Identification of a calmodulin-binding NAC protein as a transcriptional repressor in Arabidopsis

J Biol Chem. 2007 Dec 14;282(50):36292-302. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M705217200. Epub 2007 Oct 18.

Abstract

Calmodulin (CaM), a ubiquitous calcium-binding protein, regulates diverse cellular functions by modulating the activity of a variety of proteins. However, little is known about how CaM directly regulates transcription. Screening of an Arabidopsis cDNA expression library using horseradish peroxidase-conjugated calmodulin as a probe identified a calmodulin-binding NAC protein (CBNAC). Using gel overlay assays, a Ca2+-dependent CaM-binding domain was identified in the C terminus of this protein. Specific binding of CaM to CaM-binding domain was corroborated by site-directed mutagenesis and a split-ubiquitin assay. Using a PCR-mediated random binding site selection method, we identified a DNA-binding sequence (CBNACBS) for CBNAC, which consisted of a GCTT core sequence flanked on both sides by other frequently repeating sequences (TTGCTTANNNNNNAAG). CBNAC was able to bind to CBNACBS, which resulted in the repression of transcription in Arabidopsis protoplasts. Interestingly, the transcriptional repression mediated by CBNAC was enhanced by CaM. These results suggest that CBNAC may be a CaM-regulated transcriptional repressor in Arabidopsis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis / genetics*
  • Arabidopsis / metabolism
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / genetics*
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / metabolism
  • Calmodulin / genetics
  • Calmodulin / metabolism
  • Calmodulin-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Calmodulin-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Gene Library
  • Protein Binding / genetics
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary / physiology
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Response Elements / physiology
  • Transcription, Genetic / physiology

Substances

  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • CBNAC protein, Arabidopsis
  • Calmodulin
  • Calmodulin-Binding Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins