Mutational analysis identifies a five base pair cis-acting sequence essential for GBP130 promoter activity in Plasmodium falciparum

Here we describe the functional characterization of a Plasmodium falciparum promoter region, identifying a discrete five base pair sequence element th at is responsible for efficient promoter activity. This sequence element bi nds nuclear factors in a sequence-specific manner. It shares no homology wi th any known eukaryotic transcription factor binding site, supporting the n otion that the protozoan parasite P. falciparum has evolved a transcription al machinery distinct from that of its human and mosquito hosts. This repor t represents the first description of a minimal and necessary cis-acting se quence element for efficient promoter activity in P. falciparum. (C) 1999 E lsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.