The nitrogen response of a barley C‐hordein promoter is controlled by positive and negative regulation of the GCN4 and endosperm box

1 August 1993

journal article
Published by Wiley in The Plant Journal

Vol. 4 (2) , 343-355
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-313x.1993.04020343.x

Abstract

The 431 bp C‐hordein promoter of λ‐1‐17 exhibits a specific response to amino acids and NH₄NO₃ in developing barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) endosperms. With the aid of particle bombardment it is shown that the GCN4 motif ATGA(C/G)TCAT is the dominating cis‐acting element in this response. But synergistic interaction with the neighbouring endosperm motif TGTAAAGT within the bifactorial prolamin element and cooperation with upstream sequences including a second prolamin‐like element is an absolute requirement for a strong, positive regulation by an optimal nitrogen regime. Low nitrogen levels convert the GCN4 box into a negative motif. In contrast the endosperm box on its own exerted a silencing activity, independent of nitrogen nutrition. Sequence comparisons revealed that GCN4‐ and endosperm‐like motifs are widely distributed among plant promoters. Their putative role in nitrogen regulation is discussed.

Keywords

NITROGEN

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