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Binding sites for maize nuclear proteins in the subterminal regions of the transposable elementActivator

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Abstract

Genetic data suggest that transposition of the maize elementActivator (Ac) is modulated by host factors. Using gel retardation and DNase I protection assays we identified maize proteins which bind to seven subterminal sites in both ends ofAc. Four DNase I-protected sites contain a GGTAAA sequence, the other three include either GATAAA or GTTAAA. The specificity of the maize protein binding toAc was verified by using a synthetic fragment containing four GGTAAA motifs as probe and competitor in gel retardation assays. All seven binding sites are located within regions requiredin cis for transposition. A maize protein binding site with the same sequence has previously been identified in the terminal inverted repeats of the maizeMutator element. Thus, the protein, that recognizes this sequence is a good candidate for a regulatory host factor forAc transposition.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Genetik, Universität zu Köln, Weyertal 121, 50931, Köln, Germany

    H. -A. Becker & R. Kunze

  2. Institut für Genetik und Mikrobiologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Maria-Ward-Str. 1a, 80638, München, Germany

    R. Kunze

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  1. H. -A. Becker
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  2. R. Kunze
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  3. R. Kunze
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Communicated by H. Saedler

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Becker, H.A., Kunze, R. & Kunze, R. Binding sites for maize nuclear proteins in the subterminal regions of the transposable elementActivator . Molec. Gen. Genet. 251, 428–435 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02172371

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