Distinct DNA targets for trans-activation by HTLV-1 tax and adenovirus E1A

The HTLV-1 LTR is trans-activated by both the HTLV-1 tax (p40x) and adenovirus E1A gene products. Previous experiments have localized tax-responsive cis-elements to three 21-bp repeat units within the promoter, as well as a fourth region located between the middle and proximal repeats. A sequence TGACG, resembling the ATF/CREB recognition element, is located at the center of each of these repeat units. Mutation of this ATF/CREB site in the 21-bp repeats impairs both tax and E1A-dependent trans-activation. However, assays of a variety of promoter mutants demonstrate that sequences required for E1A and tax induction differ, suggesting that these two viral trans-activators target different factors. In addition, although the adenovirus E4 promoter also contains three ATF/CREB sites involved in E1A activation, tax does not activate this promoter. Finally, we also find that the TATAA element of the HTLV-1 LTR contributes to E1A-dependent activation but not tax activation. We concluded that although both trans-activators exhibit similarities in their activation properties, the targets for activation must differ.