Characterization of the Spodoptera frugiperda TATA-binding protein: nucleotide sequence and response to baculovirus...

A cDNA clone containing a 921 bp open-reading frame (307 amino acids; 34 kDa) homologous to the TATA-binding protein (TBP) was isolated and sequenced from a Spodoptera frugiperda cell line that is commonly used in the baculovirus expression system. Analysis of the S. frugiperda TBP (SfTBP) sequence showed that the amino-terminal portion of SfTBP diverged significantly from that of other TBP sequences including Drosophila melanogaster whereas the carboxy-terminal sequence was highly conserved. Southern blot analysis indicated that SfTBP was encoded by a single gene in the S. frugiperda genome. Northern blot analysis indicated that steady-state levels of the 1.3 kb SfTBP transcript declined by 24 h post-infection corresponding to the time of virus-induced inhibition of host-cell transcription. Corresponding western blot analysis showed that TBP protein levels remain constant up to 72 h post-infection.