title: Identification of cis-regulatory sequences in ascidian ribosomal DNA using a rapid filter-binding assay.
abstract: Using 32P-labelled random primed ribosomal DNA (rDNA) from the ascidian, Herdmania momus, multiple and large-scale filter-binding assays were performed to identify cis-regulatory sequences interacting with H. momus oocyte germinal vesicle protein. A vacublot apparatus was used to isolate DNA-protein complexes, providing a means of filtering multiple binding reactions simultaneously and for isolating sufficient amounts of bound DNA for further investigations. DNA bound to the filter was used to identify unknown cis-elements in the rDNA by Southern-blot analysis. The trapped rDNA hybridized specifically to the intergenic spacer, a region which contains cis-regulatory sequences that interact with rDNA transcription factors in several other species. Gel shift analysis of intergenic spacer fragments and native Southwestern blots confirmed that cis-elements were localized in the rDNA intergenic spacer. In principle, this method allows for the rapid identification of cis-regulatory sequences within any large, cloned DNA fragment which interact with nuclear extract.
authors.affiliation: Queensland Cancer Fund Research Unit, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Bancroft Centre, Herston, Australia.
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Degnan
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Lavin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015139:Blotting, Southern; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000235:genetics*; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D012045:Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid / Q000235:genetics*; D015183:Restriction Mapping; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics; D014561:Urochordata / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D014157:Transcription Factors