Combination of H-box [CCTACC(N)7CT] and G-box (CACGTG) cis elements is necessary for feed-forward stimulation of a chalcone synthase promoter by the phenylpropanoid-pathway intermediate p-coumaric acid

S1 SINE retroposons are methylated at symmetrical and non-symmetrical positions in Brassica napus: identification of a preferred target site for asymmetrical methylation

DNA methylation has been often proposed to operate as a genome defence system against parasitic mobile elements. To test this possibility, the methylation status of a class of plant mobile elements, the S1Bn SINEs, was analysed in detail using the bisulfite modification method. We observed that S1Bn SINE retroposons are methylated at symmetrical and asymmetrical positions. Methylated cytosines are not limited to transcriptionally important regions but are well distributed along the sequence. S1Bn SINE retroposons are two-fold more methylated than the average methylation level of the Brassica napus nuclear DNA. By in situ hybridization, we showed that this high level of methylation does not result from the association of S1Bn elements to genomic regions known to be highly methylated suggesting that S1Bn elements were specifically methylated. A detailed analysis of the methylation context showed that S1Bn cytosines in symmetrical CpG and CpNpG sites are methylated at a level of 87% and 44% respectively. We observed that 5.3% of S1Bn cytosines in non-symmetrical positions were also methylated. Of this asymmetrical methylation, 57% occurred at a precise motif (Cp(A/T)pA) that only represented 12% of the asymmetrical sites in S1Bn sequences suggesting that it represents a preferred asymmetrical methylation site. This motif is methylated in S1Bn elements at only half the level observed for the Cp(A/T)pG sites. We show that non-S1Bn CpTpA sites can also be methylated in DNA from B. napus and from other plant species.

Prospects for the metabolic engineering of bioactive flavonoids and related phenylpropanoid compounds

The successful engineering of complex metabolic pathways will require, in addition to availability of cloned genes and promoters, knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms that control metabolic flux into the pathway including post-translational phenomena such as metabolite channeling. We are interested in modifying pathways for the synthesis of isoflavonoids and other bioactive phenylpropanoid compounds in transgenic plants. We describe studies on flux control utilizing transgenic tobacco plants that under- and over-express key biosynthetic enzymes, and outline experimental approaches for the molecular dissection of potential metabolic channels in the synthesis of antimicrobial flavonoid derivatives in alfalfa and other species.

EVOLUTION OF LIGHT-REGULATED PLANT PROMOTERS

In this review, we address the phylogenetic and structural relationships between light-responsive promoter regions from a range of plant genes, that could explain both their common dependence on specific photoreceptor-associated transduction pathways and their functional versatility. The well-known multipartite light-responsive elements (LREs) of flowering plants share sequences very similar to motifs in the promoters of orthologous genes from conifers, ferns, and mosses, whose genes are expressed in absence of light. Therefore, composite LREs have apparently evolved from cis-regulatory units involved in other promoter functions, a notion with significant implications to our understanding of the structural and functional organization of angiosperm LREs.

In vivo characterization of transcriptional regulatory sequences involved in the defence-associated expression of the tobacco retrotransposon Tnt1

The expression of the tobacco retrotransposon Tnt1 is induced by wounding, pathogen infections as well as microbial elicitors and abiotic factors known to induce the plant defence response. We report here that the LTR U3 region is sufficient to mediate transcriptional activation by biotic and abiotic elicitors in stable transgenic conditions. We have used in vivo footprinting techniques in order to analyse the cis-regulatory elements of the LTR U3 region that mediate the induction of Tnt1 expression. Our results indicate that a tandemly repeated short element, named BII box, is involved in the transcriptional activation of the tobacco retrotransposon Tnt1 in association with the plant defence signaling cascade.

Characterization of a gene encoding a DNA-binding protein that interacts in vitro with vascular specific cis elements of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase promoter

A study of the expression of a bean phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) promoter/beta-glucuronidase gene fusion in transgenic tobacco has shown that the PAL2 promoter has a modular organization. Expression of the PAL2 promoter in the vascular system involves positive and negative regulatory cis elements. Among these elements is an AC-rich motif implicated in xylem expression and a suppressing cis element for phloem expression. Using radiolabelled complementary oligonucleotides bearing the AC-rich motif, a cDNA clone encoding a DNA-binding protein has been isolated from a tobacco lambda gt11 expression library. This factor, named AC-rich binding factor (ACBF), showed binding specificity to the AC-rich region. The specificity of ACBF for the AC-rich region was also shown using a gel retardation assay with an ACBF recombinant protein extract. The deduced amino acid sequence from ACBF contains a long repeat of glutamine residues as found in well characterized transcription factors. Interestingly, ACBF shared sequence similarity to conserved amino acid motifs found in RNA-binding proteins. Genomic gel blot analysis indicated the presence of a small gene family of sequences related to ACBF within the tobacco nuclear genome. Analysis of tobacco mRNA using the ACBF cDNA as probe showed that while ACBF mRNA was present in all tissues examined, the highest transcript accumulation occurred in stem tissues. The functional characteristics of the AC-rich sequence were examined in transgenic tobacco. A heptamer of the AC-rich sequence, in front of a minimal 35S promoter from cauliflower mosaic virus (-46 to +4), conferred specific expression in xylem.

Retrotransposons of rice: their regulation and use for genome analysis

Retrotransposons were extensively surveyed in rice using two molecular methods. The total copy number of retrotransposons in the rice genome was estimated to be about 1000 and 32 families were isolated, showing that retrotransposons are a major class of transposable elements in rice. Although these retrotransposons appear inactive during normal growth conditions, 5 out of 32 families were active under tissue culture conditions. The most active element, Tos17, was studied in detail. Its activity was show to be regulated mainly at the transcriptional level. The analysis of target sites of transposition indicated that activation of Tos17 is an important cause of tissue culture-induced mutations in rice. Tissue culture-induced activation of Tos17 was used to develop the site-selected mutagenesis system, in which mutants carrying a Tos17 insertion in the gene of interest can be identified among rice plants regenerated from tissue culture by the PCR using one primer for the ends of Tos17 and another for the gene of interest. This system will contribute to understanding the functions of rice genes whose sequences are being determined by the rice genome project.

