The TATA box promoter region of maize Adh1 affects its organ-specific expression.
We have isolated two lineage-related Mutator (Mu3) transposon-induced Adh1 promoter mutants in maize: Adh1-3F1124 carries a duplicated TATA box and its revertant, Adh1-3F1124r17, bears a deleted TATA box. Both alterations lead to unique patterns of organ-specific ADH1 enzyme expression. Enzyme activity in Adh1-3F1124 sporophytic organs (scutellum and roots) is greatly reduced, while activity levels remain normal in the male gametophyte (pollen). Conversely, enzyme activity in Adh1-3F1124r17 roots and scutellum is partially restored, but is concomitantly reduced in pollen. Transcript analysis suggests (i) that the TATA box region of the Adh1 gene influences post-transcriptional processes in the male gametophyte but not in roots and (ii) that organ-specific transcription signals in the promoter are distinct from the previously identified anaerobic environment-specific cis-acting transcription signals. Different organs appear to provide surrogate TATA function in different ways, leading to organ-specific differences in the length of the Adh1 message 5' leader.
Kloeckener-Gruissem
B
B
Department of Plant Biology, University of California, Berkeley 94720.
Vogel
J M
JM
Freeling
M
M
D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase / Q000235:genetics*; D001483:Base Sequence; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000378:metabolism; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016254:Mutagenesis, Insertional; D009928:Organ Specificity; D011058:Pollen / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D016385:TATA Box / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D003313:Zea mays / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase