An aminoacyl tRNA synthetase binds to a specific DNA sequence and regulates its gene transcription

Nature. 1981 Jun 25;291(5817):632-5. doi: 10.1038/291632a0.

Abstract

Alanine tRNA synthetase represses transcription of its own gene by binding specifically to a palindromic sequence which flanks the gene's transcription start site. Transcription repression is greatly enhanced by elevated concentrations of the cognate amino acid. The amino acid effect is caused by direct association of the ligand with the synthetase, which in turn mediates tighter binding to the DNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alanine / metabolism
  • Alanine-tRNA Ligase / genetics*
  • Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases / genetics*
  • Base Composition
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA / genetics*
  • DNA Restriction Enzymes
  • Escherichia coli / enzymology
  • Genes*
  • Protein Binding
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • DNA
  • DNA Restriction Enzymes
  • Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases
  • Alanine-tRNA Ligase
  • Alanine