The gene encoding the TATA-binding protein (PkTBP) from a hyperthermop
hilic archaeon, Pyrococcus sp, KOD1 (Pk), was cloned and sequenced. An
open reading frame with homology to the conserved C-terminal core reg
ion of eukaryotic TBP was expressed in Escherichia coli. Specific DNA-
binding activity of the recombinant PkTBP (190 amino acids, 21.36 kDa)
was also demonstrated, Although it was composed of a structurally dir
ect repeat sequence which is similar to eukaryotic TBP, the total net
charge of archaeal TBP was amazingly negative (calculated isoelectric
point (pI) was 4.66 and experimentally estimated pi was 4.8). A series
of five Glu residues was found at the C terminus of archaeal TBP. The
se data strongly suggest that a positively charged protein is also inv
olved in the transcription initiation event which might stabilize the
structure of the genomic DNA under high-growth-temperature conditions.