Expression of an mRNA coding gene under the control of an RNA polymerase I promoter.
We have placed a 225-bp fragment from the 5' end of the mouse rDNA transcription unit (from -169 to +56) in front of the SV40 tumor antigen coding sequence. After microinjection of this chimeric plasmid into nuclei of mouse L-cells expression of SV40 large T antigen has been observed. The expression of T antigen was dependent on the correct orientation of the rDNA fragment relative to the T antigen-coding region and was seen only in mouse cells. This indicates that the 225-bp rDNA fragment contains the sequence information required for pre-rRNA transcription and demonstrates for the first time that a protein-coding gene can be transcribed and expressed under the control of an RNA polymerase I promoter.
D000818:Animals; D000957:Antigens, Viral, Tumor / Q000235:genetics*; D002678:Chimera; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D005796:Genes; D007739:L Cells / Q000201:enzymology; D051379:Mice; D009876:Operon; D010957:Plasmids; D012318:RNA Polymerase I / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*; D013539:Simian virus 40 / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D013937:Thymidine Kinase / Q000172:deficiency; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D000957:Antigens, Viral, Tumor; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D004247:DNA; D013937:Thymidine Kinase; D012318:RNA Polymerase I