DNA-binding protein(s) interacts with a conserved nonameric sequence in the upstream regions of wheat histone genes

A nuclear protein(s), HBP-2, that binds to the upstream region of the wheat histone H4 gene was identified from a fractionated nuclear extract of wheat germ by DNase I footprinting. The DNase I-protected region contained the conserved nonameric motif, CATCCAACG. Cross-competition experiments that used the mobility shift assay showed that this nuclear protein(s) binds specifically to the upstream sequence that has been postulated to be a cis element of the wheat H3 gene. Our findings suggest that this DNA-binding protein(s) may be a trans-acting factor in the regulation of the transcription of wheat histone genes.