Abstract
The Drosophila melanogaster Fork head and Bombyx mori SGF1/Fork head proteins are key regulators of tissue specific gene expression in the modified larval labial glands. Here we use the competitive electrophoretic mobility shift assay to create a detailed Fork head binding matrix and we investigate some unusual features of the Fork head interaction with DNA. We found that the Fork head–DNA interaction is context dependent—the binding specificity of the protein is partly determined by specific combinations of neighbouring bases. Although the total number of the sub-optimal dinucleotide steps is not high, the negative cooperation of neighbouring bases significantly contributes to the overall binding site specificity. Our results allow efficient recognition of insect Fork head binding sites and we show that the putative Fork head cognate elements preferentially accumulate in the near upstream region of genes abundantly expressed in the labial gland.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