Evidence for direct activation of an anthocyanin promoter by the maize C1 protein and comparison of DNA binding by related Myb domain proteins

The enzyme-encoding genes of two classes of maize flavonoid pigments, anthocyanins and phlobaphenes, are differentially regulated by distinct transcription factors. Anthocyanin biosynthetic gene activation requires the Myb domain C1 protein and the basic helix-loop-helix B or R proteins. In the phlobaphene pathway, a subset of C1-regulated genes, including a1, are activated by the Myb domain P protein independently of B/R. We show sequence-specific binding to the a1 promoter by C1 in the absence of B. Activation is decreased by mutations in the C1 DNA binding domain or in a1 sequences bound by C1, providing direct evidence for activation of the anthocyanin biosynthetic genes by C1. The two C1 binding sites in the a1 promoter are also bound by P. One site is bound with higher affinity by P relative to C1, whereas the other site is bound with similar lower affinity by both proteins. Interestingly, either site is sufficient for C1 plus B/R or P activation in vivo, demonstrating that differences in DNA binding affinities between P and C1 are insufficient to explain the differential requirement for B. Results of DNA binding site-selection experiments suggest that C1 has a broader DNA binding specificity than does P, which may help C1 to activate a more diverse set of promoters.

Light regulated transcription in higher plants

Studies on the function of plant promoters have demonstrated the presence of regulatorycis-acting elements that mediate developmental or environmental signals. Analysis of many light-responsive genes showed thatcis-acting elements responsible for light regulated transcription are located within the 5' upstream region. Numerous light responsivecis-acting elements andtrans-acting factors have been identified and characterized. The present article reviews the recent advances in studies of light regulated transcriptional regulation and signal transduction.

Cinnamate-4-hydroxylase expression in Arabidopsis. Regulation in response to development and the environment

Cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H) is the first Cyt P450-dependent monooxygenase of the phenylpropanoid pathway. To study the expression of this gene in Arabidopsis thaliana, a C4H cDNA clone from the Arabidopsis expressed sequence tag database was identified and used to isolate its corresponding genomic clone. The entire C4H coding sequence plus 2.9 kb of its promoter were isolated on a 5.4-kb HindIII fragment of this cosmid. Inspection of the promoter sequence revealed the presence of a number of putative regulatory motifs previously identified in the promoters of other phenylpropanoid pathway genes. The expression of C4H was analyzed by RNA blot hybridization analysis and in transgenic Arabidopsis carrying a C4H-beta-glucuronidase transcriptional fusion. C4H message accumulation was light-dependent, but was detectable even in dark-grown seedlings. Consistent with these data, C4H mRNA was accumulated to light-grown levels in etiolated det1-1 mutant seedlings. C4H is widely expressed in various Arabidopsis tissues, particularly in roots and cells undergoing lignification. The C4H-driven beta-glucuronidase expression accurately reflected the tissue-specificity and wound-inducibility of the C4H promoter indicated by RNA blot hybridization analysis. A modest increase in C4H expression was observed in the tt8 mutant of Arabidopsis.

Rapid stimulation of a soybean protein-serine kinase that phosphorylates a novel bZIP DNA-binding protein, G/HBF-1, during the induction of early transcription-dependent defenses

The G-box (CACGTG) and H-box (CCTACC) cis elements function in the activation of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes involved in the elaboration of lignin precursors, phytoalexins and the secondary signal salicylic acid as early responses to pathogen attack. We have isolated a soybean cDNA encoding a novel bZIP protein, G/HBF-1, which binds to both the G-box and adjacent H-box in the proximal region of the chalcone synthase chs15 promoter. While G/HBF-1 transcript and protein levels do not increase during the induction of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes, G/HBF-1 is phosphorylated rapidly in elicited soybean cells, almost exclusively on serine residues. Using recombinant G/HBF-1 as a substrate, we identified a cytosolic protein-serine kinase that is rapidly and transiently stimulated in cells elicited with either glutathione or an avirulent strain of the soybean pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea. Phosphorylation of G/HBF-1 in vitro enhances binding to the chs15 promoter and we conclude that stimulation of G/HBF-1 kinase activity and G/HBF-1 phosphorylation are terminal events in a signal pathway for activation of early transcription-dependent plant defense responses.

Salicylic acid potentiates an agonist-dependent gain control that amplifies pathogen signals in the activation of defense mechanisms

The phenylpropanoid-derived natural product salicylic acid (SA) plays a key role in disease resistance. However, SA administered in the absence of a pathogen is a paradoxically weak inductive signal, often requiring concentrations of 0.5 to 5 mM to induce acquired resistance or related defense mechanisms or to precondition signal systems. In contrast, endogenous SA accumulates to concentrations of < 70 microM at the site of attempted infection. Here, we show that although 10 to 100 microM SA had negligible effects when administered to soybean cell suspensions in the absence of a pathogen, physiological concentrations of SA markedly enhanced the induction of defense gene transcripts, H2O2 accumulation, and hypersensitive cell death by an avirulent strain of Pseudomonas syringae pv glycinea, with optimal effects being at approximately 50 microM. SA also synergistically enhanced H2O2 accumulation in response to the protein phosphatase type 2A inhibitor cantharidin in the absence of a pathogen. The synergistic effect of SA was potent, rapid, and insensitive to the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, and we conclude that SA stimulates an agonist-dependent gain control operating at an early step in the signal pathway for induction of the hypersensitive response. This fine control mechanism differs from previously described time-dependent, inductive coarse control mechanisms for SA action in the absence of a pathogen. Induction of H2O2 accumulation and hypersensitive cell death by avirulent P. s. glycinea was blocked by the phenylpropanoid synthesis inhibitor alpha-aminooxy-beta-phenylpropionic acid, and these responses could be rescued by exogenous SA. Because the agonist-dependent gain control operates at physiological levels of SA, we propose that rapid fine control signal amplification makes an important contribution to SA function in the induction of disease resistance mechanisms.

Molecular cloning of 4-coumarate:coenzyme A ligase in loblolly pine and the roles of this enzyme in the biosynthesis of lignin in compression wood

Two genomic sequences encoding 4-coumarate:coenzyme A ligase (4CL; EC 6.2.1.12) in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) were cloned. Both sequences contained three introns and four exons with identical coding sequences predicting 537 amino acids. Two of the three introns in these two clones were different both in sequence and in length. Sequences of both 4CL clones were found in all nine megagametophyte DNAs tested, providing genetic evidence that these two 4CL genomic sequences are nonallelic genes. Our analyses suggest that there are at least two distinct, intron-containing 4CL genes, at least one of which is transcribed into 4CL mRNA in developing xylem tissue of loblolly pine. The levels of 4CL gene transcription in xylem were influenced by compressional stress, resulting in an elevated 4CL enzyme activity with 4-coumaric acid. 4CL enzyme activity with ferulic acid remained unchanged, whereas with caffeic acid it was significantly inhibited. Exogenously applied trans-cinnamic acid in the protein extracts from normal wood xylem caused inhibition of 4CL activity toward caffeic acid similar to that under compressional stress. The implications of this cinnamic acid-modulated effect on 4CL enzyme activities toward different substrates in regulating monolignol synthesis in xylem under compressional stress are discussed.

Switching of gene expression: analysis of the factors that spatially and temporally regulate plant gene expression

In this chapter, we have reviewed the present research and understanding of several families of transcription factors in plants. From this information, it appears there is good conservation between the types of transcription factors in plants and animals. However, there are several types of factors which have been isolated in plants that remain to be documented in animals (e.g., HD-Zip and GT). These as well as the presence of two types of TATA-binding proteins (TBPs) in plants suggest that although transcription in eukaryotes is highly conserved, fundamental differences may exist. Despite the differences, the modes of regulating transcription are well conserved. Figure 3 summarizes these modes of regulation. In recent years, the role of chromatin structure as well as subcellular localization have been the focus of a vast amount of research in mammals, Drosophila and yeast. However, very little research in these areas has been done in plants. Isolation of genes such as Curly leaf suggest a conservation of genes that influence the formation of heterochromatin-like structures. Whether or not this gene influences chromatin/heterochromatin structure in plants, however, remains to be tested. The study of nuclear localization of factors such as COP1 and KN1 is now leading to models for regulating nuclear transport as well as intercellular transport of transcription factors. Further study of the inter- and intracellular movement of these and other transcription factors may provide information on new modes of regulating transcription. In addition to understanding the role chromatin structure and subcellular localization of transcription factors may have on transcription initiation, the biological role of many plant transcription factors remains to be identified. Several approaches may be taken to understand the mechanisms by which transcription factors influence biochemical and physiological processes in the plant. These steps include 1) identification of the DNA-binding sites of the factors as well as the promoter regions which contain these sites. Presently, this approach is limiting in that not many non-coding regions have been sequenced and characterized in detail. Furthermore, the presence of a putative binding site within a promoter does not necessarily indicate that the factor will bind to the site in vivo. 2) Analysis of the binding affinity for a particular factor to a binding site in comparison to other related factors, via in vitro competition assays and quantitative titrations. This will provide information on how strongly these factors are binding to the sites, but without knowledge of all the factors present in a single cell it is difficult to recreate the in vivo conditions. 3) Generation of transgenic plants or microinjection of DNA/RNA to express a particular factor ectopically, reduce expression of the factor via antisense expression, and creation of dominant negative mutants by overexpression of key dimerization domains may provide information concerning what biological pathways these factors influence. 4) Isolation of mutations in particular transcription factors has been extremely informative in floral development. However, this approach usually entails isolation of a mutant due to a phenotype and eventual mutated locus. The cloning of the locus may or may not involve a transcription factor. 5) Many plant transcription factors have been isolated via sequence similarity to other previously identified and/or characterized transcription factors. However, the biological role of may of these factors is not known. In addition to ectopic expression of these factors by creating transgenic plants, isolation of a loss-of-function mutation may provide valuable information concerning the role of this factor in vivo. Many loss-of-function mutations in MADS box genes have led to a better understanding of how the MADS domain proteins interact with one another as well as how they influence floral development. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

The promoter of the tobacco Tnt1 retrotransposon is induced by wounding and by abiotic stress

The transcription of the tobacco Tnt1 retrotransposon was previously shown to be induced, in tobacco and in heterologous species, by microbial elicitors and by pathogen infections. We report here that the expression of the Tnt1 promoter is also activated in heterologous species such as tomato and Arabidopsis by wounding, freezing and by other abiotic factors known to induce the plant defence response, such as salicylic acid, CuCl2, or oxidative stress. A similar regulation is observed in tobacco for most treatments. The induction of the Tnt1 promoter expression by wounding remains localized around injury points. In CuCl2-treated Arabidopsis plants, the transcription of Tnt1 is correlated with accumulation of the phytoalexin camalexin and with the expression of the EL13 defence gene. The interest of the Tnt1 promoter as a sensitive indicator of the plant defence responses is discussed.

Structure of the parsley caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase gene, harbouring a novel elicitor responsive cis-acting element

The sequence of the S-adenosyl-L-methionine:trans-caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT, EC2.1.1.104) gene, including the 5'-flanking region of 5 kb, was determined from parsley (Petroselinum crispum) plants. The enzyme appears to be encoded by one or two genes, and the ORF is arranged in five exons spaced by introns from 107 to 263 bp in length. The genomic sequence matches the ORF of the cDNA previously reported from elicited parsley cell cultures, showing only three base changes that do not affect the enzyme polypeptide sequence. S1 nuclease protection assays and primer extension analyses with genomic and cDNA templates revealed the transcription start site 67 bp upstream of the translation start codon, indicating a shorter 5'-UTR than reported previously for the transcript. Promoter regulatory consensus elements such as two 'CAAT' boxes and one 'TATA' box were identified at -196, -127 and -31, respectively, relative to the transcription start site, and an SV 40-like enhancer element is located 347 bp upstream. Most notably, three putative cis-regulatory elements were recognized by sequence alignments, which represent motifs recurring in the promoters of several genes of the stress-inducible phenylpropanoid pathway (boxes P, A and L). Transient expression assays with a set of 5'-truncated promoter-GUS fusions show that significant promoter activity is retained in a 354 bp promoter fragment. In vitro DNase 1 footprint experiments and electrophoretic mobilty shift assays (EMSA) identified in this fragment a unique sequence motif with elicitor-inducible trans-factor binding activity, which was unrelated to boxes P, A, or L. This novel cis-regulatory element, designated box E, appears to be conserved in the TATA-proximal regions of other stress-inducible phenylpropanoid genes, and in vitro binding of nuclear protein was confirmed in EMSA assays for such an element from the PAL-1 promoter (-54 to -45). Moreover, the deletion of box E reduced the activity and erased the elicitor-responsiveness of the CCoAOMT promoter in transient expression assays. The results corroborate the proposed physiological function of CCoAOMT in elicited plant cells and may shed new light on the sequential action of trans-active factors in the regulation of phenylpropanoid genes.

Functional dissection of a bean chalcone synthase gene promoter in transgenic tobacco plants reveals sequence motifs essential for floral expression

Expression of chalcone synthase (CHS), the first enzyme in the flavonoid branch of the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway in plants, is induced by developmental cues and environmental stimuli. We used plant transformation technology to delineate the functional structure of the French bean CHS15 gene promoter during plant development. In the absence of an efficient transformation procedure for bean, Nicotiana tabacum was used as the model plant. CHS15 promoter activity, evaluated by measurements of beta-D-glucuronidase (GUS) activity, revealed a tissue-specific pattern of expression similar to that reported for CHS genes in bean. GUS activity was observed in flowers and root tips. Floral expression was confined to the pigmented part of petals and was induced in a transient fashion. Fine mapping of promoter cis-elements was accomplished using a set of promoter mutants generated by unidirectional deletions or by site-directed mutagenesis. Maximal floral and root-specific expression was found to require sequence elements located on both sides of the TATA-box. Two adjacent sequence motifs, the G-box (CACGTG) and H-box (CCTACC(N)7CT) located near the TATA-box, were both essential for floral expression, and were also found to be important for root-specific expression. The CHS15 promoter is regulated by a complex interplay between different cis-elements and their cognate factors. The conservation of both the G-box and H-box in different CHS promoters emphasizes their importance as regulatory motifs.

Ancestral multipartite units in light-responsive plant promoters have structural features correlating with specific phototransduction pathways

Regulation of plant gene transcription by light is mediated by multipartite cis-regulatory units. Previous attempts to identify structural features that are common to all light-responsive elements (LREs) have been unsuccessful. To address the question of what is needed to confer photoresponsiveness to a promoter, the upstream sequences from more than 110 light-regulated plant genes were analyzed by a new, phylogenetic-structural method. As a result, 30 distinct conserved DNA module arrays (CMAs) associated with light-responsive promoter regions were identified. Several of these CMAs have remained invariant throughout the evolutionary radiation of angiosperms and are conserved between homologous genes as well as between members of different gene families. The identified CMAs share a gene superfamily-specific core that correlates with the particular phytochrome-dependent transduction pathway that controls their expression, i.e. ACCTA(A/C)C(A/C) for the cGMP-dependent phenylpropanoid metabolism-associated genes, and GATA(A/T)GR for the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent photosynthesis-associated nuclear genes. In addition to suggesting a general model for the functional and structural organization of LREs, the data obtained in this study indicate that angiosperm LREs probably evolved from complex cis-acting elements involved in regulatory processes other than photoregulation in gymnosperms.

Structure and regulation of the maize Bronze2 promoter

The maize Bronze2 (Bz2) gene encodes a glutathione S-transferase that is required for anthocyanin pigment accumulation. Two classes of regulatory proteins, R and C1, are required for transcriptional activation of Bz2 and several additional structural genes. Functional domains of the Bz2 promoter were identified using Bz2 promoter-driven luciferase reporter genes electroporated into maize protoplasts together with R and C1 expression plasmids. Complete regulation was conferred by 224 nt of the Bz2 promoter. Within this region at least two separable regions are independently capable of conferring regulation by R and C1. Predicted regulatory elements corresponding to two classes of sequence motifs, the Myb-box homologous 'C1-motif', TAACTG/CAGTTA, and the G-box and E-box homologous 'R-motif', CACGTG, were shown to be important for full R and C1 activation of the Bz2 promoter. Expression of reconstructed Bz2 genes with mutated promoters was quantified using RNase protection, and this analysis confirmed results obtained using reporter genes.

Transcriptional activation of plant defense genes

Significant progress has been made in the characterization of disease resistance genes and receptors for pathogen avirulence signals and non-specific elicitors. Some components involved in elicitor-induced signal transduction have been identified. Phosphorylation of transcription factors has been found to be one of the mechanisms regulating their cellular localization, DNA binding and transcription activities for defense gene activation.

The rab16B promoter of rice contains two distinct abscisic acid-responsive elements

To localize abscisic acid (ABA)-inducible gene expression of rab16 genes, rab16A promoter was linked to the gusA reporter gene encoding beta-glucuronidase and introduced into rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants. The activity of rab16A promoter was induced by ABA and osmotic stresses in various tissues of vegetative and floral organs. In anthers and embryos, rab16A promoter was active in the absence of ABA. To elucidate cis-elements of the rab16 promoter that confer ABA-inducible expression, variously modified 40-bp fragments (-264 to -225) of the rab16B promoter were fused to a truncated (-46 bp) cauliflower mosaic virus 35S minimal promoter, and their activities in protoplasts were analyzed. The transient assays revealed that the 40-bp fragment consists of two separate ABA-responsive elements, motif 1 (AGTACGTGGC) and motif III (GCCGCGTGGC). Motif I and motif III are both required for ABA induction; however, each can substitute for the other. Further analyses of these motifs indicated that motif III has a distinct DNA sequence specificity as an ABA-responsive element from motif I, suggesting that the two motifs interact with different transcription factors in vivo.

Two cold-inducible genes encoding lipid transfer protein LTP4 from barley show differential responses to bacterial pathogens

The barley genes HvLtp4.2 and HvLtp4.3 both encode the lipid transfer protein LTP4 and are less than 1 kb apart in tail-to-tail orientation. They differ in their non-coding regions from each other and from the gene corresponding to a previously reported Ltp4 cDNA (now Ltp4.1). Southern blot analysis indicated the existence of three or more Ltp4 genes per haploid genome and showed considerable polymorphism among barley cultivars. We have investigated the transient expression of genes HvLtp4.2 and HvLtp4.3 following transformation by particle bombardment, using promoter fusions to the beta-glucuronidase reporter sequence. In leaves, activities of the two promoters were of the same order as those of the sucrose synthase (Ss1) and cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoters used as controls. Their expression patterns were similar, except that Ltp4.2 was more active than Ltp4.3 in endosperm, and Ltp4.3 was active in roots, while Ltp4.2 was not. The promoters of both genes were induced by low temperature, both in winter and spring barley cultivars. Northern blot analysis, using the Ltp4-specific probe, indicated that Xanthomonas campestris pv. translucens induced an increase over basal levels of Ltp4 mRNA, while Pseudomonas syringae pv. japonica caused a decrease. The Ltp4.3-Gus promoter fusion also responded in opposite ways to these two compatible bacterial pathogens, whereas the Ltp4.2-Gus construction did not respond to infection.

Modular nature of abscisic acid (ABA) response complexes: composite promoter units that are necessary and sufficient for ABA induction of gene expression in barley

The modular nature of the abscisic acid response complex (ABRC), the promoter unit necessary and sufficient for abscisic acid (ABA) induction of gene expression in barley, is defined in this study. We investigated ABA induction of a barley late embrogenesis abundant (Lea) gene, HVA1, and found that the ABRC of this gene consists of a 10-bp box with an ACGT core (ACGT-box) and the 11 bp directly upstream, named coupling element 3 (CE3). Only one copy of this ABRC is sufficient to confer ABA induction when linked to a minimal promoter. Because we previously reported another ABRC in the barley HVA22 gene, which consists of an ACGT-box with a distal coupling element (CE1), exchange experiments were conducted to study the interaction among modular elements in these ABRCs. We show that ACGT-boxes in these ABRCs are interchangeable, indicating that an ACGT-box can interact with either a distal or a proximal coupling element to confer ABA response. However, the two coupling elements are not fully exchangeable. Although CE3 can function either proximal or distal to the ACGT-box, CE1 is only functional at the distal position. The presence of both the distal and the proximal coupling elements has a synergistic effect on the absolute level of expression as well as on ABA induction. These ABRCs function in both seed and vegetative tissues. In seeds, ABA induction of the ABRC containing the proximal CE3, but not the ABRC with the distal CE1, is enhanced in the presence of the transcription regulator Viviparous1, indicating that these two ABRCs are mediated by different ABA signal transduction pathways.

Modular nature of abscisic acid (ABA) response complexes: composite promoter units that are necessary and sufficient for ABA induction of gene expression in barley

The modular nature of the abscisic acid response complex (ABRC), the promoter unit necessary and sufficient for abscisic acid (ABA) induction of gene expression in barley, is defined in this study. We investigated ABA induction of a barley late embrogenesis abundant (Lea) gene, HVA1, and found that the ABRC of this gene consists of a 10-bp box with an ACGT core (ACGT-box) and the 11 bp directly upstream, named coupling element 3 (CE3). Only one copy of this ABRC is sufficient to confer ABA induction when linked to a minimal promoter. Because we previously reported another ABRC in the barley HVA22 gene, which consists of an ACGT-box with a distal coupling element (CE1), exchange experiments were conducted to study the interaction among modular elements in these ABRCs. We show that ACGT-boxes in these ABRCs are interchangeable, indicating that an ACGT-box can interact with either a distal or a proximal coupling element to confer ABA response. However, the two coupling elements are not fully exchangeable. Although CE3 can function either proximal or distal to the ACGT-box, CE1 is only functional at the distal position. The presence of both the distal and the proximal coupling elements has a synergistic effect on the absolute level of expression as well as on ABA induction. These ABRCs function in both seed and vegetative tissues. In seeds, ABA induction of the ABRC containing the proximal CE3, but not the ABRC with the distal CE1, is enhanced in the presence of the transcription regulator Viviparous1, indicating that these two ABRCs are mediated by different ABA signal transduction pathways.

Analysis of cis-regulatory elements involved in the activation of a member of chalcone synthase gene family (PsChs1) in pea

Cis-regulatory elements involved in the activation of the plant defense-related gene encoding chalcone synthase 1 (PsChs1) in pea (Pisum sativum L.) were examined by transient transfection, gel mobility shift assay and in vitro DNase I-footprinting analysis. Transient transfection assay revealed that a 61 bp DNA fragment spanning from -242 to -182 of PsChs1 was required for the maximal promoter activity and possibly involved in the enhancement of elicitor-mediated activation. Nuclear isolate from elicitor-treated pea epicotyl tissues contained some factor(s) that specifically bound to this DNA fragment to form a complex with low mobility (LMC, low mobility complex) in gel mobility shift assay. DNase I-footprinting analysis of LMC revealed that among three protected regions detected in a 61 bp DNA fragment, two regions contained identical AT-rich sequence, TAAAATACT. Site directed mutation in either or both identical sequences, TAAAATACT to TGGAATACT, resulted in the reduction or loss in the ability to form LMC. Detailed analysis of 61 bp DNA fragment demonstrated that the region from -242 to -226 containing promoter-distal TAAAATACT motif was imperative for the maximal elicitor-mediated activation of PsChs1.

Tissue-specific expression of the PAL3 promoter requires the interaction of two conserved cis sequences

The bean PAL2 and PAL3 promoters confer expression in overlapping sets of tissue types in transgenic tobacco. The PAL3 promoter contains motifs that resemble two AC cis elements which are required for tissue-specific expression of the PAL2 promoter. The functions of these motifs in the PAL3 promoter were determined by analysis of mutated PAL3 promoter-GUS constructs in transgenic tobacco. This revealed that the AC motifs are necessary for tissue-specific expression of the PAL3 promoter. Therefore, a key role is indicated for AC elements, which are Myb-protein binding sites, in regulating tissue-specific expression of the bean PAL gene family.

Stress responses in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). XX. Transcriptional activation of phenlpropanoid pathway genes in elicitor-induced cell suspension cultures

Nuclear transcript run-on analysis was used to investigate++ the relative transcription rates of genes encoding enzymes of isoflavonoid phytoalexin biosynthesis and related pathways in elicitor-treated alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cell suspension cultures. Genes encoding L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS) and chalcone reductase (CHR) were most rapidly activated, with increases in transcription measurable within 10-20 min after elicitation. Cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (C4H), chalcone isomerase (CHI), isoflavone reductase (IFR) and caffeic acid 3-0-methyltransferase (COMT) genes were also rapidly activated, but at a slower initial rate. Transcription of chalcone 2'-O-methyltransferase (CHOMT), and 1,3-beta-D-glucanase genes was less rapid, with lag periods of 60 and 30 min post-elicitation, respectively. Treatment of cells with a PAL inhibitor L-alpha-aminooxy-beta-phenylpropionic acid (AOPP) resulted in increased transcription of PAL, CHS and CHR, but reduced transcription of CHOMT, indicating a role for phenylpropanoid products as both negative and positive regulators of gene expression within the phenylpropanoid pathway.

Tansley Review No. 86 Accumulation of phytoalexins: defence mechanism and stimulus response system

Phytoalexin synthesis is a defence-response- that is characterized by a requirement for a number of distinct elements, all of which must be present for the response to be expressed fully. These same elements: a signal, a cellular receptor, a signal transduction system and a responsive metabolic system, are also used to describe a stimulus-response system. A number of molecular species can function as signal molecules or elicitors of phytoalexin synthesis, including poly- and oligosaccharides, proteins and polypeptides, and fatty acids. Few receptors for elicitors have been identified but those that have been are proteins located on the plasma membrane of the plant. Induction of phytoalexin synthesis involves selective and co-ordinated activation of specific defence response genes, including those encoding the enzymes of phytoalexin synthesis, and these genes constitute the responsive metabolic system. The separate, and distant, locations of the receptor and the responsive genes means that the event in which the signal is perceived by the receptor must be relayed to the genes by means of a second messenger system. Several second messengers are candidates for such a coupling- or signal transduction-system, including udenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, Ca²⁺ , diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, active oxygen species and jasmonic acid. Each has been examined as a possible component of the signal transduction system mediating between the elicitor receptor interaction and the phytoalexin synthesis it induces. Analysis of the signalling events is made complex by the simultaneous solicitation by the invading micro-organism of several defence responses, each of which might involve elements of a different signal system. The same complexity is evident which the role of phytoalexin accumulation in resistance is analysed. Evaluation of the contribution made by phytoalexin accumulation towards resistance has been attempted by the use of various inhibitors and enhancers of the process. Transgenic and mutant plants with specific alterations in one or more ot those elements necessary for the plant to respond to the signals for phytoalexin synthesis and other defence responses, are beginning to aid resolution of the complex pattern ot signalling events and the respective roles of the inducible defence mechanisms in resistance. CONTENTS Summary 1 I. Introduction 2 II. Chemistry of phytoalexins 3 III. Phytoalexin accumulation as a determinant of resistance 6 IV. Elicitation of phytoalexin accumulation 11 References 34.

Organization of soybean chalcone synthase gene clusters and characterization of a new member of the family

Chalcone synthase (CHS; EC 2.3.1.74), the first committed enzyme of the multibranched pathway of flavonoid/isoflavonoid biosynthesis is encoded by a multigene family in soybean, (Glycine max L. Merrill). Our results suggest that this gene family comprises at least seven members, some of which are clustered. We have identified four chs clusters in the allo-tetraploid G. max genome and chs5, a newly characterized member of the chs gene family is present in two of them. We describe the complete nucleotide sequence of chs5, the identification of its immediate neighbors and the organization of the four hitherto identified chs clusters in the Gm genome.

Cis elements and potential trans-acting factors for the developmental regulation of the Phaseolus vulgaris CHS15 promoter

A nuclear factor (SBF-1) has previously been identified in Phaseolus vulgaris L. (bean) suspension cell nuclear extracts that binds in vitro to three DNase I-footprinted elements (SBF-1 boxes I, II, and III, 5' to 3') in the 5' region of the bean CHS15 (chalcone synthase) gene promoter. To define the functional role of the three SBF-1 boxes in development, we examined transgenic tobacco plants carrying a series of nested CHS15 promoter-beta-glucuronidase (GUS) fusions for GUS activity by histochemical staining. We show that the CHS15 promoter deleted to position -173 and lacking all three SBF-1 boxes directs the same qualitative pattern of expression in initiating lateral roots and in developing seeds as the full length promoter (-326). Thus, activation of expression in these organs is mediated by sequence elements located downstream of the three SBF-1 boxes. However, specific deletions within the -326 to -173 region modulate expression. Thus, deletion of box II abolishes GUS activity in initiating lateral roots. Further deletion of box III fails to restore expression but subsequent deletion of an additional 43 bp to position -173 re-establishes expression. We show that sequence-specific DNA-binding activities consistent with these results are present in nuclear extracts of bean roots and seeds. These studies reveal cis elements within the CHS15 promoter, and potential trans factors, that permit organ- and tissue-specific developmental patterns of regulation to be combined with a flexible response to environmental cues.

Expression of a flower-specific Myb protein in leaf cells using a viral vector causes ectopic activation of a target promoter

The promoter of the bean PAL2 gene (encoding phenylalanine ammonia-lyase; EC 4.3.1.5) is a model for studies of tissue-restricted gene expression in plants. Petal epidermis is one of the tissues in which this promoter is activated in tobacco. Previous work suggested that a major factor establishing the pattern of PAL2 expression in tobacco petals is the tissue distribution of a protein closely related to Myb305, which is a Myb-like transcriptional activator from snapdragon. In the present work, we show that Myb305 expression in tobacco leaves causes ectopic activation of the PAL2 promoter. To achieve Myb305 expression in planta, a viral expression vector was used. This approach combines the utility of transient assays with the possibility of direct biochemical detection of the introduced factor and may have wider application for studying the function of plant transcription factors.

Expression of a flower-specific Myb protein in leaf cells using a viral vector causes ectopic activation of a target promoter

The promoter of the bean PAL2 gene (encoding phenylalanine ammonia-lyase; EC 4.3.1.5) is a model for studies of tissue-restricted gene expression in plants. Petal epidermis is one of the tissues in which this promoter is activated in tobacco. Previous work suggested that a major factor establishing the pattern of PAL2 expression in tobacco petals is the tissue distribution of a protein closely related to Myb305, which is a Myb-like transcriptional activator from snapdragon. In the present work, we show that Myb305 expression in tobacco leaves causes ectopic activation of the PAL2 promoter. To achieve Myb305 expression in planta, a viral expression vector was used. This approach combines the utility of transient assays with the possibility of direct biochemical detection of the introduced factor and may have wider application for studying the function of plant transcription factors.

Molecular cloning of two tandemly arranged peroxidase genes from Populus kitakamiensis and their differential regulation in the stem

A genomic library was prepared from Populus kitakamiensis and screened with the cDNA for an anionic peroxidase from P. kitakamiensis. One genomic clone was isolated that contained two tandemly oriented genes for anionic peroxidases, prxA3a and prxA4a. Both genes consisted of four exons and three introns; the introns had consensus nucleotides, namely, GT and AG, at their 5' and 3' ends, respectively. The prxA3a and prxA4a genes encoded 347 and 343 amino acid residues, respectively, including putative signal sequences at the amino-termini. Putative promoters and polyadenylation signals were found in the flanking regions of both genes. The sequence of the coding region of prxA3a was completely identical to that of the cDNA clone pA3, whereas the sequence of the coding region of prxA4a was only 73% identical to that of the cDNA clone pA3. Northern blot analysis showed that the patterns of expression of the mRNAs that corresponded to prxA3a and prxA4a differed in stems of P. kitakamiensis.

Developmental and pathogen-induced activation of an msr gene, str 246C, from tobacco involves multiple regulatory elements

A family of genes, the so-called msr genes (multiple stimulus response), has recently been identified on the basis of sequence homology in various plant species. Members of this gene family are thought to be regulated by a number of environmental or developmental stimuli, although it is not known whether any one member responds more specifically to one stimulus, or whether each gene member responds to various environmental stimuli. In this report, we address this question by studying the tobacco msr gene str246C. Using transgenic tobacco plants containing 2.1 kb of 5' flanking DNA sequence from the str246C gene fused to the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) coding region, the complex expression pattern of the str246C promoter has been characterized. Expression of the str246C promoter is strongly and rapidly induced by bacterial, fungal and viral infection and this induction is systemic. Elicitor preparations from phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi activate the str246C promoter to high levels, as do wounding, the application of auxin, auxin and cytokinin, salicylic acid or copper sulfate, indicating the absence of gene specialization within the msr gene family, at least for str246C. In addition, GUS activity was visualized histochemically in root meristematic tissues of tobacco seedlings and is restricted to roots and sepals of mature plants. Finally, analysis of a series of 5' deletions of the str246C promoter-GUS gene fusion in transgenic tobacco plants confirms the involvement of multiple regulatory elements. A region of 83 bp was found to be necessary for induction of promoter activity in response to Pseudomonas solanacearum, while auxin inducibility and root expression are apparently not controlled by this element, since its removal does not abolish either response. An element of the promoter with a negative effect on promoter activation by P. solanacearum was also identified.

Organ-specific differential regulation of a promoter subfamily for the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase small subunit genes in tomato

The tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) gene family for the small subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RBCS) has been investigated to determine the role of promoter regions and DNA-protein interactions in the differential organ-specific transcription of individual genes. Transgenic plants expressing RBCS-promoter-beta-glucuronidase fusion genes have confirmed that promoter fragments ranging from 0.6 to 3.0 kb of the RBCS1, RBCS2, and RBCS3A genes were sufficient to confer the temporal, organ-specific, and differential expression pattern observed for the endogenous genes. The individual temporal and organ-specific beta-glucuronidase enzyme activities closely reflect the qualitative and quantitative transcription activities of the respective RBCS genes, including the strongly reduced activity of RBCS3A (L.A. Wanner, W. Gruissem [1991] Plant Cell 3: 1289-1303). In particular, tissue-specific activity of all three promoters is similar in developing fruit, with high activity in the locular tissue and extremely reduced activity in the pericarp. This specific pattern of gene activity was further substantiated by in situ analysis of RBCS mRNA levels. Together, the data suggest an interesting correlation between RBCS gene activity and sink strength in different fruit tissues. DNA-protein interaction studies have revealed a novel fruit-specific DNA-binding protein called FBF that specifically interacts with a sequence element directly upstream of the G-box in the RBCS3A promoter. FBF binding thus correlates with the reduced activity of this promoter in developing tomato fruit, rendering it a candidate for a fruit-specific negative regulator of transcription in tomato.

Functional dissection of an abscisic acid (ABA)-inducible gene reveals two independent ABA-responsive complexes each containing a G-box and a novel cis-acting element

To elucidate the mechanism by which abscisic acid (ABA) regulates gene expression, the promoter of the barley ABA-responsive HVA22 gene has been analyzed by both loss- and gain-of-function studies. Previous reports indicate that G-box sequences, which are present in genes responding to a variety of environmental and physiological cues, are involved in ABA response. However, our data suggest that G-box sequences are necessary but not sufficient for ABA response. Instead, an ABA response complex consisting of a G-box, namely, ABRE3 (GCCACGTACA), and a novel coupling element, CE1 (TGCCACCGG), is sufficient for high-level ABA induction, and replacement of either of these sequences abolishes ABA responsiveness. We suggest that the interaction between G-box sequences, such as ABRE3 in the HVA22 gene, and CE-type sequences determines the specificity in ABA-regulated gene expression. Our results also demonstrate that the ABA response complex is the minimal promoter unit governing high-level ABA induction; four copies of this 49-bp-long complex linked to a minimal promoter can confer more than 100-fold ABA-induced gene expression. In addition to ABA response complex 1, composed of ABRE3 and CE1, the HVA22 promoter contains another ABA response complex. The ABA responsiveness of this ABA response complex 2 relies on the interaction of G-box (ABRE2; CGCACGTGTC) with another yet unidentified coupling element. These two complexes contribute incrementally to the expression level of HVA22 in response to ABA.

Cytochromes P450 in phenylpropanoid metabolism

The phenylpropanoid pathway controls the synthesis of lignin, flower pigments, signalling molecules, and a large spectrum of compounds involved in plant defence against pathogens and UV light. More than 15 P450-dependent reactions have been characterised in this pathway. Several of these reactions constitute important regulatory branching points. Indirect and direct data indicate that distinct P450s catalyse the different reactions. The coding sequences of two enzymes have recently been determined. They belong to different P450 families, CYP73 and CYP75. The second enzyme of the main pathway, cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H), is the most extensively studied plant P450 and is suspected of playing an essential role in the regulation of the whole pathway.

Plant cytochrome P450

The present status of plant cytochrome P450 research is reviewed. A comparison of the properties of this group of cytochrome proteins with those of other microsomal b-type haem proteins is made. The range of reactions catalysed by P450s is discussed as well as recent progress in improving purification and reconstitution. Molecular cloning approaches that have overcome the earlier block to accessing this gene superfamily are discussed and future prospects highlighted. Expression of the gene family is discussed in relation to regulation in response to environmental and developmental cues and tissue and subcellular localization. The biotechnological importance of this gene family is stressed.

The elicitor-inducible alfalfa isoflavone reductase promoter confers different patterns of developmental expression in homologous and heterologous transgenic plants

In legumes, the synthesis of infection- and elicitor-inducible antimicrobial phytoalexins occurs via the isoflavonoid branch of the phenylpropanoid pathway. To study transcriptional regulation of isoflavonoid pathway-specific genes, we have isolated the gene encoding isoflavone reductase (IFR), which is the enzyme that catalyzes the penultimate step in the synthesis of the phytoalexin medicarpin in alfalfa. Chimeric gene fusions were constructed between 765- and 436-bp promoter fragments of the IFR gene and the beta-glucuronidase reporter gene and transferred to alfalfa and tobacco by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Both promoter fragments conferred elicitor-mediated expression in cell suspension cultures derived from transgenic plants of both species and fungal infection-mediated expression in leaves of transgenic alfalfa. Developmental expression directed by both promoter fragments in transgenic alfalfa was observed only in the root meristem, cortex, and nodules, which is consistent with the accumulation of endogenous IFR transcripts. However, in transgenic tobacco, expression from the 765-bp promoter was observed in vegetative tissues (root meristem and cortex, inner vascular tissue of stems and petioles, leaf tips, and stem peripheries adjacent to petioles) and in reproductive tissues (stigma, placenta, base of the ovary, receptacle, seed, tapetal layer, and pollen grains), whereas the 436-bp promoter was expressed only in fruits, seed, and pollen. These data indicate that infection/elicitor inducibility of the IFR promoter in both species and developmental expression in alfalfa are determined by sequences downstream of position -436, whereas sequences between -436 and -765 confer a complex pattern of strong ectopic developmental expression in the heterologous species that lacks the isoflavonoid pathway.

Catalytic properties of the plant cytochrome P450 CYP73 expressed in yeast. Substrate specificity of a cinnamate hydroxylase

The catalytic properties of CYP73, a cinnamate 4-hydroxylase isolated from Helianthus tuberosus tuber [Teutsch, H. G., Hasenfratz, M. P., Lesot, A., Stoltz, C., Garnier, J. M., Jeltsch, J. M., Durst, F. & Werck-Reichhart, D. (1993) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 90, 4102-4106] and expressed in an optimised yeast system [Urban, P., Werck-Reichart, D., Teutsch, G. H., Durst, F., Regnier, S., Kazmaier, M. & Pompon, D. (1994) Eur. J. Biochem. 222, 843-850] have been investigated. Microsomes from transformed yeast catalysed trans-cinnamate hydroxylation with high efficiency. CYP73 was highly specific for its natural substrate, and did not catalyse oxygenation of p-coumarate, benzoate, ferulate, naringenin or furanocoumarins. No metabolism of terpenoids or fatty acids, known substrates of plant P450s, was observed. CYP73 however demethylated the natural coumarin herniarin into umbelliferone. In addition, it was shown to oxygenate five xenobiotics and mechanism-based inactivators, including the herbicide chlorotoluron. All substrates of CYP73 were small planar aromatic molecules. Comparison of the kinetic parameters of CYP73 for its various substrates showed that, as expected, cinnamate was by far the best substrate of this P450. The physiological and toxicological significance of these observations are discussed.

Increased disease susceptibility of transgenic tobacco plants with suppressed levels of preformed phenylpropanoid products

It has been proposed that natural products synthesized by plants contribute to their resistance to pests and pathogens. We show here that transgenic tobacco plants with suppressed levels of the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic enzyme phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, EC 4.3.1.5) and correspondingly low levels of chlorogenic acid, the major soluble leaf phenylpropanoid product, exhibit more rapid and extensive lesion development than wild-type plants after infection by the virulent fungal pathogen Cercospora nicotianae. These observations provide direct evidence that phenylpropanoid products contribute to disease limitation. No induction of transcripts encoding phenylalanine ammonia-lyase or the lignin branch pathway enzyme caffeic acid O-methyltransferase was observed during the infection and there was no perturbation in the pattern of soluble phenylpropanoids. Hence, increased disease susceptibility does not involve inhibition of a pathogen-induced response but likely reflects inhibition of the developmental accumulation of chlorogenic acid. Demonstration of the contribution of such preformed protectants to plant health identifies attractive targets for manipulation by breeding or gene transfer to reduce the quantitative impact of disease.

Plant homeodomain protein involved in transcriptional regulation of a pathogen defense-related gene

Transcription of the parsley pr2 gene, encoding pathogenesis-related protein 2 (PR2), is rapidly stimulated by fungal or bacterial elicitors. Previous work has revealed a 125-bp region within the pr2 promoter; this region encompasses all important cis-regulatory elements required for fungal elicitor-mediated expression. We now report the identification of a functionally relevant 11-bp DNA motif (CTAATTGTTTA) contained within this region; it specifically binds to factors present in both parsley and Arabidopsis nuclear protein extracts. From both plant species, full-length cDNA clones were isolated that encode proteins with high affinity fo this DNA motif. The proteins from both species contain stretches of 61 amino acids that are characteristic of homeodomain (HD) proteins. Binding studies and use of a polyclonal antiserum raised against a fusion polypeptide of glutathione S-transferase with the HD portion of the parsley protein indicated that the 11-bp DNA motif is a potential in vivo target site and that the HD protein is contained within the observed complex formed between the DNA motif and nuclear protein extracts. Transient expression studies using the authentic and a mutated target site suggested a functional role of the HD-DNA interaction in the regulation of the pr2 gene expression.

Functional analysis of the tobacco Tnt1 retrotransposon

Retroelements represent by far the largest and most widespread class of mobile genetic elements. Representative of several classes of retrotransposons have been characterized in a broad range of plant species, but only a few of them have been shown to be active. Among these, the tobacco Tnt1 retrotransposon has been isolated after insertion mutagenesis and is one of the very few to be transcriptionally active. Tnt1 expression is strongly regulated in a tissue-specific and developmental manner. Moreover, Tnt1 expression is induced by a range of biotic or abiotic elicitors, which all have in common the ability to induce the plant defense response. Regulatory sequences involved in this elicitor-mediated induction have been located in the LTR U3 region. The link between Tnt1 activation and the plant defense response might represent an example of the involvement of transposable elements in genome restructurations needed in response to environmental fluctuations such as pathogen attacks.

A flower-specific Myb protein activates transcription of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes

Synthesis of flavonoid pigments in flowers requires the co-ordinated expression of genes encoding enzymes in th phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway. Some cis-elements involved in the transcriptional control of these genes have been defined. We report binding of petal-specific activities from tobacco and Antirrhinum majus (snapdragon) to an element conserved in promoters of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes and implicated in expression in flowers. These binding activities were inhibited by antibodies raised against Myb305, a flower-specific Myb protein previously cloned from Antirrhinum by sequence homology. Myb305 bound to the same element and formed a DNA-protein complex with the same mobility as the Antirrhinum petal protein in electrophoretic mobility shift experiments. Myb305 activated expression from its binding site in yeast and in tobacco protoplasts. In protoplasts, activation also required a G-box-like element, suggesting co-operation with other elements and factors. The results strongly suggest a role for Myb305-related proteins in the activation of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes in flowers. This is consistent with the genetically demonstrated role of plant Myb proteins in the regulation of genes involved in flavonoid synthesis.