Abstract
We have shown that the 26 bp bx1 element from the regulatory region of Distal-less is capable of imposing control by the homeotic genes Ultrabithorax and abdominal-A on a general epidermal activator in Drosophila. This provides us with an assay to analyze the sequence requirements for specific repression by these Hox genes. Both the core Hox binding site, 5'- TAAT, and the adjacent EXD 5'-TGAT core site are required for repression by Ultrabithorax and abdominal-A. The Distal-less bx1 site thus fits with the model of Hox protein binding specificity based on the consensus PBX/HOX- family site TGATNNAT[g/t][g/a], where the key elements of binding specificity are proposed to lie in the two base pairs following the TGAT. A single base pair deletion in the bx1 sequence generates a site, bx1:A-mut, that on the consensus PBX/HOX model would be expected to be regulated by the Deformed Hox gene. We observed, however, that the bx1:A-mut site was regulated predominantly by Sex combs reduced, Ultrabithorax and abdominal-A. The analysis of this site indicates that the specificity of action of Hox proteins may depend not only on selective DNA binding but also on specific post-binding interactions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 217-226 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Mechanisms of Development |
Volume | 91 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1 2000 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- DNA binding protein
- Distal-less
- Drosophila
- Extradenticle
- Gene regulation
- Grainyhead
- Homeotic gene
- Hox gene
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Embryology
- Developmental Biology