The SV40 core sequence functions as a repressor element in yeast

The simian virus 40 core C enhancer-like element is a positive regulator in the rat alpha1B adrenergic receptor gene proximal promoter

Transcription of the rat alpha1B adrenergic receptor (alpha1B AR) gene is controlled by three promoters (P1, P2, and P3), which generate 2.3-, 2.7-, and 3.3-kb transcripts, respectively. The expression of the 2.3-kb mRNA species is tissue-specific. To explore the underlying mechanism, the P1 promoter was analyzed. DNase I footprinting of the P1 promoter yielded three protected regions: Plfl(-49 to -62); P1f2 (-73 to -90), and P1f3 (-95 to -115). Sequence analysis of P1f3 revealed the presence of an SV40 core C enhancer-like element. In gel mobility shift assays, P1f3 was found to bind a sequence specific protein, which was competed away by a SV40 core C enhancer consensus oligonucleotide. Mutations of this enhancer-like core sequence within P1f3 significantly reduced specific protein binding to P1f3 and inhibited P1 promoter activity. The distribution of the protein which binds to P1f3 is restricted. These findings suggest that the P1 promoter is controlled by a cell-type-specific transcription factor, which may account for the tissue-specific expression of 2.3-kb rat alpha1B AR mRNA species.

Positive and negative transcriptional regulation by the yeast GAL11 protein depends on the structure of the promoter and a combination of cis elements

GAL11 was first identified as a gene required for full expression of some galactose-inducible genes that are activated by GAL4, and it was subsequently shown to be necessary for full expression of another set of genes activated by RAP1/GRF1/TUF. Genetic analysis suggests that GAL11 functions as a coactivator, mediating the interaction of sequence-specific activators with basal transcription factors. To test this hypothesis, we first tried to identify functional domains by deletion analysis and found that the 866-910 region is indispensable for function. Using reporters bearing various upstream activating sequences (UAS) and different core promoter structures, we show that the involvement of GAL11 in transcriptional activation varies with the target promoter and the particular combination of cis elements. Gel electrophoresis in the presence of chloroquine shows that GAL11 affects the chromatin structure of a circular plasmid. Based on these findings, the role of GAL11 in regulation of transcription, including an alteration in chromatin structure, is discussed.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae multifunctional protein RAP1 binds to a conserved sequence in the Polyoma virus enhancer and is responsible for its transcriptional activity in yeast cells

The Polyoma virus enhancer (A + B domain) activates transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae when joined to appropriate yeast promoter elements. We demonstrate by DNase I footprints and inhibition of binding by specific antibody, that the yeast protein RAP1 binds to the B-domain of the Polyoma enhancer and, at least in some promoter contexts, is responsible for transcriptional activity of the enhancer B-domain in yeast. Close matches to a consensus RAP1-binding site are also present in other viral enhancers.