding region of the RNA polymerase extends from 30 base pairs (bp) upstream (-30) to 20 bp downstream (+20) from the in vivo transcription start site. This finding indicates that the archaebacterial enzyme recognizes promoters without transacting transcription factors. The DNA segment protected from nuclease digestion by bound RNA polymerase contains an octanucleotide sequence centered at -25, which is conserved between the protein-encoding and the stable RNA genes. According to the specific binding of the enzyme to only DNA-fragments harbouring this motif, we propose the sequence TTTATATA as the major recognition signal of the Methanococcus RNA polymerase. Comparison of this motif with published archaebacterial DNA sequences revealed the presence of homologous sequences at the same location upstream of 36 genes. We therefore consider the overall consensus TTTATAATA as a general element of promoters in archaebacteria. In spite of the specific binding o...Continue Reading

Citations

Jan 1, 1995·World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology·M CiaramellaM Rossi
Jul 26, 2013·RNA Biology·Claire Toffano-NiocheDaniel Gautheret
Jul 1, 1995·Bio/technology·M W AdamsR M Kelly
Dec 1, 1990·Journal of Bacteriology·D T Nieuwlandt, C J Daniels

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