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

A drought-stress-inducible histone gene in Arabidopsis thaliana is a member of a distinct class of plant linker histone variants

We have isolated and characterized a gene, His1-3, encoding a structurally divergent linker histone in Arabidopsis thaliana. Southern and northern hybridization data indicate that A. thaliana expresses three single-copy linker histone genes, each encoding a structurally distinct variant. H1-3 is a considerably smaller protein (167 amino acids with a mass of 19.0 kDa) than any other described linker histone from higher eukaryotes. We examined the expression of His1-3 at the RNA and protein levels and found that it is induced specifically by water stress. In contrast, expression of His1-1, His1-2 and His4 appear unaffected by water stress. Furthermore, the primary structure of the protein possesses distinct characteristics that are shared with another drought-inducible linker histone, H1-D, isolated from Lycopersicon pennellii. Based on structural characteristics of the deduced protein and its inducible expression, we hypothesize that H1-3 and H1-D are linker histone variants that have specialized roles in the structure and function of plant chromatin and therefore they can be considered to be members of a unique subclass of plant histones. Immunoblotting with an antibody produced against a short polypeptide in the conserved domain of this subtype indicates that similar proteins may exist in other plants.

Developmental regulation of two tomato lipoxygenase promoters in transgenic tobacco and tomato

Two lipoxygenase (LOX) genes (tomloxA and tomloxB) are expressed in ripening tomato fruit, and tomloxA is also expressed in germinating seedlings. The 5'-upstream regions of these genes were isolated to study the regulatory elements involved in coordinating tomlox gene expression. Sequence analysis of the promoters did not reveal any previously characterized regulatory elements except for TATA and CAAT boxes. However, the sequence motif GATAcAnnAAtnTGATG was found in both promoters. Chimeric gene fusions of each tomlox promoter with the beta-glucuronidase reporter gene (gus) were introduced into tobacco and tomato plants via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. GUS activity in tomloxA-gus plants during seed germination peaked at day 5 and was enhanced by methyl jasmonate (MeJa) treatment. No GUS activity was detected in tomloxB-gus seedlings. Neither wounding nor abscisic acid (ABA) treatment of transgenic seedlings modified the activity of either promoter. During fruit development, GUS expression in tomloxA-gus tobacco fruit increased 5 days after anthesis (DAA) and peaked at 20 DAA. In tomloxB-gus tobacco fruit, GUS activity increased at 10 DAA and peaked at 20 DAA. In transgenic tomato fruit, tomloxA-gus expression was localized to the outer pericarp during fruit ripening, while tomloxB-gus expression was localized in the outer pericarp and columella. These data demonstrate that the promoter regions used in these experiments contain cis-acting regulatory elements required for proper regulation of tomlox expression during development and for MeJa-responsiveness.

Conserved RY-repeats mediate transactivation of seed-specific promoters by the developmental regulator PvALF

Transcription of genes DLEC2 and PHSbeta is specifically and coordinately regulated during maturation of Phaseolus embryos. Over-expression of the seed- specific factor PvALF in cotyledon cells results in transactivation of either promoter. PvALF is related to the VP1 protein of maize, which transactivates gene expression via G-boxes, Sph elements and AT-rich sequences. We used deletions and base substitutions in the DLEC2 and PHSbeta promoters to demonstrate that several conserved RY-repeats were necessary for PvALF induction of both genes. A comprehensive mutational and transactivation analysis was used to define functionally the sequence of the DLEC2 repeat RY3 asG/CCATGCxxG/C. We also found that an interaction between RY3 and the 3'-flanking tetranucleotide CCAC increased PvALF transactivation. A preferred spacing and phasing requirement for the RY3 and CCAC motifs suggested the possibility of interactions between cellular factors that recognize either element. The high conservation of Sph-RY motifs in seed-specific promoters from monocots and dicots indicates that organ and temporal specification by factors similar to VP1 and PvALF is common among seed plants.

Molecular characterization and promoter analysis of the maize cytosolic glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene family and its expression during anoxia

Maize cytosolic glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPC) is encoded by a small multi-gene family consisting of gpc1, gpc2, gpc3 and gpc4. GAPC3/4 protein is synthesized in roots during anoxic conditions and is known to be one of the 'anaerobic polypeptides'. We further analyzed the gpc gene family by isolating full-length cDNA clones of gpc2, gpc3, gpc4 and genomic clones of gpc2 and gpc4. The deduced amino acid sequence of GAPC4 has 99.4% identity with that of GAPC3 as compared to only 81% with either GAPC1 or GAPC2 amino acid sequence. Based on the deduced amino acid sequence identity we designated GAPC1 and GAPC2 as group I (97% identical) and GAPC3 and GAPC4 as group II (99.4% identical). As previously reported for gpc3, transcript levels were also induced for gpc4 by anaerobiosis. Neither heat shock, cold nor salt stress induced the expression of gpc3 or gpc4. In contrast, the transcript accumulation of gpc1 and gpc2 either remained constitutive or decreased in response to anoxia. The upstream regions of gpc2 and gpc4 contain typical eukaryotic promoter features with transcription start points at 76 and 68 bp upstream of their respective translation initiation sites. Transient expression analysis of gpc4 promoter-beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene constructs in bombarded maize suspension culture cells was used to examine the role of 5'-flanking sequence of gpc4. The gpc4 promoter (-1997 to +39 bp) was sufficient to induce GUS activity approximately three-fold in response to anaerobiosis. 5'-unidirectional deletion analysis revealed that the critical region of gpc4 required for its induced expression lies between -290 and -157. This region has reverse-oriented putative 'anaerobic response elements', G-box like sequences, and a GC motif similar to that previously defined as a regulatory element of maize adh1 and Arabidopsis adh, as well as the sequences found in other environmentally inducible genes. The relevance of these elements in conferring anaerobic induction of gpc4 gene expression is discussed.

Structure of the dehydrin tas14 gene of tomato and its developmental and environmental regulation in transgenic tobacco

We have isolated a genomic clone encoding tomato TAS14, a dehydrin that accumulates in response to mannitol, NaCl or abscisic acid (ABA) treatment. A fragment of tas14 gene containing the region from -2591 to +162 fused to beta-glucuronidase gene drives ABA- and osmotic stress-induced GUS expression in transgenic tobacco. Histochemical analysis of salt-, mannitol- and ABA-treated plants showed GUS activity mainly localized to vascular tissues, outer cortex and adventitious root meristems, coinciding with the previously observed distribution of TAS14 protein in salt-stressed tomato plants. In addition, GUS activity was also observed in guard cells, trichomes and leaf axils. Developmentally regulated gus expression was studied in unstressed plants and found to occur not only in embryos, but also in flowers and pollen. Tas14 expression in floral organs was confirmed by northern blots of tomato flowers.

A family of novel myb-related genes from the resurrection plant Craterostigma plantagineum are specifically expressed in callus and roots in response to ABA or desiccation

A cDNA and two genomic clones comprising highly similar genes that encode a protein with a Myb-related DNA-binding domain were isolated from the resurrection plant Craterostigma plantagineum. The structure of cpm5 and cpm10 (Craterostigma plantagineum myb) genes consists of three putative exons encoding a protein of 36.6 kDa. The cDNA of cpm7 encodes a closely related protein of 36.8 kDa. The canonical Myb domain present in transcriptional activators of yeast, animals and plants was localized in the amino terminus of deduced Cpm5, Cpm7 and Cpm10 proteins and corresponds to the two Myb repeats found in plants. The Myb domain of Cpm deduced proteins and a short stretch of amino acids adjacent to this region are closely related to a myb gene from Arabidopsis thaliana which is expressed in response to osmotic stress and ABA. The rest of the deduced protein has no similarity to other reported sequences. The myb-related genes in the Craterostigma genome comprise a small gene family of 6-8 members as estimated by hybridization with a bona fide Myb domain probe. Northern blot experiments showed specific expression of cpm10 in undifferentiated callus tissue up-modulated by ABA and expression of cpm7 mRNA in roots up-regulated by dehydration.

