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Identification of an UP element consensus sequence for bacterial promoters
1Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Summary
Researchers identified novel UP elements that significantly enhance bacterial transcription. These UP elements interact with RNA polymerase, offering potential for promoter prediction and biotechnology applications.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Bacterial Genetics
Background:
- UP elements are bacterial promoter components upstream of the -35 hexamer.
- They enhance transcription by interacting with the RNA polymerase alpha-subunit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel UP elements with enhanced promoter activity.
- To derive a consensus sequence for UP elements.
- To understand the interaction between UP elements and the RNA polymerase alpha-subunit.
Main Methods:
- Modified SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) procedure for in vitro selection.
- In vivo screening of selected sequences for promoter activity.
- Analysis of UP element interaction with the alpha C-terminal domain.
Main Results:
- Identified 31 upstream sequences that increased transcription 136- to 326-fold.
- Derived a consensus UP element sequence: -59 nnAAA(A/T)(A/T)T(A/T)TTTTnnAAAAnnn -38.
- The most active sequence exhibited properties of a strong UP element and interacted similarly with the alpha C-terminal domain.
Conclusions:
- The identified UP element consensus facilitates understanding of alpha-DNA interactions.
- The consensus sequence is likely applicable across eubacteria.
- Potential applications in promoter prediction and biotechnology.