title: In vitro characterization of the yeast mitochondrial promoter using single-base substitution mutants.
abstract: A short DNA sequence, 5'ATATAAGTA(+1)3', extending from -8 to +1 nucleotides has been shown to function as a promoter in the yeast mitochondrial genome. A complete set of single site mutations of this nonanucleotide promoter sequence has been constructed, cloned, and used to promote specific in vitro transcription using a highly purified mitochondrial RNA polymerase. Each deviation from the natural promoter sequence results in a reduction or abolition of specific transcription depending on the nucleotide substituent. The nucleotide at -8 is not considered as a component of the promoter. Any nucleotide at position +1 is compatible with correct transcriptional initiation. The consensus sequence that exists in vivo is the strongest promoter since only down mutations are seen among the substitutions. The mutant analyses indicate that a very short octanucleotide sequence comprised of 5'TAT/aAA/g/cGT/a/cN(+1)3' is the minimal sequence necessary to direct accurate initiation by mitochondrial RNA polymerase.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Illinois 60637.
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Biswas
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ticho
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Getz
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D002872:Chromosome Deletion; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics*; D005800:Genes, Fungal; D009154:Mutation; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial