Expression Cassettes for Embryo-Specific Expression in Plants

Abstract

An expression cassette for regulating embryo-specific expression of a polynucleotide of interest, comprising a transcription regulating nucleotide sequence, is provided. Vectors, host cells and transgenic plants comprising said expression cassette, and methods of producing said transgenic plants are also provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to expression cassettes comprising transcription regulating nucleotide sequences with whole seed and/or embryo-specific expression profiles in plants obtainable from the Zea mays. The transcription regulating nucleotide sequences preferably exhibit strong expression activity especially in whole seeds and, particularly, in the endosperm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Manipulation of plants to alter and/or improve phenotypic characteristics (such as productivity or quality) requires the expression of heterologous genes in plant tissues. Such genetic manipulation relies on the availability of a means to drive and to control gene expression as required. For example, genetic manipulation relies on the availability and use of suitable promoters which are effective in plants and which regulate gene expression so as to give the desired effect(s) in the transgenic plant.

A fertile corn plant contains both male and female reproductive tissues, commonly known as the tassel and the ear, respectively. The tassel tissues form the haploid pollen grains with two nuclei in each grain, which, when shed at anthesis, contact the silks of a female ear. The ear may be on the same plant as that which shed the pollen, or on a different plant. The pollen cell develops a structure known as a pollen tube, which extends down through an individual female silk to the ovule. The two male nuclei travel through this tube to reach the haploid female egg at the base of the silk. One of the male nuclei fuses with and fertilizes the female haploid egg nuclei to form the zygote, which is diploid in chromosome number and will become the embryo within the kernel. The remaining male nucleus fuses with and fertilizes a second female nucleus to form the primary endosperm nucleus, which is triploid in number and will become the endosperm of the kernel, or seed, of the corn plant. Non-fertilized ovules do not produce kernels and the unfertilized tissues eventually degenerate.

The kernel consists of a number of parts, some derived from maternal tissue and others from the fertilization process. Maternally, the kernel inherits a number of tissues, including a protective, surrounding pericarp and a pedicel. The pedicel is a short stalk-like tissue which attaches the kernel to the cob and provides nutrient transfer from maternal tissue into the kernel. The kernel contains tissues resulting from the fertilization activities, including the new embryo as well as the endosperm. The embryo is comprised of the cells that will develop into the roots and shoots of the next generation corn plant. It is also the tissue in which oils and quality proteins are stored in the kernel. The endosperm functions as a nutritive tissue and provides the energy in the form of stored starch and proteins needed for germination and the initial growth of the embryo.

Considering the complex regulation that occurs during embryo and kernel development in higher plants, and considering that grain is commonly used as a primary source of nutrition for animals and humans, it is important to develop key tools that can be used to improve these tissues from a nutritional standpoint. One class of such tools would be transcriptional promoters that can drive the expression of nutrition enhancing genes specifically in these tissues. Unfortunately, relatively few promoters specifically directing this expression pattern have been identified. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for novel promoter sequences which drive expression during kernel development, and more particularly, embryo development.

The embryo-specific promoters are useful for expressing genes as well as for producing large quantities of protein, for expressing genes involved in the synthesis of oils or proteins of interest, e.g., antibodies, genes for increasing the nutritional value of the whole seed, and, particularly, the embryo and the like. It is advantageous to have the choice of a variety of different promoters so that the most suitable promoter may be selected for a particular gene, construct, cell, tissue, plant or environment. Moreover, the increasing interest in cotransforming plants with multiple plant transcription units (PTU) and the potential problems associated with using common regulatory sequences for these purposes merit having a variety of promoter sequences available.

Only a few embryo or whole seed-specific promoters have been cloned and studied in detail; these include promoters for seed storage protein genes, such as a globulin promoter (Wu et al. (1998) Plant Cell Physiol 39 (8) 885-889), phaseolin promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,200) and a napin promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,152). Storage proteins are usually present in large amounts, making it relatively easy to isolate storage protein genes and the gene promoters. Even so, the number of available seed specific promoters is still limited. Furthermore, most of these promoters suffer from several drawbacks; they may drive expression only in a limited period during seed development, and they may be expressed in other tissues as well. For example, storage protein gene promoters are expressed mainly in the mid to late embryo development stage (Chen et al., Dev. Genet., 10 (2): 112-122 (1989); Keddie et al., Plant Mol. Biol., 19 (3): 443-53 (1992); Sjodahl et al., Planta., 197 (2): 264-71 (1995); Reidt et al., Plant J., 21 (5): 401-8 (2000)), and also may have activity in other tissues, such as pollen, stamen and/or anthers (as, for example, the phaseolin promoter, as reported by Ahm, V, et al. Plant Phys 109: 1151-1158 (1995); or the zmHyPRP promoter as described in Gene 356 (2005), 146-152; or promoters described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,912,414).

There is, therefore, a great need in the art for the identification of novel sequences that can be used for expression of selected transgenes in economically important plants. Thus, the problem underlying the present invention is to provide new and alternative expression cassettes for embryo-expression of transgenes in plants. The problem is solved by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a first embodiment of the invention relates to an expression cassette for regulating seed-specific expression of a polynucleotide of interest, said expression cassette comprising a transcription regulating nucleotide sequence selected from the group of sequences consisting of:

• (a) a nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18, or a variant thereof;
• (b) a nucleic acid sequence which is at least 80% identical to a nucleic acid sequence shown in any one of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18;
• (c) a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18, or a variant thereof;
• (d) a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes to a nucleic acid sequence located upstream of an open reading frame sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36, or a variant thereof;
• (e) a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes to a nucleic acid sequences located upstream of an open reading frame sequence encoding an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 or 54, or a variant thereof;
• (f) a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes to a nucleic acid sequence located upstream of an open reading frame sequence being at least 80% identical to an open reading frame sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36, wherein the open reading frame encodes a seed protein;
• (g) a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes to a nucleic acid sequences located upstream of an open reading frame encoding an amino acid sequence being at least 80% identical to an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 or 54, wherein the open reading frame encodes a seed protein;
• (h) a nucleic acid sequence obtainable by 5′ genome walking or by thermal asymmetric interlaced polymerase chain reaction (TAIL-PCR) on genomic DNA from the first exon of an open reading frame sequence as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36; and
• (i) a nucleic acid sequence obtainable by 5′ genome walking or TAIL PCR on genomic DNA from the first exon of an open reading frame sequence being at least 80% identical to an open reading frame as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36, wherein the open reading frame encodes a seed protein; and
• (j) a nucleic acid sequence obtainable by 5′ genome walking or TAIL PCR on genomic DNA from the first exon of an open reading frame sequence encoding an amino acid sequence being at least 80% identical to an amino acid sequence encoded by an open reading frame as shown in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 or 54, wherein the open reading frame encodes a seed protein.

In a preferred embodiment, the expression cassette further comprises at least one polynucleotide of interest being operatively linked to the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence, preferably being heterologous with respect to the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence.

In another aspect, the present invention refers to a transgenic plant tissue, plant organ, plant or seed comprising the expression cassette or the vector of the present invention. Preferably, the transgenic plant is a monocotyledone.

In another aspect, the present invention refers method for producing a transgenic plant tissue, plant organ, plant or seed comprising

• (a) introducing the expression cassette or the vector of the present invention into a plant cell; and
• (b) regenerating said plant cell to form a plant tissue, plant organ, plant or seed.

In another aspect, the present invention refers to a method for producing a transgenic plant tissue, plant organ, plant or seed comprising

• (a) integrating the expression cassette or the vector of the present invention into the genome of a plant cell;
• (b) regenerating said plant cell to form a plant tissue, plant organ, plant or seed, and
• (c) selecting said plant cell to form a plant tissue, plant organ, plant or seed for the presence of the expression cassette or the vector of the present invention.

Other embodiments of the invention relate to vectors comprising an expression cassette of the invention, and transgenic host cells or transgenic plant comprising an expression cassette or a vector of the invention, and methods of producing the same.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: q-RT-PCR results of the KG candidates showing whole seed or embryo specific or preferable expression pattern [Root_dv: a mixture of roots at 5, 15, 30 days after pollination (DAP); Leaf_dv: a mixture of leaves at 5, 15, 30 DAP; Ear: a mixture of ear at 5 and 10 DAP; whole seeds: a mixture of whole seeds at 15, 20, 30 DAP; Endosperm: a mixture of endosperm at 15, 20, 30 DAP; Embryo: a mixture of embryo at 15, 20, 30 DAP; Root_V2+V4: a mixture of root at V2 and V4 stages; Shoot/leaf_V2+V4: a mixture of V2 shoot and V4 leaves; Flower_GS: a mixture of flower and geminating seeds.]

FIG. 2 (A) and (B) Diagrams of binary KG vectors

FIG. 3: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-KG24 in transgenic maize with RHF155

FIG. 4: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-KG37 in transgenic maize with RKF109

FIG. 5: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-KG45 in transgenic maize with RKF106

FIG. 6: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-KG46 in transgenic maize with RKF107

FIG. 7: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-KG49 in transgenic maize with RKF108

FIG. 8: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-KG56 in transgenic maize with RKF125

FIG. 9: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-KG103 in transgenic maize with RHF128

FIG. 10: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-KG119 in transgenic maize with RHF138

FIG. 11: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-KG129 in transgenic maize with RTP1047

FIG. 12: q-RT-PCR results of the MA candidates [Root_dv: a mixture of roots at 5, 15, 30 days after pollination (DAP); Leaf_dv: a mixture of leaves at 5, 15, 30 DAP; Ear: a mixture of ear at 5 and 10 DAP; whole seeds: a mixture of whole seeds at 15, 20, 30 DAP; Endosperm: a mixture of endosperm at 15, 20, 30 DAP; Embryo: a mixture of embryo at 15, 20, 30 DAP; Root_V2+V4: a mixture of root at V2 and V4 stages; Shoot/leaf_V2+V4: a mixture of V2 shoot and V4 leaves; Flower_GS: a mixture of flower and geminating seeds.]

FIG. 13: Vector RCB 1006 for MAWS promoters

FIG. 14: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-MAWS23 in transgenic maize with RTP1060

FIG. 15: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-MAWS27 in transgenic maize with RTP1059

FIG. 16: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-MAWS30 in transgenic maize with RTP1053

FIG. 17: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-MAWS57 in transgenic maize with RTP1049

FIG. 18: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-MAWS60 in transgenic maize with RTP1056

FIG. 19: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-MAWS63 in transgenic maize with RTP1048

FIG. 20: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-MAEM1 in transgenic maize with RTP1061

FIG. 21: GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by p-MAEM20 in transgenic maize with RTP1064

FIG. 22: qRT-PCR results of the Zm.8705.1.S1_at

FIG. 23: Digital image of the GenomeWalk (GW) run on a 1% w/v agarose gel and stained with ethidium bromide. The lanes (L) represent as follows: (L1)1 kb plus ladders (Promega, Madison, Wis., USA), (L2) no DNA (replaced GW library with sterile ddH₂O) as negative control; (L3) Human PvuII GW library and primers from Human tissue-type plasminogen activator provided by the kit as a positive control, (L4)B73 PvuII GW library, (L5)B73 EcoRV GW library, (L6)B73 DraI GW library, (7)B73 StuI GW library. L3 using primers from Human tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) provided by the kit. L2, and L4 through L7) using ZmNP28-specific primers.

FIG. 24: Final binary vectors RLN 90 (A) and RLN 93 (B); FIG. 24 (C) is a diagram of RHF160 and FIG. 24 (D) is a diagram of RHF158.

FIG. 25: (A) GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by pZmNP28_—655 in transgenic maize with RLN90; (B) GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by pZmNP28_—507 in transgenic maize with RLN93; (C) GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by pZmNP28_—1706 in transgenic maize with RHF158; (D) GUS expression in different tissues at different developmental stages driven by pZmNP28_—2070 in transgenic maize with RHF160.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEQUENCE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS REFERRING TO THE PROMOTERS

			amino
Name	Promoter	CDS	acid	vector	Gene	ESTs	Variant 1	Variant 2	Fragments
MAWS60	1	19	37	55	73	91	109	127
MAEM1	2	20	38	56	74	92	110	128
KG_56	3	21	39	57	75	93	111	129	145
KG_129	4	22	40	58	76	94	112	130	146
MAEM20	5	23	41	59	77	95	113	131
MAWS27	6	24	42	60	78	96	114	132
MAWS63	7	25	43	61	79	97	115	133
KG_49	8	26	44	62	80	98	116	134	147
KG_24	9	27	45	63	81	99	117	135	148
KG_37	10	28	46	64	82	100	118	136	149
KG_45	11	29	47	65	83	101	119	137	150
KG_46	12	30	48	66	84	102	120	138	151
KG_103	13	31	49	67	85	103	121	139	152
KG_119	14	32	50	68	86	104	122	140	153
MAWS23	15	33	51	69	87	105	123	141
MAWS30	16	34	52	70	88	106	124	142
MAWS57	17	35	53	71	89	107	125	143
ZmNP28	18	36	54	72	90	108	126	144

GENERAL DEFINITIONS

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, cell lines, plant species or genera, constructs, and reagents described as such. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which will be limited only by the appended claims. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “and,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a vector” is a reference to one or more vectors and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

The term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term “about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20 percent, preferably 10 percent up or down (higher or lower).

As used herein, the word “or” means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list.

“Expression cassette” as used herein means a linear or circular nucleic acid molecule. It encompasses DNA as well as RNA sequences which are capable of directing expression of a particular nucleotide sequence in an appropriate host cell. In general, it comprises a promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide of interest, which is—optionally—operably linked to termination signals and/or other regulatory elements. The expression cassette of the present invention is characterized in that it shall comprise a transcription regulating nucleotide sequence as defined hereinafter. An expression cassette may also comprise sequences required for proper translation of the nucleotide sequence. The coding region usually codes for a protein of interest but may also code for a functional RNA of interest, for example antisense RNA or a nontranslated RNA, in the sense or antisense direction. The expression cassette comprising the polynucleotide sequence of interest may be chimeric, meaning that at least one of its components is heterologous with respect to at least one of its other components. The expression cassette may also be one, which is naturally occurring but has been obtained in a recombinant form useful for heterologous expression. An expression cassette may be assembled entirely extracellularly (e.g., by recombinant cloning techniques). However, an expression cassette may also be assembled using in part endogenous components. For example, an expression cassette may be obtained by placing (or inserting) a promoter sequence upstream of an endogenous sequence, which thereby becomes functionally linked and controlled by said promoter sequences. Likewise, a nucleic acid sequence to be expressed may be placed (or inserted) downstream of an endogenous promoter sequence thereby forming an expression cassette. The expression of the nucleotide sequence in the expression cassette may be under the control of a constitutive promoter or of an inducible promoter, which initiates transcription only when the host cell is exposed to some particular external stimulus. In the case of a multicellular organism, the promoter can also be specific to a particular tissue or organ or stage of development (e.g., the embryo preferential or embryo specific promoters of the invention). In a preferred embodiment, such expression cassettes will comprise the transcriptional initiation region of the invention linked to a nucleotide sequence of interest. Such an expression cassette is preferably provided with a plurality of restriction sites for insertion of the gene of interest to be under the transcriptional regulation of the regulatory regions. The expression cassette may additionally contain selectable marker genes. The cassette will include in the 5′-3′ direction of transcription, a transcriptional and translational initiation region, a DNA sequence of interest, and a transcriptional and translational termination region functional in plants. The termination region may be native with the transcriptional initiation region, may be native with the DNA sequence of interest, or may be derived from another source. Convenient termination regions are available from the Ti-plasmid of A. tumefaciens, such as the octopine synthase and nopaline synthase termination regions and others described below (see also, Guerineau 1991; Proudfoot 1991; Sanfacon 1991; Mogen 1990; Munroe 1990; Ballas 1989; Joshi 1987). The expression cassette can also comprise a multiple cloning site. In such a case, the multiple cloning site is, preferably, arranged in a manner as to allow for operative linkage of a polynucleotide to be introduced in the multiple cloning site with the transcription regulating sequence. In addition to the aforementioned components, the expression cassette of the present invention, preferably, could comprise components required for homologous recombination, i.e. flanking genomic sequences from a target locus. However, also contemplated is an expression cassette which essentially consists of the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence, as defined hereinafter.

“Promoter” refers to a nucleotide sequence, usually upstream (5′) to its coding sequence, which controls the expression of the coding sequence by providing the recognition for RNA polymerase and other factors required for proper transcription. “Promoter” includes a minimal promoter that is a short DNA sequence comprised, in some cases, of a TATA box and other sequences that serve to specify the site of transcription initiation, to which regulatory elements are added for enhancement of expression. “Promoter” also refers to a nucleotide sequence that includes a minimal promoter plus regulatory elements and that is capable of controlling the expression of a coding sequence or functional RNA. This type of promoter sequence consists of proximal and more distal upstream elements, the latter elements often referred to as enhancers. Accordingly, an “enhancer” is a DNA sequence, which can stimulate promoter activity and may be an innate element of the promoter or a heterologous element inserted to enhance the level or tissue specificity of a promoter. It is capable of operating in both orientations (normal or flipped), and is capable of functioning even when moved either upstream or downstream from the promoter. Both enhancers and other upstream promoter elements bind sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins that mediate their effects. Promoters may be derived in their entirety from a native gene, or be composed of different elements, derived from different promoters found in nature, or even be comprised of synthetic DNA segments. A promoter may also contain DNA sequences that are involved in the binding of protein factors, which control the effectiveness of transcription initiation in response to physiological or developmental conditions. The “initiation site” is the position surrounding the first nucleotide that is part of the transcribed sequence, which is also defined as position +1. With respect to this site all other sequences of the gene and its controlling regions are numbered. Downstream sequences (i.e., further protein encoding sequences in the 3′ direction) are denominated positive, while upstream sequences (mostly of the controlling regions in the 5′ direction) are denominated negative. Promoter elements, such as a TATA element, that are inactive or have greatly reduced promoter activity in the absence of upstream activation are referred as “minimal” or “core” promoters. In the presence of a suitable transcription factor, the minimal promoter functions to permit transcription. A “minimal” or “core’ promoter thus consists only of all basal elements needed for transcription initiation, e.g., a TATA box and/or an initiator.

“Constitutive promoter” refers to a promoter that is able to express the open reading frame (ORF) in all or nearly all of the plant tissues during all or nearly all developmental stages of the plant. Each of the transcription-activating elements do not exhibit an absolute tissue-specificity, but mediate transcriptional activation in most plant tissues at a level of at least 1% reached in the plant tissue in which transcription is most active. “Constitutive expression” refers to expression using a constitutive promoter.

“Regulated promoter” refers to promoters that direct gene expression not constitutively, but in a temporally- and/or spatially-regulated manner, and includes both tissue-specific and inducible promoters. It includes natural and synthetic sequences as well as sequences which may be a combination of synthetic and natural sequences. Different promoters may direct the expression of a gene in different tissues or cell types, or at different stages of development, or in response to different environmental conditions. New promoters of various types useful in plant cells are constantly being discovered, numerous examples may be found in the compilation by Okamuro et al. (1989). Typical regulated promoters useful in plants include but are not limited to safener-inducible promoters, promoters derived from the tetracycline-inducible system, promoters derived from salicylate-inducible systems, promoters derived from alcohol-inducible systems, promoters derived from glucocorticoid-inducible system, promoters derived from pathogen-inducible systems, and promoters derived from ecdysone-inducible systems. “Conditional” and “regulated expression” refer to expression controlled by a regulated promoter.

“Inducible promoter” refers to those regulated promoters that can be turned on in one or more cell types by an external stimulus, such as a chemical, light, hormone, stress, or a pathogen.

As used herein, “transcription regulating nucleotide sequence”, refers to nucleotide sequences influencing the transcription, RNA processing or stability, or translation of the associated (or functionally linked) nucleotide sequence to be transcribed. The transcription regulating nucleotide sequence may have various localizations with the respect to the nucleotide sequences to be transcribed. The transcription regulating nucleotide sequence may be located upstream (5′ non-coding sequences), within, or downstream (3′ non-coding sequences) of the sequence to be transcribed (e.g., a coding sequence). The transcription regulating nucleotide sequences may be selected from the group comprising enhancers, promoters, translation leader sequences, introns, 5′-untranslated sequences, 3′-untranslated sequences, and polyadenylation signal sequences. They include natural and synthetic sequences as well as sequences, which may be a combination of synthetic and natural sequences. As is noted above, the term “transcription regulating nucleotide sequence” is not limited to promoters. However, preferably a transcription regulating nucleotide sequence of the invention comprises at least one promoter sequence (e.g., a sequence localized upstream of the transcription start of a gene capable to induce transcription of the downstream sequences). In one preferred embodiment the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence of the invention comprises the promoter sequence of the corresponding gene and—optionally and preferably—the native 5′-untranslated region of said gene. Furthermore, the 3′-untranslated region and/or the polyadenylation region of said gene may also be employed.

As used herein, the term “cis-regulatory element” or “promoter motif” refers to a cis-acting transcriptional regulatory element that confers an aspect of the overall control of gene expression. A cis-element may function to bind transcription factors, trans-acting protein factors that regulate transcription. Some cis-elements bind more than one transcription factor, and transcription factors may interact in different affinities with more than one cis-element. The promoters of the present invention desirably contain cis-elements that can confer or modulate gene expression. Cis-elements can be identified by a number of techniques, including deletion analysis, i.e., deleting one or more nucleotides from the 5′ end or internal of a promoter; DNA binding protein analysis using DNase I footprinting, methylation interference, electrophoresis mobility-shift assays, in vivo genomic footprinting by ligation-mediated PCR, and other conventional assays; or by DNA sequence similarity analysis with known cis-element motifs by conventional DNA sequence comparison methods. The fine structure of a cis-element can be further studied by mutagenesis (or substitution) of one or more nucleotides or by other conventional methods. Cis-elements can be obtained by chemical synthesis or by isolation from promoters that include such elements, and they can be synthesized with additional flanking nucleotides that contain useful restriction enzyme sites to facilitate subsequence manipulation.

The “expression pattern” of a promoter (with or without enhancer) is the pattern of expression levels, which shows where in the plant and in what developmental stage transcription is initiated by said promoter. Expression patterns of a set of promoters are said to be complementary when the expression pattern of one promoter shows little overlap with the expression pattern of the other promoter. The level of expression of a promoter can be determined by measuring the ‘steady state’ concentration of a standard transcribed reporter mRNA. This measurement is indirect since the concentration of the reporter mRNA is dependent not only on its synthesis rate, but also on the rate with which the mRNA is degraded. Therefore, the steady state level is the product of synthesis rates and degradation rates. The rate of degradation can however be considered to proceed at a fixed rate when the transcribed sequences are identical, and thus this value can serve as a measure of synthesis rates. When promoters are compared in this way, techniques available to those skilled in the art are hybridization S1-RNAse analysis, northern blots and competitive RT-PCR. This list of techniques in no way represents all available techniques, but rather describes commonly used procedures used to analyze transcription activity and expression levels of mRNA. The analysis of transcription start points in practically all promoters has revealed that there is usually no single base at which transcription starts, but rather a more or less clustered set of initiation sites, each of which accounts for some start points of the mRNA. Since this distribution varies from promoter to promoter the sequences of the reporter mRNA in each of the populations would differ from each other. Since each mRNA species is more or less prone to degradation, no single degradation rate can be expected for different reporter mRNAs. It has been shown for various eukaryotic promoter sequences that the sequence surrounding the initiation site (initiator) plays an important role in determining the level of RNA expression directed by that specific promoter. This includes also part of the transcribed sequences. The direct fusion of promoter to reporter sequences would therefore lead to suboptimal levels of transcription. A commonly used procedure to analyze expression patterns and levels is through determination of the ‘steady state’ level of protein accumulation in a cell. Commonly used candidates for the reporter gene, known to those skilled in the art are beta-glucuronidase (GUS), chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) and proteins with fluorescent properties, such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) from Aequora victoria. In principle, however, many more proteins are suitable for this purpose, provided the protein does not interfere with essential plant functions. For quantification and determination of localization a number of tools are suited. Detection systems can readily be created or are available which are based on, e.g., immunochemical, enzymatic, fluorescent detection and quantification. Protein levels can be determined in plant tissue extracts or in intact tissue using in situ analysis of protein expression. Generally, individual transformed lines with one chimeric promoter reporter construct may vary in their levels of expression of the reporter gene. Also frequently observed is the phenomenon that such transformants do not express any detectable product (RNA or protein). The variability in expression is commonly ascribed to ‘position effects’, although the molecular mechanisms underlying this inactivity are usually not clear.

“Tissue-specific promoter” refers to regulated promoters that are not expressed in all plant cells but only in one or more cell types in specific organs (such as leaves or seeds), specific tissues (such as embryo or cotyledon), or specific cell types (such as leaf parenchyma or seed storage cells). These also include promoters that are temporally regulated, such as in early or late embryogenesis, during fruit ripening in developing seeds or fruit, in fully differentiated leaf, or at the onset of senescence. For the purposes of the present invention, “tissue-specific” preferably refers to “seed-specific” or “seed-preferential” or embryo-specific or embryo-preferential.

“Seed” as used herein refers, preferably, to whole seed, endosperm and embryonic tissues, more preferably to embryonic tissue. “Specific” in the sense of the invention means that the polynucleotide of interest being operatively linked to the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence referred to herein will be predominantly expressed in the indicated tissues or cells when present in a plant. A predominant expression as meant herein is characterized by a statistically significantly higher amount of detectable transcription in the said tissue or cells with respect to other plant tissues. A statistically significant higher amount of transcription is, preferably, an amount being at least two-fold, three-fold, four-fold, five-fold, ten-fold, hundred-fold, five hundred-fold or thousand-fold the amount found in at least one of the other tissues with detectable transcription. Alternatively, it is an expression in the indicated tissue or cell whereby the amount of transcription in other tissues or cells is less than 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or, most preferably, 5% of the overall (whole plant) amount of expression. The amount of transcription directly correlates to the amount of transcripts (i.e. RNA) or polypeptides encoded by the transcripts present in a cell or tissue. Suitable techniques for measuring transcription either based on RNA or polypeptides are well known in the art. Tissue or cell specificity alternatively and, preferably in addition to the above, means that the expression is restricted or almost restricted to the indicated tissue or cells, i.e. there is essentially no detectable transcription in other tissues. Almost restricted as meant herein means that unspecific expression is detectable in less than ten, less than five, less than four, less than three, less than two or one other tissue(s). “Seed-preferential” or “embryo-preferential” in the context of this invention means the transcription of a nucleic acid sequence by a transcription regulating element in a way that transcription of said nucleic acid sequence in seeds contribute to more than 50%, preferably more than 70%, more preferably more than 80% of the entire quantity of the RNA transcribed from said nucleic acid sequence in the entire plant during any of its developmental stage.

“Expression” refers to the transcription and/or translation of an endogenous gene, ORF or portion thereof, or a transgene in plants. For example, in the case of antisense constructs, expression may refer to the transcription of the antisense DNA only. In addition, expression refers to the transcription and stable accumulation of sense (mRNA) or functional RNA. Expression may also refer to the production of protein.

Seed specific expression can be determined by comparing the expression of a nucleic acid of interest, e.g., a reporter gene such as GUS, operatively linked to the expression control sequence in the following tissues and stages: 1) roots and leafs at 5-leaf stage, 2) stem at V-7 stage, 3) Leaves, husk, and silk at flowering stage at the first emergence of silk, 4) Spikelets/Tassel at pollination, 5) Ear or Kernels at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days after pollination. Preferably, expression of the nucleic acid of interest can be determined only in Ear or Kernels at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days after pollination in said assay as shown in the accompanying Figures. The expression of the polynucleotide of interest can be determined by various well known techniques, e.g., by Northern Blot or in situ hybridization techniques as described in WO 02/102970, and, preferably, by GUS histochemical analysis as described in the accompanying Examples. Transgenic plants for analyzing seed specific expression can be also generated by techniques well known to the person skilled in the art and as discussed elsewhere in this specification.

The term “nucleic acid” refers to deoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides and their polymers thereof in either single- or double-stranded form, composed of monomers (nucleotides) containing a sugar, phosphate and a base, which is either a purine or pyrimidine. Unless specifically limited, the term encompasses nucleic acids containing known analogs of natural nucleotides, which have similar binding properties as the reference nucleic acid and are metabolized in a manner similar to naturally occurring nucleotides. Unless otherwise indicated, a particular nucleic acid sequence also implicitly encompasses conservatively modified variants thereof (e.g., degenerate codon substitutions) and complementary sequences as well as the sequence explicitly indicated. Specifically, degenerate codon substitutions may be achieved by generating sequences in which the third position of one or more selected (or all) codons is substituted with mixed-base and/or deoxyinosine residues (Batzer 1991; Ohtsuka 1985; Rossolini 1994). A “nucleic acid fragment” is a fraction of a given nucleic acid molecule. In higher plants, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the genetic material while ribonucleic acid (RNA) is involved in the transfer of information contained within DNA into proteins. The term “nucleotide sequence” refers to a polymer of DNA or RNA which can be single- or double-stranded, optionally containing synthetic, non-natural or altered nucleotide bases capable of incorporation into DNA or RNA polymers. The terms “nucleic acid” or “nucleic acid sequence” may also be used interchangeably with gene, cDNA, DNA and RNA encoded by a gene.

The invention encompasses isolated or substantially purified nucleic acid or protein compositions. In the context of the present invention, an “isolated” or “purified” DNA molecule or an “isolated” or “purified” polypeptide is a DNA molecule or polypeptide that, by the hand of man, exists apart from its native environment and is therefore not a product of nature. An isolated DNA molecule or polypeptide may exist in a purified form or may exist in a non-native environment such as, for example, a transgenic host cell. For example, an “isolated” or “purified” nucleic acid molecule or protein, or biologically active portion thereof, is substantially free of other cellular material, or culture medium when produced by recombinant techniques, or substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals when chemically synthesized. Preferably, an “isolated” nucleic acid is free of sequences (preferably protein encoding sequences) that naturally flank the nucleic acid (i.e., sequences located at the 5′ and 3′ ends of the nucleic acid) in the genomic DNA of the organism from which the nucleic acid is derived. For example, in various embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule can contain less than about 5 kb, 4 kb, 3 kb, 2 kb, 1 kb, 0.5 kb, or 0.1 kb of nucleotide sequences that naturally flank the nucleic acid molecule in genomic DNA of the cell from which the nucleic acid is derived. A protein that is substantially free of cellular material includes preparations of protein or polypeptide having less than about 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, (by dry weight) of contaminating protein. When the protein of the invention, or biologically active portion thereof, is recombinantly produced, preferably culture medium represents less than about 30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% (by dry weight) of chemical precursors or non-protein of interest chemicals. The nucleotide sequences of the invention include both the naturally occurring sequences as well as mutant (variant) forms. Such variants will continue to possess the desired activity, i.e., either promoter activity or the activity of the product encoded by the open reading frame of the non-variant nucleotide sequence.

The term “variant” with respect to a sequence (e.g., a polypeptide or nucleic acid sequence such as—for example—a transcription regulating nucleotide sequence of the invention) is intended to mean substantially similar sequences. For nucleotide sequences comprising an open reading frame, variants include those sequences that, because of the degeneracy of the genetic code, encode the identical amino acid sequence of the native protein. Naturally occurring allelic variants such as these can be identified with the use of well-known molecular biology techniques, as, for example, with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and hybridization techniques. Variant nucleotide sequences also include synthetically derived nucleotide sequences, such as those generated, for example, by using site-directed mutagenesis and for open reading frames, encode the native protein, as well as those that encode a polypeptide having amino acid substitutions relative to the native protein. Generally, nucleotide sequence variants of the invention will have at least 40, 50, 60, to 70%, e.g., preferably 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, to 79%, generally at least 80%, e.g., 81%-84%, at least 85%, e.g., 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, to 98% and 99% nucleotide sequence identity to the native (wild type or endogenous) nucleotide sequence, i.e. for example to SEQ ID NO's:1 to 18 or 19 to 36.

The nucleic acid molecules of the invention can be “optimized” for enhanced expression in plants of interest (see, for example, WO 91/16432; Perlak 1991; Murray 1989). In this manner, the open reading frames in genes or gene fragments can be synthesized utilizing plant-preferred codons (see, for example, Campbell & Gowri, 1990 for a discussion of host-preferred codon usage). Thus, the nucleotide sequences can be optimized for expression in any plant. It is recognized that all or any part of the gene sequence may be optimized or synthetic. That is, synthetic or partially optimized sequences may also be used. Variant nucleotide sequences and proteins also encompass sequences and protein derived from a mutagenic and recombinogenic procedure such as DNA shuffling. With such a procedure, one or more different coding sequences can be manipulated to create a new polypeptide possessing the desired properties. In this manner, libraries of recombinant polynucleotides are generated from a population of related sequence polynucleotides comprising sequence regions that have substantial sequence identity and can be homologously recombined in vitro or in vivo. Strategies for such DNA shuffling are known in the art (see, for example, Stemmer 1994; Stemmer 1994; Crameri 1997; Moore 1997; Zhang 1997; Crameri 1998; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,605,794, 6, 8, 10, and 12,837,458).

The following terms are used to describe the sequence relationships between two or more nucleic acids or polynucleotides: (a) “reference sequence”, (b) “comparison window”, (c) “sequence identity”, (d) “percentage of sequence identity”, and (e) “substantial identity”.

• (a) As used herein, “reference sequence” is a defined sequence used as a basis for sequence comparison. A reference sequence may be a subset or the entirety of a specified sequence; for example, as a segment of a full-length cDNA or gene sequence, or the complete cDNA or gene sequence.
• (b) As used herein, “comparison window” makes reference to a contiguous and specified segment of a polynucleotide sequence, wherein the polynucleotide sequence in the comparison window may comprise additions or deletions (i.e., gaps) compared to the reference sequence (which does not comprise additions or deletions) for optimal alignment of the two sequences. Generally, the comparison window is at least 20 contiguous nucleotides in length, and optionally can be 30, 40, 50, 100, or longer. Those of skill in the art understand that to avoid a high similarity to a reference sequence due to inclusion of gaps in the polynucleotide sequence a gap penalty is typically introduced and is subtracted from the number of matches.
  • Methods of alignment of sequences for comparison are well known in the art. Thus, the determination of percent identity between any two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm. Preferred, non-limiting examples of such mathematical algorithms are the algorithm of Myers and Miller, 1988; the local homology algorithm of Smith et al. 1981; the homology alignment algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch 1970; the search-for-similarity-method of Pearson and Lipman 1988; the algorithm of Karlin and Altschul, 1990, modified as in Karlin and Altschul, 1993.
  • Computer implementations of these mathematical algorithms can be utilized for comparison of sequences to determine sequence identity. Such implementations include, but are not limited to: CLUSTAL in the PC/Gene program (available from Intelligenetics, Mountain View, Calif.); the ALIGN program (Version 2.0) and GAP, BESTFIT, BLAST, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package, Version 8 (available from Genetics Computer Group (GCG), 575 Science Drive, Madison, Wis., USA). Alignments using these programs can be performed using the default parameters. The CLUSTAL program is well described (Higgins 1988, 1989; Corpet 1988; Huang 1992; Pearson 1994). The ALIGN program is based on the algorithm of Myers and Miller, supra. The BLAST programs of Altschul et al., 1990, are based on the algorithm of Karlin and Altschul, supra. Multiple aligments (i.e. of more than 2 sequences) are preferably performed using the Clustal W algorithm (Thompson 1994; e.g., in the software Vector NTI™, version 9; Invitrogen Inc.) with the scoring matrix BLOSUM62MT2 with the default settings (gap opening penalty 15/19, gap extension penalty 6.66/0.05; gap separation penalty range 8; % identity for alignment delay 40; using residue specific gaps and hydrophilic residue gaps).
  • Software for performing BLAST analyses is publicly available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). This algorithm involves first identifying high scoring sequence pairs (HSPs) by identifying short words of length W in the query sequence, which either match or satisfy some positive-valued threshold score T when aligned with a word of the same length in a database sequence. T is referred to as the neighborhood word score threshold (Altschul 1990). These initial neighborhood word hits act as seeds for initiating searches to find longer HSPs containing them. The word hits are then extended in both directions along each sequence for as far as the cumulative alignment score can be increased. Cumulative scores are calculated using, for nucleotide sequences, the parameters M (reward score for a pair of matching residues; always >0) and N (penalty score for mismatching residues; always <0). For amino acid sequences, a scoring matrix is used to calculate the cumulative score. Extension of the word hits in each direction are halted when the cumulative alignment score falls off by the quantity X from its maximum achieved value, the cumulative score goes to zero or below due to the accumulation of one or more negative-scoring residue alignments, or the end of either sequence is reached.
  • In addition to calculating percent sequence identity, the BLAST algorithm also performs a statistical analysis of the similarity between two sequences (see, e.g., Karlin & Altschul (1993). One measure of similarity provided by the BLAST algorithm is the smallest sum probability (P(N)), which provides an indication of the probability by which a match between two nucleotide or amino acid sequences would occur by chance. For example, a test nucleic acid sequence is considered similar to a reference sequence if the smallest sum probability in a comparison of the test nucleic acid sequence to the reference nucleic acid sequence is less than about 0.1, more preferably less than about 0.01, and most preferably less than about 0.001.
  • To obtain gapped alignments for comparison purposes, Gapped BLAST (in BLAST 2.0) can be utilized as described in Altschul et al. 1997. Alternatively, PSI-BLAST (in BLAST 2.0) can be used to perform an iterated search that detects distant relationships between molecules. See Altschul et al., supra. When utilizing BLAST, Gapped BLAST, PSI-BLAST, the default parameters of the respective programs (e.g. BLASTN for nucleotide sequences, BLASTX for proteins) can be used. The BLASTN program (for nucleotide sequences) uses as defaults a wordlength (W) of 11, an expectation (E) of 10, a cutoff of 100, M=5, N=−4, and a comparison of both strands. For amino acid sequences, the BLASTP program uses as defaults a wordlength (W) of 3, an expectation (E) of 10, and the BLOSUM62 scoring matrix (see Henikoff & Henikoff, 1989). See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Alignment may also be performed manually by inspection.
  • For purposes of the present invention, comparison of nucleotide sequences for determination of percent sequence identity to specific nucleotide sequences (e.g., the promoter sequences disclosed herein) is preferably made using the BlastN program (version 1.4.7 or later) with its default parameters (wordlength (W) of 11, an expectation (E) of 10, a cutoff of 100, M=5, N=−4, and a comparison of both strands) or any equivalent program. By “equivalent program” is intended any sequence comparison program that, for any two sequences in question, generates an alignment having identical nucleotide or amino acid residue matches and an identical percent sequence identity when compared to the corresponding alignment generated by the preferred program.
  • For purposes of the present invention, comparison of polypeptide or amino acid sequences for determination of percent sequence identity/homology to specific polypeptide or amino acid sequences is preferably made using the BlastP program (version 1.4.7 or later) with its default parameters (wordlength (W) of 3, an expectation (E) of 10, and the BLOSUM62 scoring matrix (Henikoff & Henikoff, 1989); see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) or any equivalent program. By “equivalent program” is intended any sequence comparison program that, for any two sequences in question, generates an alignment having identical nucleotide or amino acid residue matches and an identical percent sequence identity when compared to the corresponding alignment generated by the preferred program.
  • (c) As used herein, “sequence identity” or “identity” in the context of two nucleic acid or polypeptide sequences makes reference to the residues in the two sequences that are the same when aligned for maximum correspondence over a specified comparison window. When percentage of sequence identity is used in reference to proteins it is recognized that residue positions which are not identical often differ by conservative amino acid substitutions, where amino acid residues are substituted for other amino acid residues with similar chemical properties (e.g., charge or hydrophobicity) and therefore do not change the functional properties of the molecule. When sequences differ in conservative substitutions, the percent sequence identity may be adjusted upwards to correct for the conservative nature of the substitution. Sequences that differ by such conservative substitutions are said to have “sequence similarity” or “similarity.” Means for making this adjustment are well known to those of skill in the art. Typically this involves scoring a conservative substitution as a partial rather than a full mismatch, thereby increasing the percentage sequence identity. Thus, for example, where an identical amino acid is given a score of 1 and a non-conservative substitution is given a score of zero, a conservative substitution is given a score between zero and 1. The scoring of conservative substitutions is calculated, e.g., as implemented in the program PC/GENE (Intelligenetics, Mountain View, Calif.).
  • (d) As used herein, “percentage of sequence identity” means the value determined by comparing two optimally aligned sequences over a comparison window, wherein the portion of the polynucleotide sequence in the comparison window may comprise additions or deletions (i.e., gaps) as compared to the reference sequence (which does not comprise additions or deletions) for optimal alignment of the two sequences. The percentage is calculated by determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid base or amino acid residue occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the window of comparison, and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity.
  • (e) (i) The term “substantial identity” of polynucleotide sequences means that a polynucleotide comprises a sequence that has at least 38%, e.g., 39%, 40%, 42%, 44%, 46%, 48%, 50%, 52%, 54%, 56%, 58%, 60%, 62%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, or 79%, preferably at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, or 89%, more preferably at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, or 94%, and most preferably at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity, compared to a reference sequence using one of the alignment programs described using standard parameters. One of skill in the art will recognize that these values can be appropriately adjusted to determine corresponding identity of proteins encoded by two nucleotide sequences by taking into account codon degeneracy, amino acid similarity, reading frame positioning, and the like. Substantial identity of amino acid sequences for these purposes normally means sequence identity of at least 38%, 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90%, 95%, and most preferably at least 98%.
  • Another indication that nucleotide sequences are substantially identical is if two molecules hybridize to each other under stringent conditions (see below). Generally, stringent conditions are selected to be about 5° C. lower than the thermal melting point (T_m) for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength and pH. However, stringent conditions encompass temperatures in the range of about 1° C. to about 20° C., depending upon the desired degree of stringency as otherwise qualified herein. Nucleic acids that do not hybridize to each other under stringent conditions are still substantially identical if the polypeptides they encode are substantially identical. This may occur, e.g., when a copy of a nucleic acid is created using the maximum codon degeneracy permitted by the genetic code. One indication that two nucleic acid sequences are substantially identical is when the polypeptide encoded by the first nucleic acid is immunologically cross reactive with the polypeptide encoded by the second nucleic acid.
  • (ii) The term “substantial identity” in the context of a peptide indicates that a peptide comprises a sequence with at least 38%, e.g. 39%, 40%, 42%, 44%, 46%, 48%, 50%, 52%, 54%, 56%, 58%, 60%, 62%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, or 79%, preferably 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, or 89%, more preferably at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, or 94%, or even more preferably, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%, sequence identity to the reference sequence over a specified comparison window. Preferably, optimal alignment is conducted using the homology alignment algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch (1970). An indication that two peptide sequences are substantially identical is that one peptide is immunologically reactive with antibodies raised against the second peptide. Thus, a peptide is substantially identical to a second peptide, for example, where the two peptides differ only by a conservative substitution.

For sequence comparison, typically one sequence acts as a reference sequence to which test sequences are compared. When using a sequence comparison algorithm, test and reference sequences are input into a computer, subsequence coordinates are designated if necessary, and sequence algorithm program parameters are designated. The sequence comparison algorithm then calculates the percent sequence identity for the test sequence(s) relative to the reference sequence, based on the designated program parameters.

As noted above, another indication that two nucleic acid sequences are substantially identical is that the two molecules hybridize to each other under stringent conditions. The phrase “hybridizing specifically to” refers to the binding, duplexing, or hybridizing of a molecule only to a particular nucleotide sequence under stringent conditions when that sequence is present in a complex mixture (e.g., total cellular) DNA or RNA. “Bind(s) substantially” refers to complementary hybridization between a probe nucleic acid and a target nucleic acid and embraces minor mismatches that can be accommodated by reducing the stringency of the hybridization media to achieve the desired detection of the target nucleic acid sequence.

“Stringent hybridization conditions” and “stringent hybridization wash conditions” in the context of nucleic acid hybridization experiments such as Southern and Northern hybridization are sequence dependent, and are different under different environmental parameters. The T_m is the temperature (under defined ionic strength and pH) at which 50% of the target sequence hybridizes to a perfectly matched probe. Specificity is typically the function of post-hybridization washes, the critical factors being the ionic strength and temperature of the final wash solution. For DNA-DNA hybrids, the T_m can be approximated from the equation of Meinkoth and Wahl, 1984:

T _m=81.5° C.+16.6(log₁₀ M)+0.41(% GC)−0.61(% form)−500/L

where M is the molarity of monovalent cations, % GC is the percentage of guanosine and cytosine nucleotides in the DNA, % form is the percentage of formamide in the hybridization solution, and L is the length of the hybrid in base pairs. T_m is reduced by about 1° C. for each 1% of mismatching; thus, T_m, hybridization, and/or wash conditions can be adjusted to hybridize to sequences of the desired identity. For example, if sequences with >90% identity are sought, the T_m can be decreased 10° C. Generally, stringent conditions are selected to be about 5° C. lower than the thermal melting point I for the specific sequence and its complement at a defined ionic strength and pH. However, severely stringent conditions can utilize a hybridization and/or wash at 1, 2, 3, or 4° C. lower than the thermal melting point I; moderately stringent conditions can utilize a hybridization and/or wash at 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10° C. lower than the thermal melting point I; low stringency conditions can utilize a hybridization and/or wash at 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 20° C. lower than the thermal melting point I. Using the equation, hybridization and wash compositions, and desired T, those of ordinary skill will understand that variations in the stringency of hybridization and/or wash solutions are inherently described. If the desired degree of mismatching results in a T of less than 45° C. (aqueous solution) or 32° C. (formamide solution), it is preferred to increase the SSC concentration so that a higher temperature can be used. An extensive guide to the hybridization of nucleic acids is found in Tijssen, 1993. Generally, highly stringent hybridization and wash conditions are selected to be about 5° C. lower than the thermal melting point T_m for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength and pH.

An example of highly stringent wash conditions is 0.15 M NaCl at 72° C. for about 15 minutes. An example of stringent wash conditions is a 0.2×SSC wash at 65° C. for 15 minutes (see, Sambrook, infra, for a description of SSC buffer). Often, a high stringency wash is preceded by a low stringency wash to remove background probe signal. An example medium stringency wash for a duplex of, e.g., more than 100 nucleotides, is 1×SSC at 45° C. for 15 minutes. An example low stringency wash for a duplex of, e.g., more than 100 nucleotides, is 4 to 6×SSC at 40° C. for 15 minutes. For short probes (e.g., about 10 to 50 nucleotides), stringent conditions typically involve salt concentrations of less than about 1.5 M, more preferably about 0.01 to 1.0 M, Na ion concentration (or other salts) at pH 7.0 to 8.3, and the temperature is typically at least about 30° C. and at least about 60° C. for long robes (e.g., >50 nucleotides). Stringent conditions may also be achieved with the addition of destabilizing agents such as formamide. In general, a signal to noise ratio of 2× (or higher) than that observed for an unrelated probe in the particular hybridization assay indicates detection of a specific hybridization. Nucleic acids that do not hybridize to each other under stringent conditions are still substantially identical if the proteins that they encode are substantially identical. This occurs, e.g., when a copy of a nucleic acid is created using the maximum codon degeneracy permitted by the genetic code.

Very stringent conditions are selected to be equal to the T_m for a particular probe. An example of highly stringent conditions for hybridization of complementary nucleic acids which have more than 100 complementary residues on a filter in a Southern or Northern blot is 50% formamide, e.g., hybridization in 50% formamide, 1 M NaCl, 1% SDS at 37° C., and a wash in 0.1×SSC at 60 to 65° C. Exemplary low stringency conditions include hybridization with a buffer solution of 30 to 35% formamide, 1 M NaCl, 1% SDS (sodium dodecyl sulphate) at 37° C., and a wash in 1× to 2×SSC (20×SSC=3.0 M NaCl/0.3 M trisodium citrate) at 50 to 55° C. Exemplary moderate stringency conditions include hybridization in 40 to 45% formamide, 1.0 M NaCl, 1% SDS at 37° C., and a wash in 0.5× to 1×SSC at 55 to 60° C.

The following are examples of sets of hybridization/wash conditions that may be used to clone nucleotide sequences that are substantially identical to reference nucleotide sequences of the present invention: a reference nucleotide sequence preferably hybridizes to the reference nucleotide sequence in 7% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 0.5 M NaPO₄, 1 mM EDTA at 50° C. with washing in 2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 50° C. (very low stringency conditions), more desirably in 7% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 0.5 M NaPO₄, 1 mM EDTA at 50° C. with washing in 1×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 50° C. (low stringency conditions), more desirably still in 7% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 0.5 M NaPO₄, 1 mM EDTA at 50° C. with washing in 0.5×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 50° C. (moderate stringency conditions), preferably in 7% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 0.5 M NaPO₄, 1 mM EDTA at 50° C. with washing in 0.1×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 50° C. (high stringency conditions), more preferably in 7% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 0.5 M NaPO₄, 1 mM EDTA at 50° C. with washing in 0.1×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 65° C. (very high stringency conditions).

The terms “open reading frame” and “ORF” refer to the amino acid sequence encoded between translation initiation and termination codons of a coding sequence. The terms “initiation codon” and “termination codon” refer to a unit of three adjacent nucleotides ('codon') in a coding sequence that specifies initiation and chain termination, respectively, of protein synthesis (mRNA translation).

“Encoding” or “Coding sequence” refers to a DNA or RNA sequence that codes for a specific amino acid sequence and excludes the non-coding sequences. It may constitute an “uninterrupted coding sequence”, i.e., lacking an intron, such as in a cDNA or it may include one or more introns bounded by appropriate splice junctions. An “intron” is a sequence of RNA which is contained in the primary transcript but which is removed through cleavage and re-ligation of the RNA within the cell to create the mature mRNA that can be translated into a protein.

“Operably-linked” or “functionally linked” refers preferably to the association of nucleic acid sequences on single nucleic acid fragment so that the function of one is affected by the other. For example, a regulatory DNA sequence is said to be “operably linked to” or “associated with” a DNA sequence that codes for an RNA or a polypeptide if the two sequences are situated such that the regulatory DNA sequence affects expression of the coding DNA sequence (i.e., that the coding sequence or functional RNA is under the transcriptional control of the promoter). Coding sequences can be operably-linked to regulatory sequences in sense or antisense orientation.

The terms “heterologous DNA sequence”, “exogenous DNA segment” or “heterologous nucleic acid,” as used herein, each refer to a sequence that originates from a source foreign to the particular host cell or, if from the same source, is modified from its original form. Thus, a heterologous gene in a host cell includes a gene that is endogenous to the particular host cell but has been modified through, for example, the use of DNA shuffling. The terms also include non-naturally occurring multiple copies of a naturally occurring DNA sequence. Thus, the terms refer to a DNA segment that is foreign or heterologous to the cell, or homologous to the cell but in a position within the host cell nucleic acid in which the element is not ordinarily found. Exogenous DNA segments are expressed to yield exogenous polypeptides. A “homologous” DNA sequence is a DNA sequence that is naturally associated with a host cell into which it is introduced.

“Homologous to” in the context of nucleotide sequence identity refers to the similarity between the nucleotide sequences of two nucleic acid molecules or between the amino acid sequences of two protein molecules. Estimates of such homology are provided by either DNA-DNA or DNA-RNA hybridization under conditions of stringency as is well understood by those skilled in the art (as described in Haines and Higgins (eds.), Nucleic Acid Hybridization, IRL Press, Oxford, U.K.), or by the comparison of sequence similarity between two nucleic acids or proteins.

“Vector” is defined to include, inter alia, any plasmid, cosmid, phage or Agrobacterium binary nucleic acid molecule in double or single stranded linear or circular form which may or may not be self transmissible or mobilizable, and which can transform prokaryotic or eukaryotic host either by integration into the cellular genome or exist extrachromosomally (e.g. autonomous replicating plasmid with an origin of replication).

Specifically included are shuttle vectors by which is meant a DNA vehicle capable, naturally or by design, of replication in two different host organisms, which may be selected from actinomycetes and related species, bacteria and eukaryotic (e.g. higher plant, mammalian, yeast or fungal cells).

Preferably the nucleic acid in the vector is under the control of, and operably linked to, an appropriate promoter or other regulatory elements for transcription in a host cell such as a microbial, e.g. bacterial, or plant cell. The vector may be a bi-functional expression vector which functions in multiple hosts. In the case of genomic DNA, this may contain its own promoter or other regulatory elements and in the case of cDNA this may be under the control of an appropriate promoter or other regulatory elements for expression in the host cell.

“Cloning vectors” typically contain one or a small number of restriction endonuclease recognition sites at which foreign DNA sequences can be inserted in a determinable fashion without loss of essential biological function of the vector, as well as a marker gene that is suitable for use in the identification and selection of cells transformed with the cloning vector. Marker genes typically include genes that provide tetracycline resistance, hygromycin resistance, kanamycin resistance, streptomycin resistance or ampicillin resistance.

A “transgene” or “trangenic” refers to a gene that has been introduced into the genome by transformation and is stably or transiently maintained. Transgenes may include, for example, genes that are either heterologous or homologous to the genes of a particular plant to be transformed. Additionally, transgenes may comprise native genes inserted into a non-native organism, or chimeric genes. The term “endogenous gene” refers to a native gene in its natural location in the genome of an organism. A “foreign” gene refers to a gene not normally found in the host organism but that is introduced by gene transfer.

The term “transformation” refers to the transfer of a nucleic acid fragment into the genome of a host cell. Host cells containing the transformed nucleic acid fragments are referred to as “transgenic” cells, and organisms comprising transgenic cells are referred to as “transgenic organisms”. Examples of methods of transformation of plants and plant cells include Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (De Blaere 1987) and particle bombardment technology (U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,050). Whole plants may be regenerated from transgenic cells by methods well known to the skilled artisan (see, for example, Fromm 1990).

“Transformed,” “transgenic and “recombinant” refer to a host organism such as a bacterium or a plant into which a heterologous nucleic acid molecule has been introduced. The nucleic acid molecule can be stably integrated into the genome generally known in the art and are disclosed (Sambrook 1989; Innis 1995; Gelfand 1995; Innis & Gelfand 1999). For example, “transformed,” “transformant,” and “transgenic” plants or calli have been through the transformation process and contain a foreign gene integrated into their chromosome. The term “untransformed” refers to normal plants that have not been through the transformation process.

“Transiently transformed” refers to cells in which transgenes and foreign DNA have been introduced (for example, by such methods as Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or biolistic bombardment), but not selected for stable maintenance.

“Stably transformed” refers to cells that have been selected and regenerated on a selection media following transformation.

“Chromosomally-integrated” refers to the integration of a foreign gene or DNA construct into the host genome by covalent bonds. Where genes are not “chromosomally integrated”, they may be “transiently expressed”. Transient expression of a gene refers to the expression of a gene that is not integrated into the host chromosome but functions independently, either as part of an autonomously replicating plasmid or expression cassette, for example, or as part of another biological system such as a virus. “Genetically stable” and “heritable” refer to chromosomally-integrated genetic elements that are stably maintained in the plant and stably inherited by progeny through successive generations.

A “transgenic plant” is a plant having one or more plant cells that contain an expression vector as defined hereinafter in the detailed description.

“Primary transformant” and “TO generation” refer to transgenic plants that are of the same genetic generation as the tissue which was initially transformed (i.e., not having gone through meiosis and fertilization since transformation).

“Secondary transformants” and the “T1, T2, T3, etc. generations” refer to transgenic plants derived from primary transformants through one or more meiotic and fertilization cycles. They may be derived by self-fertilization of primary or secondary transformants or crosses of primary or secondary transformants with other transformed or untransformed plants.

“Plant tissue” includes differentiated and undifferentiated tissues or plants, including but not limited to roots, stems, shoots, leaves, pollen, seeds, tumor tissue and various forms of cells and culture such as single cells, protoplast, embryos, and callus tissue. The plant tissue may be in plants or in organ, tissue or cell culture.

The term “altered plant trait” means any phenotypic or genotypic change in a transgenic plant relative to the wild-type or non-transgenic plant host.

The word “plant” refers to any plant, particularly to agronomically useful plants (e.g., seed plants), and “plant cell” is a structural and physiological unit of the plant, which comprises a cell wall but may also refer to a protoplast. The plant cell may be in form of an isolated single cell or a cultured cell, or as a part of higher organized unit such as, for example, a plant tissue, or a plant organ differentiated into a structure that is present at any stage of a plant's development. Such structures include one or more plant organs including, but are not limited to, fruit, shoot, stem, leaf, flower petal, etc. Preferably, the term “plant” includes whole plants, shoot vegetative organs/structures (e.g. leaves, stems and tubers), roots, flowers and floral organs/structures (e.g. bracts, sepals, petals, stamens, carpels, anthers and ovules), seeds (including embryo, endosperm, and seed coat) and fruits (the mature ovary), plant tissues (e.g. vascular tissue, ground tissue, and the like) and cells (e.g. guard cells, egg cells, trichomes and the like), and progeny of same. The class of plants that can be used in the method of the invention is generally as broad as the class of higher and lower plants amenable to transformation techniques, including angiosperms (monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants), gymnosperms, ferns, and multicellular algae. It includes plants of a variety of ploidy levels, including aneuploid, polyploid, diploid, haploid and hemizygous. Included within the scope of the invention are all genera and species of higher and lower plants of the plant kingdom. Included are furthermore the mature plants, seed, shoots and seedlings, and parts, propagation material (for example seeds and fruit) and cultures, for example cell cultures, derived therefrom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention thus provides isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising a plant nucleotide sequence that directs seed-preferential or seed-specific transcription of an operably linked nucleic acid fragment in a plant cell.

Specifically, the present invention provides an expression cassette for regulating seed-specific expression of a polynucleotide of interest, said expression cassette comprising a transcription regulating nucleotide sequence selected from the group of sequences consisting of:

• (a) a nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18, or a variant thereof.
• (b) a nucleic acid sequence which is at least 80% identical to a nucleic acid sequence shown in any one of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18;
• (c) a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18;
• (d) a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes to a nucleic acid sequence located upstream of an open reading frame sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36;
• (e) a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes to a nucleic acid sequence located upstream of an open reading frame sequence encoding an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 or 54;
• (f) a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes to a nucleic acid sequence located upstream of an open reading frame sequence being at least 80% identical to an open reading frame sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36, wherein the open reading frame encodes a seed protein;
• (g) a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes to a nucleic acid sequences located upstream of an open reading frame encoding an amino acid sequence being at least 80% identical to an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 or 54, wherein the open reading frame encodes a seed protein;
• (h) a nucleic acid sequence obtainable by 5′ genome walking or by thermal asymmetric interlaced polymerase chain reaction (TAIL-PCR) on genomic DNA from the first exon of an open reading frame sequence as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36; and
• (i) a nucleic acid sequence obtainable by 5′ genome walking or TAIL PCR on genomic DNA from the first exon of an open reading frame sequence being at least 80% identical to an open reading frame as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36, wherein the open reading frame encodes a seed protein; and
• (j) a nucleic acid sequence obtainable by 5′ genome walking or TAIL PCR on genomic DNA from the first exon of an open reading frame sequence encoding an amino acid sequence being at least 80% identical to an amino acid sequence encoded by an open reading frame as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 or 54, wherein the open reading frame encodes a seed protein.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1507, 125 to about 1507, 250 to about 1507, 400 to about 1507, 600 to about 1507, upstream of the ATG (1610-1612) located at position 106 to 1612 of SEQ ID NO: 81, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1507, 125 to about 1507, 250 to about 1507, 400 to about 1507, 600 to about 1507, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1507, 125 to about 1507, 250 to about 1507, 400 to about 1507, 600 to about 1507, upstream of the ATG located at position 1610 to 1612 of SEQ ID NO: 81, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 22, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 9, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 910, 125 to about 910, 250 to about 910, 400 to about 910, 600 to about 910, upstream of the ATG (1748-1750) located at position 825 to 1735 of SEQ ID NO: 82, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 910, 125 to about 910, 250 to about 910, 400 to about 910, 600 to about 910, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 910, 125 to about 910, 250 to about 910, 400 to about 910, 600 to about 910, upstream of the ATG (1748-1750) located at position 825 to 1735 of SEQ ID NO: 82, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 23, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 10, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1131, 125 to about 1131, 250 to about 1131, 400 to about 1131, 600 to about 1131, upstream of the ATG (1185-1160) located at position 44 to 1174 of SEQ ID NO: 83, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1131, 125 to about 1131, 250 to about 1131, 400 to about 1131, 600 to about 1131, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1131, 125 to about 1131, 250 to about 1131, 400 to about 1131, 600 to about 1131, upstream of the ATG (1185-1160) located at position 44 to 1174 of SEQ ID NO: 83, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 24, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 11, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 563, 125 to about 563, 250 to about 563, 400 to about 563, upstream of the ATG (624-626) located at position 52 to 614 of SEQ ID NO: 84, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 563, 125 to about 563, 250 to about 563, 400 to about 563, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 563, 125 to about 563, 250 to about 563, 400 to about 563, upstream of the ATG (624-626) located at position 52 to 614 of SEQ ID NO: 84, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 25, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 12, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1188, 125 to about 1188, 250 to about 1188, 400 to about 1188, 600 to about 1188, upstream of the ATG (1234-1236) located at position 46 to 1233 of SEQ ID NO: 80, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1188, 125 to about 1188, 250 to about 1188, 400 to about 1188, 600 to about 1188, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1188, 125 to about 1188, 250 to about 1188, 400 to about 1188, 600 to about 1188, upstream of the ATG (1234-1236) located at position 46 to 1233 of SEQ ID NO: 80, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 26, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 8, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1945, 125 to about 1945, 250 to about 1945, 400 to about 1945, 600 to about 1945, upstream of the ATG (2428 to 2430) located at position 435 to 2379 of SEQ ID NO: 75, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1945, 125 to about 1945, 250 to about 1945, 400 to about 1945, 600 to about 1945, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1945, 125 to about 1945, 250 to about 1945, 400 to about 1945, 600 to about 1945, upstream of the ATG (2428 to 2430) located at position 435 to 2379 of SEQ ID NO: 75, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 27, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 3, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 991, 125 to about 991, 250 to about 991, 400 to about 991, 600 to about 991, upstream of the ATG (996 to 998) located at position 4 to 994 of SEQ ID NO: 85, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 991, 125 to about 991, 250 to about 991, 400 to about 991, 600 to about 991, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 991, 125 to about 991, 250 to about 991, 400 to about 991, 600 to about 991, upstream of the ATG (996 to 998) located at position 4 to 994 of SEQ ID NO: 85, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 28, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 13, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 2519, 125 to about 2519, 250 to about 2519, 400 to about 2519, 600 to about 2519, 5 base pairs downstream of the ATG (2511 to 2513) located at position 1 to 2519 of SEQ ID NO: 86, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 2519, 125 to about 2519, 250 to about 2519, 400 to about 2519, 600 to about 2519, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 2519, 125 to about 2519, 250 to about 2519, 400 to about 2519, 600 to about 2519, upstream of the ATG (2511 to 2513) located at position 1 to 2519 of SEQ ID NO: 86, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 29, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 14, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 512, 125 to about 512, 250 to about 512, 400 to about 512, upstream of the ATG (678 to 680) located at position 47 to 558 of SEQ ID NO: 76, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 512, 125 to about 512, 250 to about 512, 400 to about 512, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 512, 125 to about 512, 250 to about 512, 400 to about 512, 600 to about 512, upstream of the ATG (678 to 680) located at position 47 to 558 of SEQ ID NO: 76, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 30, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 4, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1264, 125 to about 1264, 250 to about 1264, 400 to about 1264, 600 to about 1264, upstream of the ATG (1341 to 1343) located at position 1 to 1264 of SEQ ID NO: 87, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1264, 125 to about 1264, 250 to about 1264, 400 to about 1264, 600 to about 1264, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1264, 125 to about 1264, 250 to about 1264, 400 to about 1264, 600 to about 1264, upstream of the ATG (1341 to 1343) located at position 1 to 1264 of SEQ ID NO: 87, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 49, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 15, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1355, 125 to about 1355, 250 to about 1355, 400 to about 1355, 600 to about 1355, upstream of the ATG (1357 to 1359) located at position 1 to 1355 of SEQ ID NO: 78, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1355, 125 to about 1355, 250 to about 1355, 400 to about 1355, 600 to about 1355, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1355, 125 to about 1355, 250 to about 1355, 400 to about 1355, 600 to about 1355, upstream of the ATG (1357 to 1359) located at position 1 to 1355 of SEQ ID NO: 78, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 50, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 6, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 623, 125 to about 623, 250 to about 623, 400 to about 623, 500 to about 623, upstream of the ATG (695 to 697) located at position 1 to 623 of SEQ ID NO: 88, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 623, 125 to about 623, 250 to about 623, 400 to about 623, 500 to about 623, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 623, 125 to about 623, 250 to about 623, 400 to about 623, 500 to about 1355, upstream of the ATG (695 to 697) located at position 1 to 623 of SEQ ID NO: 88, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 51, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 16, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1950, 125 to about 1950, 250 to about 1950, 400 to about 1950, 600 to about 1950, upstream of the ATG (2700 to 2702) located at position 700 to 2649 of SEQ ID NO: 89, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1950, 125 to about 1950, 250 to about 1950, 400 to about 1950, 600 to about 1950, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1950, 125 to about 1950, 250 to about 1950, 400 to about 1950, 600 to about 1355, upstream of the ATG (2700 to 2702) located at position 700 to 2649 of SEQ ID NO: 89, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 52, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 17, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1106, 125 to about 1106, 250 to about 1106, 400 to about 1106, 600 to about 1106, upstream of the ATG (1220 to 1222) located at position 1 to 1106 of SEQ ID NO: 73, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1106, 125 to about 1106, 250 to about 1106, 400 to about 1106, 600 to about 1106, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1106, 125 to about 1106, 250 to about 1106, 400 to about 1106, 600 to about 1355, upstream of the ATG (1220 to 1222) located at position 1 to 1106 of SEQ ID NO: 73, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 53, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1941, 125 to about 1941, 250 to about 1941, 400 to about 1941, 600 to about 1941, upstream of the ATG (2303 to 2305) located at position 302 to 2242 of SEQ ID NO: 79, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1941, 125 to about 1941, 250 to about 1941, 400 to about 1941, 600 to about 1941, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 1941, 125 to about 1941, 250 to about 1941, 400 to about 1941, 600 to about 1355, upstream of the ATG (2303 to 2305) located at position 302 to 2242 of SEQ ID NO: 79, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 54, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 7, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 922, 125 to about 922, 250 to about 922, 400 to about 922, 600 to about 922, upstream of the ATG (923 to 925) located at position 1 to 922 of SEQ ID NO: 74, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 922, 125 to about 922, 250 to about 922, 400 to about 922, 600 to about 922, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 922, 125 to about 922, 250 to about 922, 400 to about 922, 600 to about 1355, upstream of the ATG (923 to 925) located at position 1 to 922 of SEQ ID NO: 74, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 55, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 698, 125 to about 698, 250 to about 698, 400 to about 698, 500 to about 698, upstream of the ATG (699 to 671) located at position 1 to 698 of SEQ ID NO: 77, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 698, 125 to about 698, 250 to about 698, 400 to about 698, 500 to about 698, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 698, 125 to about 698, 250 to about 698, 400 to about 698, 500 to about 1355, upstream of the ATG (699 to 671) located at position 1 to 698 of SEQ ID NO: 77, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 56, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 5, or a variant thereof.

Preferably, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and promoters of the invention include a consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3500, including 50 to 3000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 3500, 60 to about 3000, 125 to about 2500, 250 to about 2300, 400 to about 2000, 600 to about 1700, upstream of the ATG located at position 656 to 658 of SEQ ID NO: 196, which include the minimal promoter region.

In a particular embodiment of the invention said consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3000, including 50 to 2000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 2500, 60 to about 922, 125 to about 922, 250 to about 922, 400 to about 922, 600 to about 922, has at least 50% or 60%, preferably at least 70% or 80%, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95%, nucleic acid sequence identity with a corresponding consecutive stretch of about 25 to 3500, including 50 to 3000 or 100 to 500, and up to 1000 or 1500, contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 40 to about 3500, 60 to about 3000, 125 to about 2500, 250 to about 2300, 400 to about 2000, 600 to about 1700, upstream of the ATG located at position 656 to 658 of SEQ ID NO: 196, which include the minimal promoter region. The above-defined stretch of contiguous nucleotides preferably comprises one or more promoter motifs, as shown in Table 61, preferably selected from the group consisting of TATA box, GC-box, CAAT-box and a transcription start site. A preferred transcription regulating nucleotide sequence to be included into an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 18, or a variant thereof.

In a particularly preferred embodiment said consecutive stretch of nucleotides comprises nucleotide 1440 to 2112 of SEQ ID NO: 18, nucleotide 1600 to 2112 of SEQ ID NO: 18, even more preferred nucleotide 1740 to 2112 of SEQ ID NO: 18, and most preferred nucleotide 1740 to 1999 of SEQ ID NO: 18.

The present invention also contemplates a transcription regulating nucleotide sequences which can be derived from a transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18. Said transcription regulating nucleotide sequences are capable of hybridizing, preferably under stringent conditions, to the upstream sequences of the open reading frame shown in SEQ ID NO: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36, or a variant thereof, i.e. to the transcription regulating nucleotide sequences shown in SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18, or a variant thereof.

Stringent hybridization conditions as meant herein are, preferably, hybridization conditions in 6× sodium chloride/sodium citrate (═SSC) at approximately 45° C., followed by one or more wash steps in 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 53 to 65° C., preferably at 55° C., 56° C., 57° C., 58° C., 59° C., 60° C., 61° C., 62° C., 63° C., 64° C. or 65° C. The skilled worker knows that these hybridization conditions differ depending on the type of nucleic acid and, for example when organic solvents are present, with regard to the temperature and concentration of the buffer. Examples for stringent hybridization conditions are given in the “General Definitions” section.

Moreover, transcription regulating nucleotide sequences of the present invention can not only be found upstream of the aforementioned open reading frames having a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36. Rather, transcription regulating nucleotide sequences can also be found upstream of orthologous, paralogous or homologous genes (i.e. open reading frames). Thus, also preferably, a variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequence comprised by an expression cassette of the present invention has a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes to a nucleic acid sequences located upstream of an open reading frame sequence being at least 70%, more preferably, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94% at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identical to a sequence as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36. The said variant open reading shall encode a polypeptide having the biological activity of the corresponding polypeptide being encoded by the open reading frame shown in SEQ ID NOs: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36. In this context it should be mentioned that the open reading frame shown in SEQ ID NOs: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36 encodes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 or 54 and, preferably, encodes a seed protein.

Also preferably, a variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequence of the present invention is (i) obtainable by 5′ genome walking or TAIL PCR from an open reading frame sequence as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36 or (ii) obtainable by 5′ genome walking or TAIL PCR from a open reading frame sequence being at least 80% identical to an open reading frame as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36. Variant expression control sequences are obtainable without further ado by the genome walking technology or by thermal asymmetric interlaced polymerase chain reaction (TAIL-PCR) which can be carried out as described by Liu and Huang, Plant Molecular Biology Reporter, 1998, Vol. 16, pages 175 to 181, as well as references therein, or Liu et al., The Plant Journal, 1995, Vol. 8, pages 457-463, and references therein, by using, e.g., commercially available kits.

Suitable oligonucleotides corresponding to a nucleotide sequence of the invention, e.g., for use as primers in probing or amplification reactions as the PCR reaction described abobe, may be about 30 or fewer nucleotides in length (e.g., 9, 12, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24, or any number between 9 and 30). Generally specific primers are upwards of 14 nucleotides in length. For optimum specificity and cost effectiveness, primers of 16 to 24 nucleotides in length may be preferred. Those skilled in the art are well versed in the design of primers for use processes such as PCR. If required, probing can be done with entire restriction fragments of the gene disclosed herein which may be 100's or even 1000's of nucleotides in length.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 9, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 22.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 10, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 23.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 11, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 24.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 12, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 25.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 26.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 27.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 13, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 28

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 14, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 29.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 30.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 15, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 49.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 50.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 16, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 51.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 17 preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 52.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 53.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 7, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 54.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 55.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 56.

Variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences referred to in this specification for the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 18, preferably, comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, or all of the sequence motifs recited in Table 61.

Examples for preferred variant transcription regulating sequences are shown in SEQ ID NOs 109 to 126 as well as 127 to 144.

Compared to the corresponding transcription regulating nucleotide sequences, the aforementioned variants (as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 109 to 144) do not comprise start codons (ATG). The start codons are either replaced by BVH (SEQ ID NOs: 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) or by BVH plus stop codons (SEQ ID NOs: 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144) between any two start codons (according to the IUPAC nomenclature: B represents C or G or T, V represents A or C or G, and H represents A or C or T). Thus, variant transcription regulating sequences may be obtained by mutating putative start codons as described above.

Without significantly impairing the properties mentioned, non-essential sequences of the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence of the invention can be deleted. Delimitation of the expression control sequence to particular essential regulatory regions can also be undertaken with the aid of a computer program such as the PLACE program (“Plant Cis-acting Regulatory DNA Elements”) (Higo K et al. (1999) Nucleic Acids Res 27:1, 297-300), see Table 5, or the BIOBASE database “Transfac” (Biologische Datenbanken GmbH, Braunschweig). By such measures, variant transcription regulating nucleotide sequences as specified above can be artificially generated. Moreover, processes for mutagenizing nucleic acid sequences are known to the skilled worker and include, e.g., the use of oligonucleotides having one or more mutations compared with the region to be mutated (e.g. within the framework of a site-specific mutagenesis). Primers having approximately 15 to approximately 75 nucleotides or more are typically employed, with preferably about 10 to about 25 or more nucleotide residues being located on both sides of a sequence to be modified. Details and procedure for said mutagenesis processes are familiar to the skilled worker (Kunkel et al. (1987) Methods Enzymol 154:367-382; Tomic et al. (1990) Nucl Acids Res 12:1656; Upender et al. (1995) Biotechniques 18(1):29-30; U.S. Pat. No. 4,237,224). A mutagenesis can also be achieved by treatment of, for example, vectors comprising the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence of the invention with mutagenizing agents such as hydroxylamine. Mutagenesis also yields variant expression cassettes of the invention as specified above.

Generally, the transcription regulating nucleotide sequences and promoters of the invention may be employed to express a nucleic acid segment that is operably linked to said promoter such as, for example, an open reading frame, or a portion thereof, an anti-sense sequence, a sequence encoding for a double-stranded RNA sequence, or a transgene in plants.

Accordingly, a further embodiment of the present invention, the expression cassette of the present invention comprises at least one polynucleotide of interest being operatively linked to the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence and/or at least one a termination sequence or transcription. Thus, the expression cassette of the present invention, preferably, comprises a transcription regulating nucleotide sequence for the expression of at least one polynucleotide of interest. However, expression cassettes comprising transcription regulating nucleotide sequences with at least two, three, four or five or even more transcription regulating nucleotide sequences for polynucleotides of interest are also contemplated by the present invention.

The term “polynucleotide of interest” refers to a nucleic acid which shall be expressed under the control of the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence referred to herein. Preferably, a polynucleotide of interest encodes a polypeptide the presence of which is desired in a cell or plant seed as referred to herein. Such a polypeptide may be an enzyme which is required for the synthesis of seed storage compounds or may be a seed storage protein. It is to be understood that if the polynucleotide of interest encodes a polypeptide, transcription of the nucleic acid in RNA and translation of the transcribed RNA into the polypeptide may be required. A polynucleotide of interest, also preferably, includes biologically active RNA molecules and, more preferably, antisense RNAs, ribozymes, micro RNAs or siRNAs. For example, an undesired enzymatic activity in a seed can be reduced due to the seed specific expression of an antisense RNAs, ribozymes, micro RNAs or siRNAs. The underlying biological principles of action of the aforementioned biologically active RNA molecules are well known in the art. Moreover, the person skilled in the art is well aware of how to obtain nucleic acids which encode such biologically active RNA molecules. It is to be understood that the biologically active RNA molecules may be directly obtained by transcription of the nucleic acid of interest, i.e. without translation into a polypeptide. Preferably, at least one polynucleotide of interest to be expressed under the control of the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence of the present invention is heterologous in relation to said expression control sequence, i.e. it is not naturally under the control thereof, but said control has been produced in a non-natural manner (for example by genetic engineering processes)

An operable linkage may—for example—comprise an sequential arrangement of the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence of the invention (for example a sequence as described by SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18) with a nucleic acid sequence to be expressed, and—optionally—additional regulatory elements such as for example polyadenylation or transcription termination elements, enhancers, introns etc, in a way that the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence can fulfill its function in the process of expression the nucleic acid sequence of interest under the appropriate conditions. The term “appropriate conditions” mean preferably the presence of the expression cassette in a plant cell. Preferred are arrangements, in which the nucleic acid sequence of interest to be expressed is placed down-stream (i.e., in 3′-direction) of the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence of the invention in a way, that both sequences are covalently linked. Optionally additional sequences may be inserted in-between the two sequences. Such sequences may be for example linker or multiple cloning sites. Furthermore, sequences can be inserted coding for parts of fusion proteins (in case a fusion protein of the protein encoded by the nucleic acid of interest is intended to be expressed). Preferably, the distance between the polynucleotide of interest to be expressed and the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence of the invention is not more than 200 base pairs, preferably not more than 100 base pairs, more preferably no more than 50 base pairs.

An operable linkage in relation to any expression cassette or of the invention may be realized by various methods known in the art, comprising both in vitro and in vivo procedure. Thus, an expression cassette of the invention or an vector comprising such expression cassette may by realized using standard recombination and cloning techniques well known in the art (see e.g., Maniatis 1989; Silhavy 1984; Ausubel 1987).

An expression cassette may also be assembled by inserting a transcription regulating nucleotide sequence of the invention (for example a sequence as described by SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18) into the plant genome. Such insertion will result in an operable linkage to a nucleic acid sequence of interest, which as such already existed in the genome. By the insertion the nucleic acid of interest is expressed in a seed-preferential or seed-specific way due to the transcription regulating properties of the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence. The insertion may be directed or by chance. Preferably the insertion is directed and realized by for example homologous recombination. By this procedure a natural promoter may be exchanged against the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence of the invention, thereby modifying the expression profile of an endogenous gene. The transcription regulating nucleotide sequence may also be inserted in a way, that antisense mRNA of an endogenous gene is expressed, thereby inducing gene silencing.

Similar, a polynucleotide of interest to be expressed may by inserted into a plant genome comprising the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence in its natural genomic environment (i.e. linked to its natural gene) in a way that the inserted sequence becomes operably linked to the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence, thereby forming an expression cassette of the invention.

The expression cassette may be employed for numerous expression purposes such as for example expression of a protein, or expression of a antisense RNA, sense or double-stranded RNA. Preferably, expression of the nucleic acid sequence confers to the plant an agronomically valuable trait.

The polynucleotide of interest to be linked to the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence of the invention may be obtained from an insect resistance gene, a disease resistance gene such as, for example, a bacterial disease resistance gene, a fungal disease resistance gene, a viral disease resistance gene, a nematode disease resistance gene, a herbicide resistance gene, a gene affecting grain composition or quality, a nutrient utilization gene, a mycotoxin reduction gene, a male sterility gene, a selectable marker gene, a screenable marker gene, a negative selectable marker, a positive selectable marker, a gene affecting plant agronomic characteristics, i.e., yield, standability, and the like, or an environment or stress resistance gene, i.e., one or more genes that confer herbicide resistance or tolerance, insect resistance or tolerance, disease resistance or tolerance (viral, bacterial, fungal, oomycete, or nematode), stress tolerance or resistance (as exemplified by resistance or tolerance to drought, heat, chilling, freezing, excessive moisture, salt stress, or oxidative stress), increased yields, food content and makeup, physical appearance, male sterility, drydown, standability, prolificacy, starch properties or quantity, oil quantity and quality, amino acid or protein composition, and the like. By “resistant” is meant a plant, which exhibits substantially no phenotypic changes as a consequence of agent administration, infection with a pathogen, or exposure to stress. By “tolerant” is meant a plant, which, although it may exhibit some phenotypic changes as a consequence of infection, does not have a substantially decreased reproductive capacity or substantially altered metabolism.

