Identification of a cis-acting element controlling induction of early gene expression in Dictyostelium discoideum

Using a new promoter analysis transformation vector for Dictyostelium discoideum (PAV-CAT), we have defined cis-acting elements in the promoter of the cyclic AMP-induced early-expressed gene A11H2, which encodes an alpha-fucosidase-related protein (A. Müller-Taubenberger, M. Westphal, A. Noegel, and G. Gerisch, FEBS Lett. 246:185-192, 1989). Sequences responsible for developmentally regulated gene induction could be separated from the basal promoter that conferred low levels of transcriptional activity. By gel shift experiments, we present evidence that the cis-acting element is the target of a trans-acting factor that by itself is subject to developmental regulation.