T-box
The T-box element is ann RNA switch that controls genes involved in amino acid metabolism.
In the absence of an amino acid, the uncharged tRNA binds the T-box region in the leader region of the mRNA of the controlled gene/ operon and thereby prevents the formation of a transcription terminator. The result is gene expression of the target gene in the absence of the specific amino acid.
Genes controlled by T-box elements
- Induction by cysteine limitation
- Induction by tryptophan limitation
Reviews on T-box regulation
Ana Gutiérrez-Preciado, Tina M Henkin, Frank J Grundy, Charles Yanofsky, Enrique Merino
Biochemical features and functional implications of the RNA-based T-box regulatory mechanism.
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev: 2009, 73(1);36-61
[PubMed:19258532]
[WorldCat.org]
[DOI]
(I p)