Seed-specific transcription regulating nucleotide sequences (e.g., promoters) are useful for expressing a wide variety of genes including those which alter metabolic pathways, confer disease resistance, for protein production, e.g., antibody production, or to improve nutrient uptake and the like. Seed-specific transcription regulating nucleotide sequences (e.g., promoters) may be modified so as to be regulatable, e.g., inducible. The genes and transcription regulating nucleotide sequences (e.g., promoters) described hereinabove can be used to identify orthologous genes and their transcription regulating nucleotide sequences (e.g., promoters) which are also likely expressed in a particular tissue and/or development manner. Moreover, the orthologous transcription regulating nucleotide sequences (e.g., promoters) are useful to express linked open reading frames. In addition, by aligning the transcription regulating nucleotide sequences (e.g., promoters) of these orthologs, novel cis elements can be identified that are useful to generate synthetic transcription regulating nucleotide sequences (e.g., promoters).

Another object of the present invention refers to a vector comprising the expression cassette of the present invention.

The term “vector”, preferably, encompasses phage, plasmid, viral or retroviral vectors as well as artificial chromosomes, such as bacterial or yeast artificial chromosomes. Moreover, the term also relates to targeting constructs which allow for random or site-directed integration of the targeting construct into genomic DNA. Such target constructs, preferably, comprise DNA of sufficient length for either homologous or heterologous recombination as described in detail below. The vector encompassing the polynucleotides of the present invention, preferably, further comprises selectable markers for propagation and/or selection in a host. The vector may be incorporated into a host cell by various techniques well known in the art. If introduced into a host cell, the vector may reside in the cytoplasm or may be incorporated into the genome. In the latter case, it is to be understood that the vector may further comprise nucleic acid sequences which allow for homologous recombination or heterologous insertion. Vectors can be introduced into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells via conventional transformation or transfection techniques. The terms “transformation” and “transfection”, conjugation and transduction, as used in the present context, are intended to comprise a multiplicity of prior-art processes for introducing foreign nucleic acid (for example DNA) into a host cell, including calcium phosphate, rubidium chloride or calcium chloride co-precipitation, DEAE-dextran-mediated transfection, lipofection, natural competence, carbon-based clusters, chemically mediated transfer, electroporation or particle bombardment (e.g., “gene-gun”). Suitable methods for the transformation or transfection of host cells, including plant cells, can be found in Sambrook et al. (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2^nd ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989) and other laboratory manuals, such as Methods in Molecular Biology, 1995, Vol. 44, Agrobacterium protocols, Ed.: Gartland and Davey, Humana Press, Totowa, N.J. Alternatively, a plasmid vector may be introduced by heat shock or electroporation techniques. Should the vector be a virus, it may be packaged in vitro using an appropriate packaging cell line prior to application to host cells. Retroviral vectors may be replication competent or replication defective. In the latter case, viral propagation generally will occur only in complementing host/cells.

Preferably, the vector referred to herein is suitable as a cloning vector, i.e. replicable in microbial systems. Such vectors ensure efficient cloning in bacteria and, preferably, yeasts or fungi and make possible the stable transformation of plants. Those which must be mentioned are, in particular, various binary and co-integrated vector systems which are suitable for the T-DNA-mediated transformation. Such vector systems are, as a rule, characterized in that they contain at least the vir genes, which are required for the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and the sequences which delimit the T-DNA (T-DNA border). These vector systems, preferably, also comprise further cis-regulatory regions such as promoters and terminators and/or selection markers with which suitable transformed host cells or organisms can be identified. While co-integrated vector systems have vir genes and T-DNA sequences arranged on the same vector, binary systems are based on at least two vectors, one of which bears vir genes, but no T-DNA, while a second one bears T-DNA, but no vir gene. As a consequence, the last-mentioned vectors are relatively small, easy to manipulate and can be replicated both in E. coli and in Agrobacterium. An overview of binary vectors and their use can be found in Hellens et al, Trends in Plant Science (2000) 5, 446-451. Furthermore, by using appropriate cloning vectors, the expression cassette of the invention can be introduced into host cells or organisms such as plants or animals and, thus, be used in the transformation of plants, such as those which are published, and cited, in: Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla.), chapter 6/7, pp. 71-119 (1993); F. F. White, Vectors for Gene Transfer in Higher Plants; in: Transgenic Plants, vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, Ed.: Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press, 1993, 15-38; B. Jenes et al., Techniques for Gene Transfer, in: Transgenic Plants, vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, Ed.: Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press (1993), 128-143; Potrykus, Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42 (1991), 205-225.

More preferably, the vector of the present invention is an expression vector. In such an expression vector, the expression cassette comprises a transcription regulating nucleotide sequence as specified above allowing for expression in eukaryotic cells or isolated fractions thereof. An expression vector may, in addition to the expression cassette of the invention, also comprise further regulatory elements including transcriptional as well as translational enhancers. Preferably, the expression vector is also a gene transfer or targeting vector. Expression vectors derived from viruses such as retroviruses, vaccinia virus, adeno-associated virus, herpes viruses, or bovine papilloma virus, may be used for delivery of the expression cassettes or vector of the invention into targeted cell population. Methods which are well known to those skilled in the art can be used to construct recombinant viral vectors; see, for example, the techniques described in Sambrook, Molecular Cloning A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (1989) N.Y. and Ausubel, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Green Publishing Associates and Wiley Interscience, N.Y. (1994).

Suitable expression vector backbones are, preferably, derived from expression vectors known in the art such as Okayama-Berg cDNA expression vector pcDV1 (Pharmacia), pCDM8, pRc/CMV, pcDNA1, pcDNA3 (Invitrogene) or pSPORT1 (GIBCO BRL). Further examples of typical fusion expression vectors are pGEX (Pharmacia Biotech Inc; Smith, D. B., and Johnson, K. S. (1988) Gene 67:31-40), pMAL (New England Biolabs, Beverly, Mass.) and pRIT5 (Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J.), where glutathione S-transferase (GST), maltose E-binding protein and protein A, respectively, are fused with the nucleic acid of interest encoding a protein to be expressed. The target gene expression of the pTrc vector is based on the transcription from a hybrid trp-lac fusion promoter by host RNA polymerase. The target gene expression from the pET 11d vector is based on the transcription of a T7-gn10-lac fusion promoter, which is mediated by a coexpressed viral RNA polymerase (T7 gn1). This viral polymerase is provided by the host strains BL21 (DE3) or HMS174 (DE3) from a resident λ-prophage which harbors a T7 gn1 gene under the transcriptional control of the lacUV 5 promoter. Examples of vectors for expression in the yeast S. cerevisiae comprise pYepSec1 (Baldari et al. (1987) Embo J. 6:229-234), pMFa (Kurjan and Herskowitz (1982) Cell 30:933-943), pJRY88 (Schultz et al. (1987) Gene 54:113-123) and pYES2 (Invitrogen Corporation, San Diego, Calif.). Vectors and processes for the construction of vectors which are suitable for use in other fungi, such as the filamentous fungi, comprise those which are described in detail in: van den Hondel, C. A. M. J. J., & Punt, P. J. (1991) “Gene transfer systems and vector development for filamentous fungi, in: Applied Molecular Genetics of fungi, J. F. Peberdy et al., Ed., pp. 1-28, Cambridge University Press:

Cambridge, or in: More Gene Manipulations in Fungi (J. W. Bennett & L. L. Lasure, Ed., pp. 396-428: Academic Press: San Diego). Further suitable yeast vectors are, for example, pAG-1, YEp6, YEp13 or pEMBLYe23.

The vector of the present invention comprising the expression cassette will have to be propagated and amplified in a suitable organism, i.e. expression host.

Accordingly, another embodiment of the invention relates to transgenic host cells or non-human, transgenic organisms comprising an expression cassette of the invention. Preferred are prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Both microorganism and higher organisms are comprised. Preferred microorganisms are bacteria, yeast, algae, and fungi. Preferred bacteria are those of the genus Escherichia, Erwinia, Agrobacterium, Flavobacterium, Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas, Bacillus or Cyanobacterim such as—for example—Synechocystis and other bacteria described in Brock Biology of Microorganisms Eighth Edition (pages A-8, A-9, A10 and A11). Most preferably the transgenic cells or non-human, transgenic organisms comprising an expression cassette of the invention is a plant cell or plant (as defined above), more preferably a plant used for oil production such as—for example—Brassica napus, Brassica juncea, Linum usitatissimum, soybean, Camelina or sunflower.

Especially preferred are microorganisms capable to infect plants and to transfer DNA into their genome, especially bacteria of the genus Agrobacterium, preferably Agrobacterium tumefaciens and rhizogenes. Preferred yeasts are Candida, Saccharomyces, Hansenula and Pichia. Preferred fungi are Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Ashbya, Neurospora, Fusarium, and Beauveria.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the host cell relates to a plant cell, plant, a plant seed, a non-human animal or a multicellular micro-organism.

Accordingly, the present invention further refers to a transgenic plant cell, plant tissue, plant organ, or plant seed, comprising the expression cassette or the vector of the present invention.

The expression cassette or vector may be present in the cytoplasm of the organism or may be incorporated into the genome either heterologous or by homologous recombination. Host cells, in particular those obtained from plants or animals, may be introduced into a developing embryo in order to obtain mosaic or chimeric organisms, i.e. transgenic organisms, i.e. plants, comprising the host cells of the present invention. Suitable transgenic organisms are, preferably, all organisms which are suitable for the expression of recombinant genes.

The nature of the transgenic plant cells is not limited, for example, the plant cell can be a monocotyledonous plant cell, or a dicotyledonous plant cell. Preferably, the transgenic plant transgenic plant tissue, plant organ, plant or seed is a monocotyledonous plant or a plant cell, plant tissue, plant organ, plant seed from a monocotyledonous plant.

Examples of transgenic plant cells finding use with the invention include cells (or entire plants or plant parts) derived from the genera: Ananas, Musa, Vitis, Fragaria, Lotus, Medicago, Onobrychis, Trifolium, Trigonella, Vigna, Citrus, Carica, Persea, Prunus, Syragrus, Theobroma, Coffea, Linum, Geranium, Manihot, Daucus, Arabidopsis, Brassica, Raphanus, Sinapis, Atropa, Capsicum, Datura, Hyoscyamus, Lycopersicon, Nicotiana, Solanum, Petunia, Digitalis, Majorana, Mangifera, Cichorium, Helianthus, Lactuca, Bromus, Asparagus, Antirrhinum, Heterocallis, Nemesia, Pelargonium, Panicum, Pennisetum, Ranunculus, Senecio, Salpiglossis, Cucurbita, Cucumis, Browaalia, Lolium, Malus, Apium, Gossypium, Vicia, Lathyrus, Lupinus, Pachyrhizus, Wisteria, Stizolobium, Agrostis, Phleum, Dactylis, Sorghum, Setaria, Zea, Oryza, Triticum, Secale, Avena, Hordeum, Saccharum, Poa, Festuca, Stenotaphrum, Cynodon, Coix, Olyreae, Phareae, Glycine, Pisum, Psidium, Passiflora, Cicer, Phaseolus, Lens, and Arachis

Preferably, the transgenic plant cells finding use with the invention include cells (or entire plants or plant parts) from the family of poaceae, such as the genera Hordeum, Secale, Avena, Sorghum, Andropogon, Holcus, Panicum, Oryza, Zea, Triticum, for example the genera and species Hordeum vulgare, Hordeum jubatum, Hordeum murinum, Hordeum secalinum, Hordeum distichon, Hordeum aegiceras, Hordeum hexastichon, Hordeum hexastichum, Hordeum irregulare, Hordeum sativum, Hordeum secalinum, Secale cereale, Avena sativa, Avena fatua, Avena byzantina, Avena fatua var. sativa, Avena hybrida, Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum halepense, Sorghum saccharatum, Sorghum vulgare, Andropogon drummondii, Holcus bicolor, Holcus sorghum, Sorghum aethiopicum, Sorghum arundinaceum, Sorghum caffrorum, Sorghum cemuum, Sorghum dochna, Sorghum drummondii, Sorghum durra, Sorghum guineense, Sorghum lanceolatum, Sorghum nervosum, Sorghum saccharatum, Sorghum subglabrescens, Sorghum verticilliflorum, Sorghum vulgare, Holcus halepensis, Sorghum miliaceum, Panicum militaceum, Oryza sativa, Oryza latifolia, Zea mays, Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum, Triticum turgidum, Triticum hybemum, Triticum macha, Triticum sativum or Triticum vulgare.

In particular, preferred plants to be used as transgenic plants in accordance with the present invention are oil fruit crops which comprise large amounts of lipid compounds, such as peanut, oilseed rape, canola, sunflower, safflower, poppy, mustard, hemp, castor-oil plant, olive, sesame, Calendula, Punica, evening primrose, mullein, thistle, wild roses, hazelnut, almond, macadamia, avocado, bay, pumpkin/squash, linseed, soybean, pistachios, borage, trees (oil palm, coconut, walnut) or crops such as maize, wheat, rye, oats, triticale, rice, barley, cotton, cassava, pepper, Tagetes, Solanaceae plants such as potato, tobacco, eggplant and tomato, Vicia species, pea, alfalfa or bushy plants (coffee, cacao, tea), Salix species, and perennial grasses and fodder crops. Preferred plants according to the invention are oil crop plants such as peanut, oilseed rape, canola, sunflower, safflower, poppy, mustard, hemp, castor-oil plant, olive, Calendula, Punica, evening primrose, pumpkin/squash, linseed, soybean, borage, trees (oil palm, coconut).

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a transgenic plant tissue, plant organ, plant or seed comprising

• • (a) introducing the expression cassette or the vector of the invention into a plant cell; and
  • (b) regenerating said plant cell to form a plant tissue, plant organ, plant or seed.

Expression cassettes can be introduced into plant cells in a number of art-recognized ways. Plant species may be transformed with the DNA construct of the present invention by the DNA-mediated transformation of plant cell protoplasts and subsequent regeneration of the plant from the transformed protoplasts in accordance with procedures well known in the art.

Any plant tissue capable of subsequent clonal propagation, whether by organogenesis or embryogenesis, may be transformed with a vector of the present invention. The term “organogenesis,” as used herein, means a process by which shoots and roots are developed sequentially from meristematic centers; the term “embryogenesis,” as used herein, means a process by which shoots and roots develop together in a concerted fashion (not sequentially), whether from somatic cells or gametes. The particular tissue chosen will vary depending on the clonal propagation systems available for, and best suited to, the particular species being transformed. Exemplary tissue targets include leaf disks, pollen, embryos, cotyledons, hypocotyls, megagametophytes, callus tissue, existing meristematic tissue (e.g., apical meristems, axillary buds, and root meristems), and induced meristem tissue (e.g., cotyledon meristem and ultilane meristem).

Plants of the present invention may take a variety of forms. The plants may be chimeras of transformed cells and non-transformed cells; the plants may be clonal transformants (e.g., all cells transformed to contain the expression cassette); the plants may comprise grafts of transformed and untransformed tissues (e.g., a transformed root stock grafted to an untransformed scion in citrus species). The transformed plants may be propagated by a variety of means, such as by clonal propagation or classical breeding techniques. For example, first generation (or T1) transformed plants may be selfed to give homozygous second generation (or T2) transformed plants, and the T2 plants further propagated through classical breeding techniques. A dominant selectable marker (such as npt II) can be associated with the expression cassette to assist in breeding.

Transformation of plants can be undertaken with a single DNA molecule or multiple DNA molecules (i.e., co-transformation), and both these techniques are suitable for use with the expression cassettes of the present invention. Numerous transformation vectors are available for plant transformation, and the expression cassettes of this invention can be used in conjunction with any such vectors. The selection of vector will depend upon the preferred transformation technique and the target species for transformation.

A variety of techniques are available and known to those skilled in the art for introduction of constructs into a plant cell host. These techniques generally include transformation with DNA employing A. tumefaciens or A. rhizogenes as the transforming agent, liposomes, PEG precipitation, electroporation, DNA injection, direct DNA uptake, microprojectile bombardment, particle acceleration, and the like (See, for example, EP 295959 and EP 138341) (see below). However, cells other than plant cells may be transformed with the expression cassettes of the invention. The general descriptions of plant expression vectors and reporter genes, and Agrobacterium and Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer, can be found in Gruber et al. (1993).

Expression vectors containing genomic or synthetic fragments can be introduced into protoplasts or into intact tissues or isolated cells. Preferably expression vectors are introduced into intact tissue. General methods of culturing plant tissues are provided for example by Maki et al., (1993); and by Phillips et al. (1988). Preferably, expression vectors are introduced into maize or other plant tissues using a direct gene transfer method such as microprojectile-mediated delivery, DNA injection, electroporation and the like. More preferably expression vectors are introduced into plant tissues using the microprojectile media delivery with the biolistic device. See, for example, Tomes et al. (1995). The vectors of the invention can not only be used for expression of structural genes but may also be used in exon-trap cloning, or promoter trap procedures to detect differential gene expression in varieties of tissues (Lindsey 1993; Auch & Reth 1990).

It is particularly preferred to use the binary type vectors of Ti and Ri plasmids of Agrobacterium spp. Ti-derived vectors transform a wide variety of higher plants, including monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants, such as soybean, cotton, rape, tobacco, and rice (Pacciotti 1985: Byrne 1987; Sukhapinda 1987; Lorz 1985; Potrykus, 1985; Park 1985: Hiei 1994). The use of T-DNA to transform plant cells has received extensive study and is amply described (EP 120516; Hoekema, 1985; Knauf, 1983; and An 1985). For introduction into plants, the chimeric genes of the invention can be inserted into binary vectors as described in the examples.

Other transformation methods are available to those skilled in the art, such as direct uptake of foreign DNA constructs (see EP 295959), techniques of electroporation (Fromm 1986) or high velocity ballistic bombardment with metal particles coated with the nucleic acid constructs (Kline 1987, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,050). Once transformed, the cells can be regenerated by those skilled in the art. Of particular relevance are the recently described methods to transform foreign genes into commercially important crops, such as rapeseed (De Block 1989), sunflower (Everett 1987), soybean (McCabe 1988; Hinchee 1988; Chee 1989; Christou 1989; EP 301749), rice (Hiei 1994), and corn (Gordon-Kamm 1990; Fromm 1990).

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the choice of method might depend on the type of plant, i.e., monocotyledonous or dicotyledonous, targeted for transformation. Suitable methods of transforming plant cells include, but are not limited to, microinjection (Crossway 1986), electroporation (Riggs 1986), Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (Hinchee 1988), direct gene transfer (Paszkowski 1984), and ballistic particle acceleration using devices available from Agracetus, Inc., Madison, Wis. And BioRad, Hercules, Calif. (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,050; and McCabe 1988). Also see, Weissinger 1988; Sanford 1987 (onion); Christou 1988 (soybean); McCabe 1988 (soybean); Datta 1990 (rice); Klein 1988 (maize); Klein 1988 (maize); Klein 1988 (maize); Fromm 1990 (maize); and Gordon-Kamm 1990 (maize); Svab 1990 (tobacco chloroplast); Koziel 1993 (maize); Shimamoto 1989 (rice); Christou 1991 (rice); European Patent Application EP 0 332 581 (orchardgrass and other Pooideae); Vasil 1993 (wheat); Weeks 1993 (wheat).

In another embodiment, a nucleotide sequence of the present invention is directly transformed into the plastid genome. Plastid transformation technology is extensively described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,451,513, 5,545,817, and 5,545,818, in PCT application no. WO 95/16783, and in McBride et al., 1994. The basic technique for chloroplast transformation involves introducing regions of cloned plastid DNA flanking a selectable marker together with the gene of interest into a suitable target tissue, e.g., using biolistics or protoplast transformation (e.g., calcium chloride or PEG mediated transformation). The 1 to 1.5 kb flanking regions, termed targeting sequences, facilitate orthologous recombination with the plastid genome and thus allow the replacement or modification of specific regions of the plastome. Initially, point mutations in the chloroplast 16S rRNA and rps12 genes conferring resistance to spectinomycin and/or streptomycin are utilized as selectable markers for transformation (Svab 1990; Staub 1992). This resulted in stable homoplasmic transformants at a frequency of approximately one per 100 bombardments of target leaves. The presence of cloning sites between these markers allowed creation of a plastid-targeting vector for introduction of foreign genes (Staub 1993). Substantial increases in transformation frequency are obtained by replacement of the recessive rRNA or r-protein antibiotic resistance genes with a dominant selectable marker, the bacterial aadA gene encoding the spectinomycin-detoxifying enzyme aminoglycoside-3N-adenyltransferase (Svab 1993). Other selectable markers useful for plastid transformation are known in the art and encompassed within the scope of the invention. Typically, approximately 15-20 cell division cycles following transformation are required to reach a homoplastidic state. Plastid expression, in which genes are inserted by homologous recombination into all of the several thousand copies of the circular plastid genome present in each plant cell, takes advantage of the enormous copy number advantage over nuclear-expressed genes to permit expression levels that can readily exceed 10% of the total soluble plant protein. In a preferred embodiment, a nucleotide sequence of the present invention is inserted into a plastid-targeting vector and transformed into the plastid genome of a desired plant host. Plants homoplastic for plastid genomes containing a nucleotide sequence of the present invention are obtained, and are preferentially capable of high expression of the nucleotide sequence.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens cells containing a vector comprising an expression cassette of the present invention, wherein the vector comprises a Ti plasmid, are useful in methods of making transformed plants. Plant cells are infected with an Agrobacterium tumefaciens as described above to produce a transformed plant cell, and then a plant is regenerated from the transformed plant cell. Numerous Agrobacterium vector systems useful in carrying out the present invention are known.

Various Agrobacterium strains can be employed, preferably disarmed Agrobacterium tumefaciens or rhizogenes strains. In a preferred embodiment, Agrobacterium strains for use in the practice of the invention include octopine strains, e.g., LBA4404 or agropine strains, e.g., EHA101 or EHA105. Suitable strains of A. tumefaciens for DNA transfer are for example EHA101[pEHA101] (Hood 1986), EHA105[pEHA105] (Li 1992), LBA4404[pAL4404] (Hoekema 1983), C58C1[pMP90] (Koncz & Schell 1986), and C58C1[pGV2260] (Deblaere 1985). Other suitable strains are Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58, a nopaline strain. Other suitable strains are A. tumefaciens C58C1 (Van Larebeke 1974), A136 (Watson 1975) or LBA4011 (Klapwijk 1980). In another preferred embodiment the soil-borne bacterium is a disarmed variant of Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain K599 (NCPPB 2659). Preferably, these strains are comprising disarmed plasmid variants of a Ti- or Ri-plasmid providing the functions required for T-DNA transfer into plant cells (e.g., the vir genes). In a preferred embodiment, the Agrobacterium strain used to transform the plant tissue pre-cultured with the plant phenolic compound contains a L,L-succinamopine type Ti-plasmid, preferably disarmed, such as pEHA101. In another preferred embodiment, the Agrobacterium strain used to transform the plant tissue pre-cultured with the plant phenolic compound contains an octopine-type Ti-plasmid, preferably disarmed, such as pAL4404. Generally, when using octopine-type Ti-plasmids or helper plasmids, it is preferred that the virF gene be deleted or inactivated (Jarschow 1991).

The method of the invention can also be used in combination with particular Agrobacterium strains, to further increase the transformation efficiency, such as Agrobacterium strains wherein the vir gene expression and/or induction thereof is altered due to the presence of mutant or chimeric virA or virG genes (e.g. Hansen 1994; Chen and Winans 1991; Scheeren-Groot, 1994). Preferred are further combinations of Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 (Hiei 1994) with super-virulent plasmids. These are preferably pTOK246-based vectors (Ishida 1996).

A binary vector or any other vector can be modified by common DNA recombination techniques, multiplied in E. coli, and introduced into Agrobacterium by e.g., electroporation or other transformation techniques (Mozo & Hooykaas 1991).

Agrobacterium is grown and used in a manner similar to that described in Ishida (1996). The vector comprising Agrobacterium strain may, for example, be grown for 3 days on YP medium (5 g/l yeast extract, 10 g/l peptone, 5 g/l NaCl, 15 g/l agar, pH 6.8) supplemented with the appropriate antibiotic (e.g., 50 mg/l spectinomycin). Bacteria are collected with a loop from the solid medium and resuspended. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, Agrobacterium cultures are started by use of aliquots frozen at −80° C.

The transformation of the target tissue (e.g., an immature embryo) by the Agrobacterium may be carried out by merely contacting the target tissue with the Agrobacterium. The concentration of Agrobacterium used for infection and co-cultivation may need to be varied. For example, a cell suspension of the Agrobacterium having a population density of approximately from 10⁵-10¹¹, preferably 10⁶ to 10¹⁰, more preferably about 10⁸ cells or cfu/ml is prepared and the target tissue is immersed in this suspension for about 3 to 10 minutes. The resulting target tissue is then cultured on a solid medium for several days together with the Agrobacterium.

Preferably, the bacterium is employed in concentration of 10⁶ to 10¹⁰ cfu/ml. In a preferred embodiment for the co-cultivation step about 1 to 10 μl of a suspension of the soil-borne bacterium (e.g., Agrobacteria) in the co-cultivation medium are directly applied to each target tissue explant and air-dried. This is saving labor and time and is reducing unintended Agrobacterium-mediated damage by excess Agrobacterium usage.

For Agrobacterium treatment, the bacteria are resuspended in a plant compatible co-cultivation medium. Supplementation of the co-culture medium with antioxidants (e.g., silver nitrate), phenol-absorbing compounds (like polyvinylpyrrolidone, Perl 1996) or thiol compounds (e.g., dithiothreitol, L-cysteine, Olhoft 2001) which can decrease tissue necrosis due to plant defence responses (like phenolic oxidation) may further improve the efficiency of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. In another preferred embodiment, the co-cultivation medium of comprises least one thiol compound, preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium thiolsulfate, dithiotrietol (DTT) and cysteine. Preferably the concentration is between about 1 mM and 10 mM of L-Cysteine, 0.1 mM to 5 mM DTT, and/or 0.1 mM to 5 mM sodium thiolsulfate. Preferably, the medium employed during co-cultivation comprises from about 1 μM to about 10 μM of silver nitrate and from about 50 mg/L to about 1,000 mg/L of L-Cystein. This results in a highly reduced vulnerability of the target tissue against Agrobacterium-mediated damage (such as induced necrosis) and highly improves overall transformation efficiency.

Various vector systems can be used in combination with Agrobacteria. Preferred are binary vector systems. Common binary vectors are based on “broad host range”-plasmids like pRK252 (Bevan 1984) or pTJS75 (Watson 1985) derived from the P-type plasmid RK2. Most of these vectors are derivatives of pBIN19 (Bevan 1984). Various binary vectors are known, some of which are commercially available such as, for example, pBI101.2 or pBIN19 (Clontech Laboratories, Inc. USA). Additional vectors were improved with regard to size and handling (e.g. pPZP; Hajdukiewicz 1994). Improved vector systems are described also in WO 02/00900.

Methods using either a form of direct gene transfer or Agrobacterium-mediated transfer usually, but not necessarily, are undertaken with a selectable marker, which may provide resistance to an antibiotic (e.g., kanamycin, hygromycin or methotrexate) or a herbicide (e.g., phosphinothricin). The choice of selectable marker for plant transformation is not, however, critical to the invention.

For certain plant species, different antibiotic or herbicide selection markers may be preferred. Selection markers used routinely in transformation include the nptII gene which confers resistance to kanamycin and related antibiotics (Messing & Vierra, 1982; Bevan 1983), the bar gene which confers resistance to the herbicide phosphinothricin (White 1990, Spencer 1990), the hph gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic hygromycin (Blochlinger & Diggelmann), and the dhfr gene, which confers resistance to methotrexate (Bourouis 1983).

Methods for the production and further characterization of stably transformed plants are well-known to the person skilled in the art. As an example, transgenic plant cells are placed in an appropriate selective medium for selection of transgenic cells, which are then grown to callus. Shoots are grown from callus. Plantlets are generated from the shoot by growing in rooting medium. The various constructs normally will be joined to a marker for selection in plant cells. Conveniently, the marker may be resistance to a biocide (particularly an antibiotic, such as kanamycin, G418, bleomycin, hygromycin, chloramphenicol, herbicide, or the like). The particular marker used will allow for selection of transformed cells as compared to cells lacking the DNA, which has been introduced. Components of DNA constructs including transcription cassettes of this invention may be prepared from sequences, which are native (endogenous) or foreign (exogenous) to the host. By “foreign” it is meant that the sequence is not found in the wild-type host into which the construct is introduced. Heterologous constructs will contain at least one region, which is not native to the gene from which the transcription-initiation-region is derived.

To confirm the presence of the transgenes in transgenic cells and plants, a variety of assays may be performed. Such assays include, for example, “molecular biological” assays well known to those of skill in the art, such as Southern and Northern blotting, in situ hybridization and nucleic acid-based amplification methods such as PCR or RT-PCR or TaqMan; “biochemical” assays, such as detecting the presence of a protein product, e.g., by immunological means (ELISAs and Western blots) or by enzymatic function; plant part assays, such as seed assays; and also, by analyzing the phenotype of the whole regenerated plant, e.g., for disease or pest resistance.

DNA may be isolated from cell lines or any plant parts to determine the presence of the preselected nucleic acid segment through the use of techniques well known to those skilled in the art. Note that intact sequences will not always be present, presumably due to rearrangement or deletion of sequences in the cell.

The presence of nucleic acid elements introduced through the methods of this invention may be determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Using these technique discreet fragments of nucleic acid are amplified and detected by gel electrophoresis. This type of analysis permits one to determine whether a preselected nucleic acid segment is present in a stable transformant, but does not prove integration of the introduced preselected nucleic acid segment into the host cell genome. In addition, it is not possible using PCR techniques to determine whether transformants have exogenous genes introduced into different sites in the, genome, i.e., whether transformants are of independent origin. It is contemplated that using PCR techniques it would be possible to clone fragments of the host genomic DNA adjacent to an introduced preselected DNA segment. Known methods of PCR include, but are not limited to, methods using paired primers, nested primers, single specific primers, degenerate primers, gene-specific primers, vector-specific primers, partially mismatched primers, and the like.

Positive proof of DNA integration into the host genome and the independent identities of transformants may be determined using the technique of Southern hybridization. Using this technique specific DNA sequences that were introduced into the host genome and flanking host DNA sequences can be identified. Hence the Southern hybridization pattern of a given transformant serves as an identifying characteristic of that transformant. In addition it is possible through Southern hybridization to demonstrate the presence of introduced preselected DNA segments in high molecular weight DNA, i.e., confirm that the introduced preselected, DNA segment has been integrated into the host cell genome. The technique of Southern hybridization provides information that is obtained using PCR, e.g., the presence of a preselected DNA segment, but also demonstrates integration into the genome and characterizes each individual transformant.

It is contemplated that using the techniques of dot or slot blot hybridization which are modifications of Southern hybridization techniques one could obtain the same information that is derived from PCR, e.g., the presence of a preselected DNA segment.

Both PCR and Southern hybridization techniques can be used to demonstrate transmission of a preselected DNA segment to progeny. In most instances the characteristic Southern hybridization pattern for a given transformant will segregate in progeny as one or more Mendelian genes (Spencer 1992); Laursen 1994) indicating stable inheritance of the gene. The non-chimeric nature of the callus and the parental transformants (R₀) was suggested by germline transmission and the identical Southern blot hybridization patterns and intensities of the transforming DNA in callus, R₀ plants and R₁ progeny that segregated for the transformed gene.

Whereas DNA analysis techniques may be conducted using DNA isolated from any part of a plant, RNA may only be expressed in particular cells or tissue types and hence it will be necessary to prepare RNA for analysis from these tissues. PCR techniques may also be used for detection and quantitation of RNA produced from introduced preselected DNA segments. In this application of PCR it is first necessary to reverse transcribe RNA into DNA, using enzymes such as reverse transcriptase, and then through the use of conventional PCR techniques amplify the DNA. In most instances PCR techniques, while useful, will not demonstrate integrity of the RNA product. Further information about the nature of the RNA product may be obtained by Northern blotting. This technique will demonstrate the presence of an RNA species and give information about the integrity of that RNA. The presence or absence of an RNA species can also be determined using dot or slot blot Northern hybridizations. These techniques are modifications of Northern blotting and will only demonstrate the presence or absence of an RNA species.

While Southern blotting and PCR may be used to detect the preselected DNA segment in question, they do not provide information as to whether the preselected DNA segment is being expressed. Expression may be evaluated by specifically identifying the protein products of the introduced preselected DNA segments or evaluating the phenotypic changes brought about by their expression.

Assays for the production and identification of specific proteins may make use of physical-chemical, structural, functional, or other properties of the proteins. Unique physical-chemical or structural properties allow the proteins to be separated and identified by electrophoretic procedures, such as native or denaturing gel electrophoresis or isoelectric focusing, or by chromatographic techniques such as ion exchange or gel exclusion chromatography. The unique structures of individual proteins offer opportunities for use of specific antibodies to detect their presence in formats such as an ELISA assay. Combinations of approaches may be employed with even greater specificity such as Western blotting in which antibodies are used to locate individual gene products that have been separated by electrophoretic techniques. Additional techniques may be employed to absolutely confirm the identity of the product of interest such as evaluation by amino acid sequencing following purification. Although these are among the most commonly employed, other procedures may be additionally used.

Assay procedures may also be used to identify the expression of proteins by their functionality, especially the ability of enzymes to catalyze specific chemical reactions involving specific substrates and products. These reactions may be followed by providing and quantifying the loss of substrates or the generation of products of the reactions by physical or chemical procedures. Examples are as varied as the enzyme to be analyzed.

Very frequently the expression of a gene product is determined by evaluating the phenotypic results of its expression. These assays also may take many forms including but not limited to analyzing changes in the chemical composition, morphology, or physiological properties of the plant. Morphological changes may include greater stature or thicker stalks. Most often changes in response of plants or plant parts to imposed treatments are evaluated under carefully controlled conditions termed bioassays.

The following section provides examples of particular polynucleotides of interest, which can be operably linked to the expression cassette of the present invention.

1. Exemplary Transgenes

1.1. Herbicide Resistance

The genes encoding phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (bar and pat), glyphosate tolerant EPSP synthase genes, the glyphosate degradative enzyme gene gox encoding glyphosate oxidoreductase, deh (encoding a dehalogenase enzyme that inactivates dalapon), herbicide resistant (e.g., sulfonylurea and imidazolinone) acetolactate synthase, and bxn genes (encoding a nitrilase enzyme that degrades bromoxynil) are good examples of herbicide resistant genes for use in transformation. The bar and pat genes code for an enzyme, phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT), which inactivates the herbicide phosphinothricin and prevents this compound from inhibiting glutamine synthetase enzymes. The enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate synthase (EPSP Synthase), is normally inhibited by the herbicide N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine (glyphosate). However, genes are known that encode glyphosate-resistant EPSP Synthase enzymes. The deh gene encodes the enzyme dalapon dehalogenase and confers resistance to the herbicide dalapon. The bxn gene codes for a specific nitrilase enzyme that converts bromoxynil to a non-herbicidal degradation product.

• 1.2 Insect Resistance

An important aspect of the present invention concerns the introduction of insect resistance-conferring genes into plants. Potential insect resistance genes, which can be introduced, include Bacillus thuringiensis crystal toxin genes or Bt genes (Watrud 1985). Bt genes may provide resistance to lepidopteran or coleopteran pests such as European Corn Borer (ECB) and corn rootworm (CRW). Preferred Bt toxin genes for use in such embodiments include the CryIA(b) and CryIA(c) genes. Endotoxin genes from other species of B. thuringiensis, which affect insect growth or development, may also be employed in this regard. Protease inhibitors may also provide insect resistance (Johnson 1989), and will thus have utility in plant transformation. The use of a protease inhibitor II gene, pinII, from tomato or potato is envisioned to be particularly useful. Even more advantageous is the use of a pinII gene in combination with a Bt toxin gene, the combined effect of which has been discovered by the present inventors to produce synergistic insecticidal activity. Other genes, which encode inhibitors of the insects' digestive system, or those that encode enzymes or co-factors that facilitate the production of inhibitors, may also be useful. Cystatin and amylase inhibitors, such as those from wheat and barley, may exemplify this group.

Also, genes encoding lectins may confer additional or alternative insecticide properties. Lectins (originally termed phytohemagglutinins) are multivalent carbohydrate-binding proteins, which have the ability to agglutinate red blood cells from a range of species. Lectins have been identified recently as insecticidal agents with activity against weevils, ECB and rootworm (Murdock 1990; Czapla & Lang, 1990). Lectin genes contemplated to be useful include, for example, barley and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and rice lectins (Gatehouse 1984), with WGA being preferred.

Genes controlling the production of large or small polypeptides active against insects when introduced into the insect pests, such as, e.g., lytic peptides, peptide hormones and toxins and venoms, form another aspect of the invention. For example, it is contemplated, that the expression of juvenile hormone esterase, directed towards specific insect pests, may also result in insecticidal activity, or perhaps cause cessation of metamorphosis (Hammock 1990).

Transgenic plants expressing genes, which encode enzymes that affect the integrity of the insect cuticle form yet another aspect of the invention. Such genes include those encoding, e.g., chitinase, proteases, lipases and also genes for the production of nikkomycin, a compound that inhibits chitin synthesis, the introduction of any of which is contemplated to produce insect resistant maize plants. Genes that code for activities that affect insect molting, such those affecting the production of ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyl transferase, also fall within the scope of the useful transgenes of the present invention.

Genes that code for enzymes that facilitate the production of compounds that reduce the nutritional quality of the host plant to insect pests are also encompassed by the present invention. It may be possible, for instance, to confer insecticidal activity on a plant by altering its sterol composition. Sterols are obtained by insects from their diet and are used for hormone synthesis and membrane stability. Therefore alterations in plant sterol composition by expression of novel genes, e.g., those that directly promote the production of undesirable sterols or those that convert desirable sterols into undesirable forms, could have a negative effect on insect growth and/or development and hence endow the plant with insecticidal activity. Lipoxygenases are naturally occurring plant enzymes that have been shown to exhibit anti-nutritional effects on insects and to reduce the nutritional quality of their diet. Therefore, further embodiments of the invention concern transgenic plants with enhanced lipoxygenase activity which may be resistant to insect feeding.

The present invention also provides methods and compositions by which to achieve qualitative or quantitative changes in plant secondary metabolites. One example concerns transforming plants to produce DIMBOA which, it is contemplated, will confer resistance to European corn borer, rootworm and several other maize insect pests. Candidate genes that are particularly considered for use in this regard include those genes at the bx locus known to be involved in the synthetic DIMBOA pathway (Dunn 1981). The introduction of genes that can regulate the production of maysin, and genes involved in the production of dhurrin in sorghum, is also contemplated to be of use in facilitating resistance to earworm and rootworm, respectively.

Tripsacum dactyloides is a species of grass that is resistant to certain insects, including corn rootworm. It is anticipated that genes encoding proteins that are toxic to insects or are involved in the biosynthesis of compounds toxic to insects will be isolated from Tripsacum and that these novel genes will be useful in conferring resistance to insects. It is known that the basis of insect resistance in Tripsacum is genetic, because said resistance has been transferred to Zea mays via sexual crosses (Branson & Guss, 1972).

Further genes encoding proteins characterized as having potential insecticidal activity may also be used as transgenes in accordance herewith. Such genes include, for example, the cowpea trypsin inhibitor (CpTI; Hilder 1987), which may be used as a rootworm deterrent; genes encoding avermectin (Campbell 1989; Ikeda 1987) which may prove particularly useful as a corn rootworm deterrent; ribosome inactivating protein genes; and even genes that regulate plant structures. Transgenic maize including anti-insect antibody genes and genes that code for enzymes that can covert a non-toxic insecticide (pro-insecticide) applied to the outside of the plant into an insecticide inside the plant are also contemplated.

1.3 Environment or Stress Resistance

Improvement of a plant's ability to tolerate various environmental stresses such as, but not limited to, drought, excess moisture, chilling, freezing, high temperature, salt, and oxidative stress, can also be effected through expression of heterologous, or overexpression of homologous genes. Benefits may be realized in terms of increased resistance to freezing temperatures through the introduction of an “antifreeze” protein such as that of the Winter Flounder (Cutler 1989) or synthetic gene derivatives thereof. Improved chilling tolerance may also be conferred through increased expression of glycerol-3-phosphate acetyltransferase in chloroplasts (Murata 1992; Wolter 1992). Resistance to oxidative stress (often exacerbated by conditions such as chilling temperatures in combination with high light intensities) can be conferred by expression of superoxide dismutase (Gupta 1993), and may be improved by glutathione reductase (Bowler 1992). Such strategies may allow for tolerance to freezing in newly emerged fields as well as extending later maturity higher yielding varieties to earlier relative maturity zones.

Expression of novel genes that favorably effect plant water content, total water potential, osmotic potential, and turgor can enhance the ability of the plant to tolerate drought. As used herein, the terms “drought resistance” and “drought tolerance” are used to refer to a plants increased resistance or tolerance to stress induced by a reduction in water availability, as compared to normal circumstances, and the ability of the plant to function and survive in lower-water environments, and perform in a relatively superior manner. In this aspect of the invention it is proposed, for example, that the expression of a gene encoding the biosynthesis of osmotically active solutes can impart protection against drought. Within this class of genes are DNAs encoding mannitol dehydrogenase (Lee and Saier, 1982) and trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (Kaasen 1992). Through the subsequent action of native phosphatases in the cell or by the introduction and coexpression of a specific phosphatase, these introduced genes will result in the accumulation of either mannitol or trehalose, respectively, both of which have been well documented as protective compounds able to mitigate the effects of stress. Mannitol accumulation in transgenic tobacco has been verified and preliminary results indicate that plants expressing high levels of this metabolite are able to tolerate an applied osmotic stress (Tarczynski 1992).

Similarly, the efficacy of other metabolites in protecting either enzyme function (e.g. alanopine or propionic acid) or membrane integrity (e.g., alanopine) has been documented (Loomis 1989), and therefore expression of gene encoding the biosynthesis of these compounds can confer drought resistance in a manner similar to or complimentary to mannitol. Other examples of naturally occurring metabolites that are osmotically active and/or provide some direct protective effect during drought and/or desiccation include sugars and sugar derivatives such as fructose, erythritol (Coxson 1992), sorbitol, dulcitol (Karsten 1992), glucosylglycerol (Reed 1984; Erdmann 1992), sucrose, stachyose (Koster & Leopold 1988; Blackman 1992), ononitol and pinitol (Vernon & Bohnert 1992), and raffinose (Bernal-Lugo & Leopold 1992). Other osmotically active solutes, which are not sugars, include, but are not limited to, proline and glycine-betaine (Wyn-Jones and Storey, 1981). Continued canopy growth and increased reproductive fitness during times of stress can be augmented by introduction and expression of genes such as those controlling the osmotically active compounds discussed above and other such compounds, as represented in one exemplary embodiment by the enzyme myoinositol 0-methyltransferase.

It is contemplated that the expression of specific proteins may also increase drought tolerance. Three classes of Late Embryogenic Proteins have been assigned based on structural similarities (see Dure 1989). All three classes of these proteins have been demonstrated in maturing (i.e., desiccating) seeds. Within these 3 types of proteins, the Type-II (dehydrin-type) have generally been implicated in drought and/or desiccation tolerance in vegetative plant parts (e.g. Mundy and Chua, 1988; Piatkowski 1990; Yamaguchi-Shinozaki 1992). Recently, expression of a Type-III LEA (HVA-1) in tobacco was found to influence plant height, maturity and drought tolerance (Fitzpatrick, 1993). Expression of structural genes from all three groups may therefore confer drought tolerance. Other types of proteins induced during water stress include thiol proteases, aldolases and transmembrane transporters (Guerrero 1990), which may confer various protective and/or repair-type functions during drought stress. The expression of a gene that effects lipid biosynthesis and hence membrane composition can also be useful in conferring drought resistance on the plant.

Many genes that improve drought resistance have complementary modes of action. Thus, combinations of these genes might have additive and/or synergistic effects in improving drought resistance in maize. Many of these genes also improve freezing tolerance (or resistance); the physical stresses incurred during freezing and drought are similar in nature and may be mitigated in similar fashion. Benefit may be conferred via constitutive expression or tissue-specific of these genes, but the preferred means of expressing these novel genes may be through the use of a turgor-induced promoter (such as the promoters for the turgor-induced genes described in Guerrero et al. 1990 and Shagan 1993). Spatial and temporal expression patterns of these genes may enable maize to better withstand stress.

Expression of genes that are involved with specific morphological traits that allow for increased water extractions from drying soil would be of benefit. For example, introduction and expression of genes that alter root characteristics may enhance water uptake. Expression of genes that enhance reproductive fitness during times of stress would be of significant value. For example, expression of DNAs that improve the synchrony of pollen shed and receptiveness of the female flower parts, i.e., silks, would be of benefit. In addition, expression of genes that minimize kernel abortion during times of stress would increase the amount of grain to be harvested and hence be of value. Regulation of cytokinin levels in monocots, such as maize, by introduction and expression of an isopentenyl transferase gene with appropriate regulatory sequences can improve monocot stress resistance and yield (Gan 1995).

Given the overall role of water in determining yield, it is contemplated that enabling plants to utilize water more efficiently, through the introduction and expression of novel genes, will improve overall performance even when soil water availability is not limiting. By introducing genes that improve the ability of plants to maximize water usage across a full range of stresses relating to water availability, yield stability or consistency of yield performance may be realized.

Improved protection of the plant to abiotic stress factors such as drought, heat or chill, can also be achieved—for example—by overexpressing antifreeze polypeptides from Myoxocephalus Scorpius (WO 00/00512), Myoxocephalus octodecemspinosus, the Arabidopsis thaliana transcription activator CBF1, glutamate dehydrogenases (WO 97/12983, WO 98/11240), calcium-dependent protein kinase genes (WO 98/26045), calcineurins (WO 99/05902), casein kinase from yeast (WO 02/052012), farnesyltransferases (WO 99/06580; Pei Z M et al. (1998) Science 282:287-290), ferritin (Deak M et al. (1999) Nature Biotechnology 17:192-196), oxalate oxidase (WO 99/04013; Dunwell J M (1998) Biotechn Genet Eng Rev 15:1-32), DREB1A factor (“dehydration response element B 1A”; Kasuga M et al. (1999) Nature Biotech 17:276-286), genes of mannitol or trehalose synthesis such as trehalose-phosphate synthase or trehalose-phosphate phosphatase (WO 97/42326) or by inhibiting genes such as trehalase (WO 97/50561).

1.4 Disease Resistance

It is proposed that increased resistance to diseases may be realized through introduction of genes into plants period. It is possible to produce resistance to diseases caused, by viruses, bacteria, fungi, root pathogens, insects and nematodes. It is also contemplated that control of mycotoxin producing organisms may be realized through expression of introduced genes.

Resistance to viruses may be produced through expression of novel genes. For example, it has been demonstrated that expression of a viral coat protein in a transgenic plant can impart resistance to infection of the plant by that virus and perhaps other closely related viruses (Cuozzo 1988, Hemenway 1988, Abel 1986). It is contemplated that expression of antisense genes targeted at essential viral functions may impart resistance to said virus. For example, an antisense gene targeted at the gene responsible for replication of viral nucleic acid may inhibit said replication and lead to resistance to the virus. It is believed that interference with other viral functions through the use of antisense genes may also increase resistance to viruses. Further it is proposed that it may be possible to achieve resistance to viruses through other approaches, including, but not limited to the use of satellite viruses.

It is proposed that increased resistance to diseases caused by bacteria and fungi may be realized through introduction of novel genes. It is contemplated that genes encoding so-called “peptide antibiotics,” pathogenesis related (PR) proteins, toxin resistance, and proteins affecting host-pathogen interactions such as morphological characteristics will be useful. Peptide antibiotics are polypeptide sequences, which are inhibitory to growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. For example, the classes of peptides referred to as cecropins and magainins inhibit growth of many species of bacteria and fungi. It is proposed that expression of PR proteins in plants may be useful in conferring resistance to bacterial disease. These genes are induced following pathogen attack on a host plant and have been divided into at least five classes of proteins (Bol 1990). Included amongst the PR proteins are beta-1,3-glucanases, chitinases, and osmotin and other proteins that are believed to function in plant resistance to disease organisms. Other genes have been identified that have antifungal properties, e.g., UDA (stinging nettle lectin) and hevein (Broakgert 1989; Barkai-Golan 1978). It is known that certain plant diseases are caused by the production of phytotoxins. Resistance to these diseases could be achieved through expression of a novel gene that encodes an enzyme capable of degrading or otherwise inactivating the phytotoxin. Expression novel genes that alter the interactions between the host plant and pathogen may be useful in reducing the ability the disease organism to invade the tissues of the host plant, e.g., an increase in the waxiness of the leaf cuticle or other morphological characteristics.

Plant parasitic nematodes are a cause of disease in many plants. It is proposed that it would be possible to make the plant resistant to these organisms through the expression of novel genes. It is anticipated that control of nematode infestations would be accomplished by altering the ability of the nematode to recognize or attach to a host plant and/or enabling the plant to produce nematicidal compounds, including but not limited to proteins.

Furthermore, a resistance to fungi, insects, nematodes and diseases, can be achieved by targeted accumulation of certain metabolites or proteins. Such proteins include but are not limited to glucosinolates (defense against herbivores), chitinases or glucanases and other enzymes which destroy the cell wall of parasites, ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) and other proteins of the plant resistance and stress reaction as are induced when plants are wounded or attacked by microbes, or chemically, by, for example, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid or ethylene, or lysozymes from nonplant sources such as, for example, T4-lysozyme or lysozyme from a variety of mammals, insecticidal proteins such as Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin, a-amylase inhibitor or protease inhibitors (cowpea trypsin inhibitor), lectins such as wheatgerm agglutinin, RNAses or ribozymes. Further examples are nucleic acids which encode the Trichoderma harzianum chit42 endochitinase (GenBank Acc. No.: S78423) or the N-hydroxylating, multi-functional cytochrome P-450 (CYP79) protein from Sorghum bicolor (GenBank Acc. No.: U32624), or functional equivalents of these. The accumulation of glucosinolates as protection from pests (Rask L et al. (2000) Plant Mol Biol 42:93-113; Menard R et al. (1999) Phytochemistry 52:29-35), the expression of Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxins (Vaeck et al. (1987) Nature 328:33-37) or the protection against attack by fungi, by expression of chitinases, for example from beans (Broglie et al. (1991) Science 254:1194-1197), is advantageous. Resistance to pests such as, for example, the rice pest Nilaparvata lugens in rice plants can be achieved by expressing the snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) lectin agglutinin (Rao et al. (1998) Plant J 15(4):469-77). The expression of synthetic cryIA(b) and cryIA(c) genes, which encode lepidoptera-specific Bacillus thuringiensis D-endotoxins can bring about a resistance to insect pests in various plants (Goyal R K et al. (2000) Crop Protection 19(5):307-312). Further target genes which are suitable for pathogen defense comprise “polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein” (PGIP), thaumatine, invertase and antimicrobial peptides such as lactoferrin (Lee T J et al. (2002) J Amer Soc Horticult Sci 127(2):158-164). Other nucleic acid sequences which may be advantageously used herein include traits for insect control (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,063,597; 6,063,756; 6,093,695; 5,942,664; and 6,110,464), fungal disease resistance (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,516,671; 5,773,696; 6,121,436; 6,316,407; and 6,506,962), virus resistance (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,304,730 and 6,013,864), nematode resistance (U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,992), and bacterial disease resistance (U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,671).

1.5 Mycotoxin Reduction/Elimination

Production of mycotoxins, including aflatoxin and fumonisin, by fungi associated with plants is a significant factor in rendering the grain not useful. These fungal organisms do not cause disease symptoms and/or interfere with the growth of the plant, but they produce chemicals (mycotoxins) that are toxic to animals. Inhibition of the growth of these fungi would reduce the synthesis of these toxic substances and, therefore, reduce grain losses due to mycotoxin contamination. Novel genes may be introduced into plants that would inhibit synthesis of the mycotoxin without interfering with fungal growth. Expression of a novel gene, which encodes an enzyme capable of rendering the mycotoxin nontoxic, would be useful in order to achieve reduced mycotoxin contamination of grain. The result of any of the above mechanisms would be a reduced presence of mycotoxins on grain.

1.6 Grain Composition or Quality

Genes may be introduced into plants, particularly commercially important cereals such as maize, wheat or rice, to improve the grain for which the cereal is primarily grown. A wide range of novel transgenic plants produced in this manner may be envisioned depending on the particular end use of the grain.

For example, the largest use of maize grain is for feed or food. Introduction of genes that alter the composition of the grain may greatly enhance the feed or food value. The primary components of maize grain are starch, protein, and oil. Each of these primary components of maize grain may be improved by altering its level or composition. Several examples may be mentioned for illustrative purposes but in no way provide an exhaustive list of possibilities.

The protein of many cereal grains is suboptimal for feed and food purposes especially when fed to pigs, poultry, and humans. The protein is deficient in several amino acids that are essential in the diet of these species, requiring the addition of supplements to the grain. Limiting essential amino acids may include lysine, methionine, tryptophan, threonine, valine, arginine, and histidine. Some amino acids become limiting only after the grain is supplemented with other inputs for feed formulations. For example, when the grain is supplemented with soybean meal to meet lysine requirements, methionine becomes limiting. The levels of these essential amino acids in seeds and grain may be elevated by mechanisms which include, but are not limited to, the introduction of genes to increase the biosynthesis of the amino acids, decrease the degradation of the amino acids, increase the storage of the amino acids in proteins, or increase transport of the amino acids to the seeds or grain.

One mechanism for increasing the biosynthesis of the amino acids is to introduce genes that deregulate the amino acid biosynthetic pathways such that the plant can no longer adequately control the levels that are produced. This may be done by deregulating or bypassing steps in the amino acid biosynthetic pathway that are normally regulated by levels of the amino acid end product of the pathway. Examples include the introduction of genes that encode deregulated versions of the enzymes aspartokinase or dihydrodipicolinic acid (DHDP)-synthase for increasing lysine and threonine production, and anthranilate synthase for increasing tryptophan production. Reduction of the catabolism of the amino acids may be accomplished by introduction of DNA sequences that reduce or eliminate the expression of genes encoding enzymes that catalyse steps in the catabolic pathways such as the enzyme lysine-ketoglutarate reductase.

The protein composition of the grain may be altered to improve the balance of amino acids in a variety of ways including elevating expression of native proteins, decreasing expression of those with poor composition, changing the composition of native proteins, or introducing genes encoding entirely new proteins possessing superior composition. DNA may be introduced that decreases the expression of members of the zein family of storage proteins. This DNA may encode ribozymes or antisense sequences directed to impairing expression of zein proteins or expression of regulators of zein expression such as the opaque-2 gene product. The protein composition of the grain may be modified through the phenomenon of cosuppression, i.e., inhibition of expression of an endogenous gene through the expression of an identical structural gene or gene fragment introduced through transformation (Goring 1991). Additionally, the introduced DNA may encode enzymes, which degrade zeines. The decreases in zein expression that are achieved may be accompanied by increases in proteins with more desirable amino acid composition or increases in other major seed constituents such as starch. Alternatively, a chimeric gene may be introduced that comprises a coding sequence for a native protein of adequate amino acid composition such as for one of the globulin proteins or 10 kD zein of maize and a promoter or other regulatory sequence designed to elevate expression of said protein. The coding sequence of said gene may include additional or replacement codons for essential amino acids. Further, a coding sequence obtained from another species, or, a partially or completely synthetic sequence encoding a completely unique peptide sequence designed to enhance the amino acid composition of the seed may be employed.

The introduction of genes that alter the oil content of the grain may be of value. Increases in oil content may result in increases in metabolizable energy content and density of the seeds for uses in feed and food. The introduced genes may encode enzymes that remove or reduce rate-limitations or regulated steps in fatty acid or lipid biosynthesis. Such genes may include, but are not limited to, those that encode acetyl-CoA carboxylase, ACP-acyltransferase, beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthase, plus other well-known fatty acid biosynthetic activities. Other possibilities are genes that encode proteins that do not possess enzymatic activity such as acyl carrier protein. Additional examples include 2-acetyltransferase, oleosin pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, acetyl CoA synthetase, ATP citrate lyase, ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and genes of the carnitine-CoA-acetyl-CoA shuttles. It is anticipated that expression of genes related to oil biosynthesis will be targeted to the plastid, using a plastid transit peptide sequence and preferably expressed in the seed embryo. Genes may be introduced that alter the balance of fatty acids present in the oil providing a more healthful or nutritive feedstuff. The introduced DNA may also encode sequences that block expression of enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, altering the proportions of fatty acids present in the grain such as described below. Genes may be introduced that enhance the nutritive value of the starch component of the grain, for example by increasing the degree of branching, resulting in improved utilization of the starch in cows by delaying its metabolism.

Besides affecting the major constituents of the grain, genes may be introduced that affect a variety of other nutritive, processing, or other quality aspects of the grain as used for feed or food. For example, pigmentation of the grain may be increased or decreased. Enhancement and stability of yellow pigmentation is desirable in some animal feeds and may be achieved by introduction of genes that result in enhanced production of xanthophylls and carotenes by eliminating rate-limiting steps in their production. Such genes may encode altered forms of the enzymes phytoene synthase, phytoene desaturase, or lycopene synthase. Alternatively, unpigmented white corn is desirable for production of many food products and may be produced by the introduction of DNA, which blocks or eliminates steps in pigment production pathways.

Feed or food comprising some cereal grains possesses insufficient quantities of vitamins and must be supplemented to provide adequate nutritive value. Introduction of genes that enhance vitamin biosynthesis in seeds may be envisioned including, for example, vitamins A, E, B12, choline, and the like. For example, maize grain also does not possess sufficient mineral content for optimal nutritive value. Genes that affect the accumulation or availability of compounds containing phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, manganese, zinc, and iron among others would be valuable. An example may be the introduction of a gene that reduced phytic acid production or encoded the enzyme phytase, which enhances phytic acid breakdown. These genes would increase levels of available phosphate in the diet, reducing the need for supplementation with mineral phosphate.

Numerous other examples of improvement of cereals for feed and food purposes might be described. The improvements may not even necessarily involve the grain, but may, for example, improve the value of the grain for silage. Introduction of DNA to accomplish this might include sequences that alter lignin production such as those that result in the “brown midrib” phenotype associated with superior feed value for cattle.

In addition to direct improvements in feed or food value, genes may also be introduced which improve the processing of grain and improve the value of the products resulting from the processing. The primary method of processing certain grains such as maize is via wetmilling. Maize may be improved though the expression of novel genes that increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of processing such as by decreasing steeping time.

Improving the value of wetmilling products may include altering the quantity or quality of starch, oil, corn gluten meal, or the components of corn gluten feed. Elevation of starch may be achieved through the identification and elimination of rate limiting steps in starch biosynthesis or by decreasing levels of the other components of the grain resulting in proportional increases in starch. An example of the former may be the introduction of genes encoding ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase enzymes with altered regulatory activity or which are expressed at higher level. Examples of the latter may include selective inhibitors of, for example, protein or oil biosynthesis expressed during later stages of kernel development.

