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. 1996 Jul;8(7):1171–1179. doi: 10.1105/tpc.8.7.1171

Localization and interaction of the cis-acting elements for abscisic acid, VIVIPAROUS1, and light activation of the C1 gene of maize.

C Y Kao 1, S M Cocciolone 1, I K Vasil 1, D R McCarty 1
PMCID: PMC161197  PMID: 8768375

Abstract

The C1 regulatory gene of the maize anthocyanin pathway is regulated by a combination of developmental and environmental signals that include the Viviparous1 (Vp1) gene, abscisic acid (ABA), and light. Using protoplast electroporation and particle bombardment assays, we have defined c/s-acting elements that are necessary and sufficient for the activation of C1 by ABA, VP1, and light, respectively. The sequence from positions -142 to -132 (CGTCCATGCAT) is essential for VP1 activation, whereas a larger overlapping element from -147 to -132 (CGTGTCGTCCATGCAT) is necessary and sufficient for activation by ABA. A separate light (blue and red)-responsive c/s element is located between positions -116 and -59. Light interacts synergistically with the ABA and VP1 responses in transient expression assays, suggesting that combinatorial interaction between modules plays a role in integrating these signals in the developing seed.

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Selected References

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