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The GATA factor AreA is essential for chromatin remodelling in a eukaryotic bidirectional promoter
Author(s) -
MuroPastor MIsabel,
Gonzalez Ramon,
Strauss Joseph,
Narendja Frank,
Scazzocchio Claudio
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
the embo journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 7.484
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1460-2075
pISSN - 0261-4189
DOI - 10.1093/emboj/18.6.1584
Subject(s) - biology , chromatin , transcription factor , microbiology and biotechnology , chia pet , genetics , chromatin remodeling , dna , gene
The linked niiA and niaD genes of Aspergillus nidulans are transcribed divergently. The expression of these genes is subject to a dual control system. They are induced by nitrate and repressed by ammonium. AreA mediates derepression in the absence of ammonium and NirA supposedly mediates nitrate induction. Out of 10 GATA sites, a central cluster (sites 5–8) is responsible for ∼80% of the transcriptional activity of the promoter on both genes. We show occupancy in vivo of site 5 by the AreA protein, even under conditions of repression. Sites 5–8 are situated in a pre‐set nucleosome‐free region. Under conditions of expression, a drastic nucleosomal rearrangement takes place and the positioning of at least five nucleosomes flanking the central region is lost. Remodelling is strictly dependent on the presence of an active areA gene product, and independent from the NirA‐specific and essential transcription factor. Thus, nucleosome remodelling is independent from the transcriptional activation of the niiA–niaD promoter. The results presented cast doubts on the role of NirA as the unique transducer of the nitrate induction signal. We demonstrate, for the first time in vivo , that a GATA factor is involved directly in chromatin remodelling.