DNA‐binding protein(s) interacts with a conserved nonameric sequence in the upstream regions of wheat histone genes

Abstract

A nuclear protein(s), HBP‐2, that binds to the upstream region of the wheat histone H4 gene was identified from a fractionated nuclear extract of wheat germ by DNase I footprinting. The DNase I‐protected region contained the conserved nonameric motif, CATCCAACG. Cross‐competition experiments that used the mobility shift assay showed that this nuclear protein(s) binds specifically to the upstream sequence that has been postulated to be a cis element of the wheat H3 gene. Our findings suggest that this DNA‐binding protein(s) may be a trans‐acting factor in the regulation of the transcription of wheat histone genes.