Characterization of transcription from TATA-less promoters: identification of a new core promoter element XCPE2 and analysis of factor requirements.

ABSTRACT:

Background

More than 80% of mammalian protein-coding genes are driven by TATA-less promoters which often show multiple transcriptional start sites (TSSs). However, little is known about the core promoter DNA sequences or mechanisms of transcriptional initiation for this class of promoters.

Methodology/principal findings

Here we identify a new core promoter element XCPE2 (X core promoter element 2) (consensus sequence: A/C/G-C-C/T-C-G/A-T-T-G/A-C-C/A(+1)-C/T) that can direct specific transcription from the second TSS of hepatitis B virus X gene mRNA. XCPE2 sequences can also be found in human promoter regions and typically appear to drive one of the start sites within multiple TSS-containing TATA-less promoters. To gain insight into mechanisms of transcriptional initiation fr

SUBMITTER: Anish R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2659449 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature