title: The core-independent promoter-specific binding of Bacillus subtilis σB.
abstract: Bacillus subtilis σ(D) is an alternative σ factor that possesses a core-independent promoter -10 element binding specificity despite the lack of a distinct footprint on its cognate promoter. We wished to determine whether this property is common to alternative σ factors. To this end, we over-expressed B. subtilis σ(B) in Escherichia coli and analyzed its DNA binding ability by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and DNase I footprinting. The major complex formed by σ(B) and its cognate promoter DNA is heparin-sensitive. However, in contrast to the -10 element binding specificity observed for B. subtilis σ(D) , the promoter binding of σ(B) is specific for the -35 element. These and other results clearly demonstrate that alternative σ factors possess different promoter-binding characteristics, and make core-independent contributions to recognition of their cognate promoters.
authors: Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
authors: Heng-Hsu
authors: HH
authors: Kuo
authors: Wei-Cheng
authors: WC
authors: Huang
authors: Tzu-Feng
authors: TF
authors: Lin
authors: Hsin-Yi
authors: HY
authors: Yeh
authors: Kung-Ming
authors: KM
authors: Liou
authors: Ban-Yang
authors: BY
authors: Chang
mesh_terms: D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000235:genetics*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D001483:Base Sequence; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D024202:Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D009876:Operon; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D011485:Protein Binding; D012808:Sigma Factor / Q000737:chemistry*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D012808:Sigma Factor
keywords: RNA polymerase; electrophoretic mobility shift assay; footprinting assay; promoter recognition; transcription initiation