Conserved TAAAT motif in vaccinia virus late promoters: overlapping TATA box and site of transcription initiation

We have characterized the vaccinia virus 11‐kd late promoter through 5′ and 3′ deletions and site‐directed mutagenesis. The promoter function appears to be contained within an approximately 30‐bp fragment, which after translocation is able to direct RNA synthesis late in infection at a reduced level...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe EMBO journal Vol. 5; no. 5; pp. 1071 - 1076
Main Authors Hänggi, M., Bannwarth, W., Stunnenberg, H.G.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.05.1986
Subjects
Base Sequence
Cell Line
Chromosome Deletion
DNA Restriction Enzymes
Genes, Viral
Humans
Mutation
Promoter Regions, Genetic
Transcription, Genetic
Vaccinia virus - genetics
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Summary:We have characterized the vaccinia virus 11‐kd late promoter through 5′ and 3′ deletions and site‐directed mutagenesis. The promoter function appears to be contained within an approximately 30‐bp fragment, which after translocation is able to direct RNA synthesis late in infection at a reduced level. We demonstrate that a TAAAT sequence in the proximal part of the promoter is essential for its function. This cis‐acting element is highly conserved within vaccinia virus late promoters and overlaps the site of transcription initiation. Deletions or mutations within this conserved element completely inactivate the promoter. The evidence indicates that the TAAAT motif functions as a TATA box. The region immediately upstream of the TAAAT motif determines the promoter strength.
ISSN:0261-4189
1460-2075
DOI:10.1002/j.1460-2075.1986.tb04324.x