Identifying a Key Element in Gene Regulation
Author Information
Author(s): Dare Andrew P, Schaffer Robert J, Lin-Wang Kui, Allan Andrew C, Hellens Roger P
Primary Institution: The Horticultural and Food Research Institute of New Zealand
Hypothesis
Can we identify a cis-regulatory element that is crucial for the transactivation of genes regulated by the MYB transcription factor PAP1?
Conclusion
The study successfully identified a conserved cis-regulatory motif necessary for the transactivation of genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis by the transcription factor PAP1.
Supporting Evidence
- Oligo array analysis identified 33 genes co-ordinately up-regulated in response to PAP1.
- Transient assays confirmed eight promoter fragments transactivated by PAP1.
- Bioinformatic analysis revealed a common cis-regulatory motif in the identified promoters.
Takeaway
The researchers found a special DNA sequence that helps a plant gene turn on other genes that make a color called anthocyanin, which is important for the plant's color.
Methodology
The study used transient assays to analyze promoter regions of genes up-regulated by PAP1 in Arabidopsis and identified a conserved cis-regulatory motif.
Limitations
The study's findings may not fully represent the native responses in Arabidopsis due to the use of a heterologous system.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website