COMPUTER-AIDED ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL TRANSCRIPTION-FACTOR BINDING-SITES IN THE RABBIT BETA-CASEIN GENE PROMOTER

Computer analysis of putative cis- and trans-regulatory sequences in t he promoter region of the rabbit beta-casein gene is described. Nucleo tide sequences up to 2096 bp upstream of the initiation site were comp ared to known consensus sequences of both ubiquitous and specific tran scription factor motifs as well as to those described as characteristi c for milk protein genes. Our analysis demonstrated that 5 independent motifs described for milk protein gene promoters exist. Four of them - 'Groenen structure', 'Yu-Lee' 1 and 6 sequence and 'Oka box A' - wer e found in the beta-casein gene promoter; surprisingly, no typical mil k box was found. More than one hundred and fifty putative binding moti fs were found, representing 56 various consensus sequences. These sequ ences are located both inside and outside structures typical of milk p rotein gene promoters and include sequences homologous to mammary glan d specific, hormone specific and ubiquitous transcription factors. Our analysis suggests that milk protein gene promoters can bind many tran scription factors and assure complex regulation by hormonal and tissue specific factors.