title: An AT-rich tract containing an integration host factor-binding domain and two UP-like elements enhances transcription from the pilEp1 promoter of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
abstract: The pilE gene of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is transcribed from a sigma70 promoter (pilEp1) with an AT-rich tract extending 65 nucleotides upstream of the -35 box. Within this region is an integration host factor (IHF)-binding core consensus sequence. We have performed a detailed analysis to determine which upstream sequences are required for efficient transcription from pilEp1 in N. gonorrhoeae. Deletion of sequences upstream of the AT-rich tract had no effect on the level of transcription. However, the IHF-binding core consensus sequence and the AT-rich sequence further upstream were both required for enhanced levels of transcription from this promoter in both N. gonorrhoeae and an Escherichia coli strain producing IHF. In addition, an UP-like element positioned between the -35 box and the IHF-binding site was required for maximal transcription. The AT-rich region upstream of the IHF-binding core consensus sequence can also act as an UP-like element when appropriately repositioned upstream of the -35 box.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. Janet.Fyfe@med.monash.edu.au
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Fyfe
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Davies
mesh_terms: D000225:Adenine; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D001482:Base Composition; D001483:Base Sequence; D001665:Binding Sites; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000235:genetics*; D004742:Enhancer Elements, Genetic; D036781:Fimbriae Proteins; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; D034982:Integration Host Factors; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016297:Mutagenesis, Site-Directed; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000235:genetics*; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012808:Sigma Factor / Q000235:genetics*; D013941:Thymine; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D034982:Integration Host Factors; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D012808:Sigma Factor; C074063:pilE protein, Neisseria gonorrhoeae; D036781:Fimbriae Proteins; C081775:RNA polymerase sigma 70; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases; D000225:Adenine; D013941:Thymine