DNA elements responsive to auxin

Genes induced by the plant hormone auxin are probably involved in the execution of vital cellular functions and developmental processes. Experimental approaches designed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of auxin action have focused on auxin perception, genetic dissection of the signaling apparatus and specific gene activation. Auxin-responsive promoter elements of early genes provide molecular tools for probing auxin signaling in reverse. Functional analysis of several auxin-specific promoters of unrelated early genes suggests combinatorial utilization of both conserved and variable elements. These elements are arranged into autonomous domains and the combination of such modules generates uniquely composed promoters. Modular promoters allow for auxin-mediated transcriptional responses to be revealed in a tissue- and development-specific manner.

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.

The interaction of light and abscisic acid in the regulation of plant gene expression

Extended dark treatments of light-grown plants of both Lemna gibba and Arabidopsis thaliana resulted in substantial increases in abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations. The concentration of ABA could be negatively regulated by phytochrome action in Lemna. As has been noted in other species, ABA treatment reduced Lemna rbcS and Lhcb RNA levels, which are positively regulated by phytochrome in many species. In view of these observations, the possibility that phytochrome effects on gene expression may be mediated primarily by changes in ABA was tested using a transient assay in intact plants. The phytochrome responsiveness of the Lemna Lhcb2*1 promoter was still apparent in the presence of exogenous ABA. Additionally, when 2-bp mutations were introduced into this promoter so that phytochrome responsiveness was lost, a response to exogenous ABA was still present. We conclude that phytochrome- and ABA-response elements are separable in the Lhcb2*1 promoter. We tested whether the effects of ABA on RNA abundance could be inhibited by treatment with gibberellin and found no evidence for such an inhibition. We have also found that the ABA-responsive Em promoter of wheat can be negatively regulated by phytochrome action. It is likely that this regulation is mediated at least in part by phytochrome-induced changes in ABA levels. Our results demonstrate that it is essential to take into account that dark treatments and the phytochrome system can affect ABA levels when interpreting studies of light-regulated genes.

THE MOLECULAR BASIS OF DEHYDRATION TOLERANCE IN PLANTS

Molecular studies of drought stress in plants use a variety of strategies and include different species subjected to a wide range of water deficits. Initial research has by necessity been largely descriptive, and relevant genes have been identified either by reference to physiological evidence or by differential screening. A large number of genes with a potential role in drought tolerance have been described, and major themes in the molecular response have been established. Particular areas of importance are sugar metabolism and late-embryogenesis-abundant (LEA) proteins. Studies have begun to examine mechanisms that control the gene expression, and putative regulatory pathways have been established. Recent attempts to understand gene function have utilized transgenic plants. These efforts are of clear agronomic importance.

Abscisic acid induces the alcohol dehydrogenase gene in Arabidopsis

Exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) induced the alcohol dehydrogenase gene (Adh) in Arabidopsis roots. Both the G-box-1 element and the GT/GC motifs (anaerobic response element) were required for Adh inducibility. Measurement of endogenous ABA levels during stress treatment showed that ABA levels increased during dehydration treatment but not following exposure to either hypoxia or low temperature. Arabidopsis ABA mutants (aba1 and abi2) displayed reduced Adh mRNA induction levels following either dehydration treatment or exogenous application of ABA. Low-oxygen response was slightly increased in the aba1 mutant but was unchanged in abi2. Low-temperature response was unaffected in both aba1 and abi2 mutants. Our results indicate that, although induction of the Adh gene by ABA, dehydration, and low temperature required the same cis-acting promoter elements, their regulatory pathways were at least partially separated in a combined dehydration/ABA pathway and an ABA-independent low-temperature pathway. These pathways were in turn independent of a third signal transduction pathway leading to low-oxygen response, which did not involve either ABA or the G-box-1 promoter element.

The BARE-1 retrotransposon is transcribed in barley from an LTR promoter active in transient assays

The BARE-1 retrotransposon occurs in more than 10(4) copies in the barley genome. The element is bounded by long terminal repeats (LTRs, 1829 bp) containing motifs typical of retrotransposon promoters. These, the presence of predicted priming sites for reverse transcription, and the high conservation for all key functional domains of the coding region suggest that copies within the genome could be active retrotransposons. In view of this, we looked for transcription of BARE-1 within barley tissues and examined the promoter function of the BARE-1 LTR. We demonstrate here that BARE-1-like elements are transcribed in barley tissues, and that the transcripts begin within the BARE-1 LTR downstream of TATA boxes. The LTR can drive expression of reporter genes in transiently transformed barley protoplasts. This is dependent on the presence of a TATA box functional in planta as well. Furthermore, we identify regions within the LTR responsible for expression within protoplasts by deletion analyses of LTR-luc constructs. Similarities between promoter regulatory motifs and regions of the LTR were identified by comparisons to sequence libraries. The activity of the LTR as a promoter, combined with the abundance of BARE-1 in the genome, suggests that BARE-1 may retain the potential for propagation in the barley genome.

Expression of DC8 is associated with, but not dependent on embryogenesis

DC8 is a late embryogenesis-abundant (LEA) protein gene isolated from carrot (Daucus carota). Deletion analysis of the DC8 promoter was performed to determine the sequences required for ABA and seed-specific regulation of DC8 transcription. To investigate the mechanism of DC8 expression during seed development, chimeric gene constructs containing DC8 promoter fragments fused to a promoterless beta-glucuronidase gene (DC8:GUS) were introduced into carrot, tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum) and Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Seed-specific DC8 expression patterns was conserved among the three plant species. However, differences among the species in the patterns of DC8 expression in the embryo and endosperm that correlated with differences in the rates of embryo and endosperm growth were found. Lack of correspondence between DC8 activation and embryo development among the seeds of the three species suggests that DC8 expression, which is associated with seed maturation, is not coupled to the embryo development program. The presence of DC8 activity in carrot callus and endosperm is consistent with the notion that DC8 expression is independent of embryo morphogenesis. A similar DC8 activity time-course during callus induction and seed development suggests that explantation and 2,4-D treatment initiates a course of events similar to that in the carrot ovule. After fertilization, two pathways one leading to embryo development and another to seed maturation are initiated, but they are not closely linked. As a result we find DC8, part of the maturation program, being activated at different embryonic stages in different plant species.

Molecular responses to drought and cold stress

A variety of plant genes are induced by drought and cold stress, and they are thought to be involved in the stress tolerance of the plant. At least five signal transduction pathways control these genes: two are dependent on abscisic acid (ABA), and the others are ABA-independent. A novel cis-acting element involved in one of the ABA-independent signal transduction pathways has been identified. In addition, a number of genes for protein kinases and transcription factors thought to be involved in the stress signal transduction cascades have been shown to be induced by environmental stresses.

Promoter and expression studies on an Arabidopsis thaliana dehydrin gene

A genomic clone of a group 2 lea/rab/dehydrin gene from Arabidopsis thaliana, Xero2/lti30, was cloned and sequenced. Promoter-GUS fusions were introduced into plants to analyse the promoter and determine expression patterns. Using root cultures, GUS expression was found to be moderately stimulated by abscisic acid (ABA), wounding, cold and dehydration. Results with an ABA-deficient mutant suggested endogenous ABA is required for these responses. Promoter deletion studies indicated multiple cis-acting elements are involved in the induction of the gene. GUS expression occurred in desiccated seeds, in all tissues of young seedlings and in roots (with the exception of the root tip), desiccated pollen grains, trichomes and the vascular tissues of leaves and stems in mature plants.

Characterization of common cis-regulatory elements responsible for the endosperm-specific expression of members of the rice glutelin multigene family

Glutelin is the most abundant storage protein in rice, which is expressed specifically in the endosperm of maturing seed. Glutelin is encoded by about 10 genes per haploid genome, which are clearly divided into two subfamilies (GluA and GluB). Most of them are coordinately expressed during seed maturation in spite of the remarkable divergence in the 5'-flanking regions between members of two subfamilies. In order to identify the common regulatory mechanisms responsible for the endosperm-specific expression, various cis-regulatory elements in the 5'-flanking region of the glutelin GluB-1 gene were characterized by studying the expression of chimeric genes that consisted of the sequentially deleted or mutagenized promoter and a beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene in transgenic tobacco seeds. The essential cis-regulatory elements governing the spatially and temporally specific expression of the glutelin gene expression were located within the first 245 bp of the promoter region of the GluB-1 gene from the site of initiation of transcription. The AACA motif between positions -73 and -61 common to all the six genes for glutelin sequenced to date and is repeated between positions -212 and -200 is implicated in the seed-specific expression. The GCN4 motif between positions -165 and -158 and between positions -96 and -92 that is conserved at homologous sites in all the members of glutelin gene family is also involved in the seed-specific regulation. However, both are required for the high level of seed-specific expression, because deletion of the region containing one set of both elements or substitution mutation of the AACA or GCN4 motif substantially reduced the activity. As a whole, our results suggest the combinatorial interaction of the elements in regulation of the glutelin gene expression.

Isolation, characterization and expression of the maize Cat2 catalase gene

The maize Cat2 gene was isolated by direct cloning and PCR. The clones were mapped and sequenced. The start site of transcription was determined by primer extension. Computer analysis of the 1.6 kb Cat2 promoter sequence has revealed an obvious TATA box, tow GC boxes, a putative GA response element, and several ACGT core sequences known to have diverse regulatory functions in plants. Several other protein binding motifs were also identified within 800 bp upstream from the transcriptional start site. Five introns were identified in the Cat2 coding region. All five Cat2 introns are located in exactly the same position as five of the six introns in Cat1. Two of the Cat2 introns are located in the same position as the two Cat3 introns. The identical positioning of these introns suggests an evolutionary link between all three maize catalase genes. The response of the CAt2 gene to plant growth regulators was examined. Results clearly showed that the response of CAt2 to several environmental factors are developmental stage-dependent. Thus, complex regulatory mechanisms appear to be involved in the regulation of Cat2 expression in maize.

Requirement of a CCGAC cis-acting element for cold induction of the BN115 gene from winter Brassica napus

Mutation of the core pentamer, CCGAC, of two putative low temperature responsive elements (LTREs) in the 5'-proximal region for the winter Brassica napus cold-induced gene BN115 was carried out. Analyses of transient expression of the resultant mutated BN115 promoter-GUS fusions revealed the loss of low-temperature regulation by the promoter. This indicates that the CCGAC sequence is critical to the low-temperature response in the BN115 gene. In contrast, mutation of two G-boxes, CACGTG, staggered between the LTREs in the same region of the promoter did not alter cold-inducible gene expression. Replacement of a possible enhancer region of the BN115 promoter with the enhancer from the CaMV 35S promoter resulted in a several-fold increase in low temperature-induced GUS activity.

Structure and characterization of a putative drought-inducible H1 histone gene

A drought- and abscisic acid (ABA)-inducible gene, His1, was isolated from Lycopersicon pennellii, a drought-resistant relative of cultivated tomato, and the gene structure was defined experimentally. The nucleotide sequence of His1 predicts a protein of 202 amino acid residues, with a significant sequence homology to plant H1 histones. Consensus sequences for both H1 histone-specific promoter elements as well as an ABA-responsive element were identified in the 5'-flanking region of His1. Transcripts of this gene accumulate in leaf tissue in response to drought in three tomato species including cultivated tomato (L. esculentum), L. pennellii, and L. chilense, as well as in tobacco. Transcripts for His1 are constitutively expressed in roots; transcript abundances in tomato root tips were equivalent to transcript abundances in more mature regions of the seedling root. The accumulation in leaves of transcripts for His1 preceded visible symptoms of drought stress in the plants. Transcript accumulation was detected in both drought-sensitive and drought-resistant species at similar leaf water potentials, psi W -1.3 to -1.4 MPa.

Composite structure of auxin response elements

The auxin-responsive soybean GH3 gene promoter is composed of multiple auxin response elements (AuxREs), and each AuxRE contributes incrementally to the strong auxin inducibility to the promoter. Two independent AuxREs of 25 bp (D1) and 32 bp (D4) contain the sequence TGTCTC. Results presented here show that the TGTCTC element in D1 and D4 is required but not sufficient for auxin inducibility in carrot protoplast transient expression assays. Additional nucleotides upstream of TGTCTC are also required for auxin inducibility. These upstream sequences showed constitutive activity and no auxin inducibility when part or all of the TGTCTC element was mutated or deleted. In D1, the constitutive element overlaps the 5' portion of TGTCTC; in D4, the constitutive element is separated from TGTCTC. An 11-bp element in D1, CCTCGTGTCTC, conferred auxin inducibility to a minimal cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter in transgenic tobacco seedlings as well as in carrot protoplasts (i.e., transient expression assays). Both constitutive elements bound specifically to plant nuclear proteins, and the constitutive element in D1 bound to a recombinant soybean basic leucine zipper transcription factor with G-box specificity. To demonstrate further the composite nature of AuxREs and the ability of the TGTCTC element to confer auxin inducibility, we created a novel AuxRE by placing a yeast GAL4 DNA binding site adjacent to the TGTCTC element. Expression of a GAL4-c-Rel transactivator in the presence of this novel AuxRE resulted in auxin-inducible expression. Our results indicate that at least some AuxREs have a composite structure consisting of a constitutive element adjacent to a conserved TGTCTC element that confers auxin inducibility.

Composite structure of auxin response elements

The auxin-responsive soybean GH3 gene promoter is composed of multiple auxin response elements (AuxREs), and each AuxRE contributes incrementally to the strong auxin inducibility to the promoter. Two independent AuxREs of 25 bp (D1) and 32 bp (D4) contain the sequence TGTCTC. Results presented here show that the TGTCTC element in D1 and D4 is required but not sufficient for auxin inducibility in carrot protoplast transient expression assays. Additional nucleotides upstream of TGTCTC are also required for auxin inducibility. These upstream sequences showed constitutive activity and no auxin inducibility when part or all of the TGTCTC element was mutated or deleted. In D1, the constitutive element overlaps the 5' portion of TGTCTC; in D4, the constitutive element is separated from TGTCTC. An 11-bp element in D1, CCTCGTGTCTC, conferred auxin inducibility to a minimal cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter in transgenic tobacco seedlings as well as in carrot protoplasts (i.e., transient expression assays). Both constitutive elements bound specifically to plant nuclear proteins, and the constitutive element in D1 bound to a recombinant soybean basic leucine zipper transcription factor with G-box specificity. To demonstrate further the composite nature of AuxREs and the ability of the TGTCTC element to confer auxin inducibility, we created a novel AuxRE by placing a yeast GAL4 DNA binding site adjacent to the TGTCTC element. Expression of a GAL4-c-Rel transactivator in the presence of this novel AuxRE resulted in auxin-inducible expression. Our results indicate that at least some AuxREs have a composite structure consisting of a constitutive element adjacent to a conserved TGTCTC element that confers auxin inducibility.