The properties of starch may be beneficially altered by changing the ratio of amylose to amylopectin, the size of the starch molecules, or their branching pattern. Through these changes a broad range of properties may be modified which include, but are not limited to, changes in gelatinization temperature, heat of gelatinization, clarity of films and pastes, Theological properties, and the like. To accomplish these changes in properties, genes that encode granule-bound or soluble starch synthase activity or branching enzyme activity may be introduced alone or combination. DNA such as antisense constructs may also be used to decrease levels of endogenous activity of these enzymes. The introduced genes or constructs may possess regulatory sequences that time their expression to specific intervals in starch biosynthesis and starch granule development. Furthermore, it may be advisable to introduce and express genes that result in the in vivo derivatization, or other modification, of the glucose moieties of the starch molecule. The covalent attachment of any molecule may be envisioned, limited only by the existence of enzymes that catalyze the derivatizations and the accessibility of appropriate substrates in the starch granule. Examples of important derivations may include the addition of functional groups such as amines, carboxyls, or phosphate groups, which provide sites for subsequent in vitro derivatizations or affect starch properties through the introduction of ionic charges. Examples of other modifications may include direct changes of the glucose units such as loss of hydroxyl groups or their oxidation to aldehyde or carboxyl groups.

Oil is another product of wetmilling of corn and other grains, the value of which may be improved by introduction and expression of genes. The quantity of oil that can be extracted by wetmilling may be elevated by approaches as described for feed and food above. Oil properties may also be altered to improve its performance in the production and use of cooking oil, shortenings, lubricants or other oil-derived products or improvement of its health attributes when used in the food-related applications. Novel fatty acids may also be synthesized which upon extraction can serve as starting materials for chemical syntheses. The changes in oil properties may be achieved by altering the type, level, or lipid arrangement of the fatty acids present in the oil. This in turn may be accomplished by the addition of genes that encode enzymes that catalyze the synthesis of novel fatty acids and the lipids possessing them or by increasing levels of native fatty acids while possibly reducing levels of precursors. Alternatively DNA sequences may be introduced which slow or block steps in fatty acid biosynthesis resulting in the increase in precursor fatty acid intermediates. Genes that might be added include desaturases, epoxidases, hydratases, dehydratases, and other enzymes that catalyze reactions involving fatty acid intermediates. Representative examples of catalytic steps that might be blocked include the desaturations from stearic to oleic acid and oleic to linolenic acid resulting in the respective accumulations of stearic and oleic acids.

Improvements in the other major cereal wetmilling products, gluten meal and gluten feed, may also be achieved by the introduction of genes to obtain novel plants. Representative possibilities include but are not limited to those described above for improvement of food and feed value.

In addition it may further be considered that the plant be used for the production or manufacturing of useful biological compounds that were either not produced at all, or not produced at the same level, in the plant previously. The novel plants producing these compounds are made possible by the introduction and expression of genes by transformation methods. The possibilities include, but are not limited to, any biological compound which is presently produced by any organism such as proteins, nucleic acids, primary and intermediary metabolites, carbohydrate polymers, etc. The compounds may be produced by the plant, extracted upon harvest and/or processing, and used for any presently recognized useful purpose such as pharmaceuticals, fragrances, industrial enzymes to name a few.

Further possibilities to exemplify the range of grain traits or properties potentially encoded by introduced genes in transgenic plants include grain with less breakage susceptibility for export purposes or larger grit size when processed by dry milling through introduction of genes that enhance gamma-zein synthesis, popcorn with improved popping, quality and expansion volume through genes that increase pericarp thickness, corn with whiter grain for food uses though introduction of genes that effectively block expression of enzymes involved in pigment production pathways, and improved quality of alcoholic beverages or sweet corn through introduction of genes which affect flavor such as the shrunken gene (encoding sucrose synthase) for sweet corn.

1.7 Tuber or Seed Composition or Quality

Various traits can be advantageously expressed especially in seeds or tubers to improve composition or quality. Useful nucleic acid sequences that can be combined with the promoter nucleic acid sequence of the present invention and provide improved end-product traits include, without limitation, those encoding seed storage proteins, fatty acid pathway enzymes, tocopherol biosynthetic enzymes, amino acid biosynthetic enzymes, and starch branching enzymes. A discussion of exemplary heterologous DNAs useful for the modification of plant phenotypes may be found in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,194,636; 6,207,879; 6,232,526; 6,426,446; 6,429,357; 6,433,252; 6,437,217; 6,515,201; and 6,583,338 and PCT Publication WO 02/057471, each of which is specifically incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Such traits include but are not limited to:

• • Expression of metabolic enzymes for use in the food-and-feed sector, for example of phytases and cellulases. Especially preferred are nucleic acids such as the artificial cDNA, which encodes a microbial phytase (GenBank Acc. No.: A19451) or functional equivalents thereof.
  • Expression of genes, which bring about an accumulation of fine chemicals such as of tocopherols, tocotrienols or carotenoids. An example, which may be mentioned is phytoene desaturase. Preferred are nucleic acids, which encode the Narcissus pseudonarcissus photoene desaturase (GenBank Acc. No.: X78815) or functional equivalents thereof. Preferred tocopherol biosynthetic enzymes include tyrA, slr1736, ATPT2, dxs, dxr, GGPPS, HPPD, GMT, MT1, tMT2, AANT1, slr 1737, and an antisense construct for homogentisic acid dioxygenase (Kridl et al., Seed Sci. Res., 1:209:219 (1991); Keegstra, Cell, 56(2):247-53 (1989); Nawrath et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 91:12760-12764 (1994); Xia et al., J. Gen. Microbiol., 138:1309-1316 (1992); Lois et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 95 (5):2105-2110 (1998); Takahashi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 95(17):9879-9884 (1998); Norris et al., Plant Physiol., 117:1317-1323 (1998); Bartley and Scolnik, Plant Physiol., 104:1469-1470 (1994); Smith et al., Plant J., 11:83-92 (1997); WO 00/32757; WO 00/10380; Saint Guily et al., Plant Physiol., 100(2):1069-1071 (1992); Sato et al., J. DNA Res., 7(1):31-63 (2000)) all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • starch production (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,750,876 and 6,476,295), high protein production (U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,466), fruit ripening (U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,466), enhanced animal and human nutrition (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,985,605 and 6,171,640), biopolymers (U.S. Pat. No. 5,958,745 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0028917), environmental stress resistance (U.S. Pat. No. 6,072,103), pharmaceutical peptides (U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,560), improved processing traits (U.S. Pat. No. 6,476,295), improved digestibility (U.S. Pat. No. 6,531,648), low raffinose (U.S. Pat. No. 6,166,292), industrial enzyme production (U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,576), improved flavor (U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,199), nitrogen fixation (U.S. Pat. No. 5,229,114), hybrid seed production (U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,041), and biofuel production (U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,700), the genetic elements and transgenes described in the patents listed above are herein incorporated by reference. Preferred starch branching enzymes (for modification of starch properties) include those set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,232,122 and 6,147,279; and PCT Publication WO 97/22703, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Modified oils production (U.S. Pat. No. 6,444,876), high oil production (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,608,149 and 6,476,295), or modified fatty acid content (U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,750). Preferred fatty acid pathway enzymes include thioesterases (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,512,482; 5,530,186; 5,945,585; 5,639,790; 5,807,893; 5,955,650; 5,955,329; 5,759,829; 5,147,792; 5,304,481; 5,298,421; 5,344,771; and 5,760,206), diacylglycerol acyltransferases (U.S. Patent Publications 20030115632A1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 90030028923A1), and desaturases (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,689,050; 5,663,068; 5,614,393; 5,856,157; 6,117,677; 6,043,411; 6,194,167; 5,705,391; 5,663,068; 5,552,306; 6,075,183; 6,051,754; 5,689,050; 5,789,220; 5,057,419; 5,654,402; 5,659,645; 6,100,091; 5,760,206; 6,172,106; 5,952,544; 5,866,789; 5,443,974; and 5,093,249) all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Preferred amino acid biosynthetic enzymes include anthranilate synthase (U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,727 and PCT Publications WO 97/26366, WO 99/11800, WO 99/49058), tryptophan decarboxylase (PCT Publication WO 99/06581), threonine decarboxylase (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,534,421 and 5,942,660; PCT Publication WO 95/19442), threonine deaminase (PCT Publications WO 99/02656 and WO 98/55601), dihydrodipicolinic acid synthase (U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,300), and aspartate kinase (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,367,110; 5,858,749; and 6,040,160) all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Production of nutraceuticals such as, for example, polyunsaturated fatty acids (for example arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid or docosahexaenoic acid) by expression of fatty acid elongases and/or desaturases, or production of proteins with improved nutritional value such as, for example, with a high content of essential amino acids (for example the high-methionine 2S albumin gene of the brazil nut). Preferred are nucleic acids which encode the Bertholletia excelsa high-methionine 2S albumin (GenBank Acc. No.: AB044391), the Physcomitrella patens Delta-6-acyl-lipid desaturase (GenBank Acc. No.: AJ222980; Girke et al. (1998) Plant J 15:39-48), the Mortierella alpina Delta-6-desaturase (Sakuradani et al. 1999 Gene 238:445-453), the Caenorhabditis elegans Delta-5-desaturase (Michaelson et al. 1998, FEBS Letters 439:215-218), the Caenorhabditis elegans Delta-5-fatty acid desaturase (des-5) (GenBank Acc. No.: AF078796), the Mortierella alpina Delta-5-desaturase (Michaelson et al. JBC 273:19055-19059), the Caenorhabditis elegans Delta-6-elongase (Beaudoin et al. 2000, PNAS 97:6421-6426), the Physcomitrella patens Delta-6-elongase (Zank et al. 2000, Biochemical Society Transactions 28:654-657), or functional equivalents of these.
  • Production of high-quality proteins and enzymes for industrial purposes (for example enzymes, such as lipases) or as pharmaceuticals (such as, for example, antibodies, blood clotting factors, interferons, lymphokins, colony stimulation factor, plasminogen activators, hormones or vaccines, as described by Hood E E, Jilka J M (1999) Curr Opin Biotechnol 10(4): 382-6; Ma J K, Vine N D (1999) Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 236:275-92). For example, it has been possible to produce recombinant avidin from chicken albumen and bacterial beta-glucuronidase (GUS) on a large scale in transgenic maize plants (Hood et al. (1999) Adv Exp Med Biol 464:127-47. Review).
  • Obtaining an increased storability in cells which normally comprise fewer storage proteins or storage lipids, with the purpose of increasing the yield of these substances, for example by expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Preferred nucleic acids are those, which encode the Medicago sativa acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) (GenBank Acc. No.: L25042), or functional equivalents thereof. Alternatively, in some scenarios an increased storage protein content might be advantageous for high-protein product production. Preferred seed storage proteins include zeins (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,886,878; 4,885,357; 5,215,912; 5,589,616; 5,508,468; 5,939,599; 5,633,436; and 5,990,384; PCT Publications WO 90/01869, WO 91/13993, WO 92/14822, WO 93/08682, WO 94/20628, WO 97/28247, WO 98/26064, and WO 99/40209), 7S proteins (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,003,045 and 5,576,203), brazil nut protein (U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,024), phenylalanine free proteins (PCT Publication WO 96/17064), albumin (PCT Publication WO 97/35023), b-conglycinin (PCT Publication WO 00/19839), 11S (U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,051), alpha-hordothionin (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,885,802 and 5,88,5801), arcelin seed storage proteins (U.S. Pat. No. 5,270,200), lectins (U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,891), and glutenin (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,990,389 and 5,914,450) all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Reducing levels of alpha-glucan L-type tuber phosphorylase (GLTP) or alpha-glucan H-type tuber phosphorylase (GHTP) enzyme activity preferably within the potato tuber (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,701). The conversion of starches to sugars in potato tubers, particularly when stored at temperatures below 7° C., is reduced in tubers exhibiting reduced GLTP or GHTP enzyme activity. Reducing cold-sweetening in potatoes allows for potato storage at cooler temperatures, resulting in prolonged dormancy, reduced incidence of disease, and increased storage life. Reduction of GLTP or GHTP activity within the potato tuber may be accomplished by such techniques as suppression of gene expression using homologous antisense or double-stranded RNA, the use of co-suppression, regulatory silencing sequences. A potato plant having improved cold-storage characteristics, comprising a potato plant transformed with an expression cassette having a TPT promoter sequence operably linked to a DNA sequence comprising at least 20 nucleotides of a gene encoding an alpha-glucan phosphorylase selected from the group consisting of alpha-glucan L-type tuber phosphorylase (GLTP) and alpha-glucan H-type phosphorylase (GHTP).Further examples of advantageous genes are mentioned for example in Dunwell J M, Transgenic approaches to crop improvement, J Exp Bot. 2000; 51 Spec No; pages 487-96.

1.8 Plant Agronomic Characteristics

Two of the factors determining where plants can be grown are the average daily temperature during the growing season and the length of time between frosts. Within the areas where it is possible to grow a particular plant, there are varying limitations on the maximal time it is allowed to grow to maturity and be harvested. The plant to be grown in a particular area is selected for its ability to mature and dry down to harvestable moisture content within the required period of time with maximum possible yield. Therefore, plants of varying maturities are developed for different growing locations. Apart from the need to dry down sufficiently to permit harvest is the desirability of having maximal drying take place in the field to minimize the amount of energy required for additional drying post-harvest. Also the more readily the grain can dry down, the more time there is available for growth and kernel fill. Genes that influence maturity and/or dry down can be identified and introduced into plant lines using transformation techniques to create new varieties adapted to different growing locations or the same growing location but having improved yield to moisture ratio at harvest. Expression of genes that are involved in regulation of plant development may be especially useful, e.g., the liguleless and rough sheath genes that have been identified in plants.

Genes may be introduced into plants that would improve standability and other plant growth characteristics. For example, expression of novel genes, which confer stronger stalks, improved root systems, or prevent or reduce ear droppage would be of great value to the corn farmer. Introduction and expression of genes that increase the total amount of photoassimilate available by, for example, increasing light distribution and/or interception would be advantageous. In addition the expression of genes that increase the efficiency of photosynthesis and/or the leaf canopy would further increase gains in productivity. Such approaches would allow for increased plant populations in the field.

Delay of late season vegetative senescence would increase the flow of assimilates into the grain and thus increase yield. Overexpression of genes within plants that are associated with “stay green” or the expression of any gene that delays senescence would be advantageous. For example, a non-yellowing mutant has been identified in Festuca pratensis (Davies 1990). Expression of this gene as well as others may prevent premature breakdown of chlorophyll and thus maintain canopy function.

1.9 Nutrient Utilization

The ability to utilize available nutrients and minerals may be a limiting factor in growth of many plants. It is proposed that it would be possible to alter nutrient uptake, tolerate pH extremes, mobilization through the plant, storage pools, and availability for metabolic activities by the introduction of novel genes. These modifications would allow a plant to more efficiently utilize available nutrients. It is contemplated that an increase in the activity of, for example, an enzyme that is normally present in the plant and involved in nutrient utilization would increase the availability of a nutrient. An example of such an enzyme would be phytase. It is also contemplated that expression of a novel gene may make a nutrient source available that was previously not accessible, e.g., an enzyme that releases a component of nutrient value from a more complex molecule, perhaps a macromolecule.

1.10 Male Sterility

Male sterility is useful in the production of hybrid seed. It is proposed that male sterility may be produced through expression of novel genes. For example, it has been shown that expression of genes that encode proteins that interfere with development of the male inflorescence and/or gametophyte result in male sterility. Chimeric ribonuclease genes that express in the anthers of transgenic tobacco and oilseed rape have been demonstrated to lead to male sterility (Mariani 1990). For example, a number of mutations were discovered in maize that confer cytoplasmic male sterility. One mutation in particular, referred to as T cytoplasm, also correlates with sensitivity to Southern corn leaf blight. A DNA sequence, designated TURF-13 (Levings 1990), was identified that correlates with T cytoplasm. It would be possible through the introduction of TURF-13 via transformation to separate male sterility from disease sensitivity. As it is necessary to be able to restore male fertility for breeding purposes and for grain production, it is proposed that genes encoding restoration of male fertility may also be introduced.

1.11. Non-Protein-Expressing Sequences

1.11.1 RNA-Expressing

DNA may be introduced into plants for the purpose of expressing RNA transcripts that function to affect plant phenotype yet are not translated into protein. Two examples are antisense RNA and RNA with ribozyme activity. Both may serve possible functions in reducing or eliminating expression of native or introduced plant genes.

Genes may be constructed or isolated, which when transcribed, produce antisense RNA or double-stranded RNA that is complementary to all or part(s) of a targeted messenger RNA(s). The antisense RNA reduces production of the polypeptide product of the messenger RNA. The polypeptide product may be any protein encoded by the plant genome. The aforementioned genes will be referred to as antisense genes. An antisense gene may thus be introduced into a plant by transformation methods to produce a novel transgenic plant with reduced expression of a selected protein of interest. For example, the protein may be an enzyme that catalyzes a reaction in the plant. Reduction of the enzyme activity may reduce or eliminate products of the reaction which include any enzymatically synthesized compound in the plant such as fatty acids, amino acids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and the like. Alternatively, the protein may be a storage protein, such as a zein, or a structural protein, the decreased expression of which may lead to changes in seed amino acid composition or plant morphological changes respectively. The possibilities cited above are provided only by way of example and do not represent the full range of applications.

Expression of antisense-RNA or double-stranded RNA by one of the expression cassettes of the invention is especially preferred. Also expression of sense RNA can be employed for gene silencing (co-suppression). This RNA is preferably a non-translatable RNA. Gene regulation by double-stranded RNA (“double-stranded RNA interference”; dsRNAi) is well known in the arte and described for various organism including plants (e.g., Matzke 2000; Fire A et al 1998; WO 99/32619; WO 99/53050; WO 00/68374; WO 00/44914; WO 00/44895; WO 00/49035; WO 00/63364).

Genes may also be constructed or isolated, which when transcribed produce RNA enzymes, or ribozymes, which can act as endoribonucleases and catalyze the cleavage of RNA molecules with selected sequences. The cleavage of selected messenger RNA's can result in the reduced production of their encoded polypeptide products. These genes may be used to prepare novel transgenic plants, which possess them. The transgenic plants may possess reduced levels of polypeptides including but not limited to the polypeptides cited above that may be affected by antisense RNA.

It is also possible that genes may be introduced to produce novel transgenic plants, which have reduced expression of a native gene product, by a mechanism of cosuppression. It has been demonstrated in tobacco, tomato, and petunia (Goring 1991; Smith 1990; Napoli 1990; van der Krol 1990) that expression of the sense transcript of a native gene will reduce or eliminate expression of the native gene in a manner similar to that observed for antisense genes. The introduced gene may encode all or part of the targeted native protein but its translation may not be required for reduction of levels of that native protein.

1.11.2 Non-RNA-Expressing

For example, DNA elements including those of transposable elements such as Ds, Ac, or Mu, may be, inserted into a gene and cause mutations. These DNA elements may be inserted in order to inactivate (or activate) a gene and thereby “tag” a particular trait. In this instance the transposable element does not cause instability of the tagged mutation, because the utility of the element does not depend on its ability to move in the genome. Once a desired trait is tagged, the introduced DNA sequence may be used to clone the corresponding gene, e.g., using the introduced DNA sequence as a PCR primer together with PCR gene cloning techniques (Shapiro, 1983; Dellaporta 1988). Once identified, the entire gene(s) for the particular trait, including control or regulatory regions where desired may be isolated, cloned and manipulated as desired. The utility of DNA elements introduced into an organism for purposed of gene tagging is independent of the DNA sequence and does not depend on any biological activity of the DNA sequence, i.e., transcription into RNA or translation into protein. The sole function of the DNA element is to disrupt the DNA sequence of a gene.

It is contemplated that unexpressed DNA sequences, including novel synthetic sequences could be introduced into cells as proprietary “labels” of those cells and plants and seeds thereof. It would not be necessary for a label DNA element to disrupt the function of a gene endogenous to the host organism, as the sole function of this DNA would be to identify the origin of the organism. For example, one could introduce a unique DNA sequence into a plant and this DNA element would identify all cells, plants, and progeny of these cells as having arisen from that labeled source. It is proposed that inclusion of label DNAs would enable one to distinguish proprietary germplasm or germplasm derived from such, from unlabelled germplasm.

Another possible element, which may be introduced, is a matrix attachment region element (MAR), such as the chicken lysozyme A element (Stief 1989), which can be positioned around an expressible gene of interest to effect an increase in overall expression of the gene and diminish position dependant effects upon incorporation into the plant genome (Stief 1989; Phi-Van 1990).

Further nucleotide sequences of interest that may be contemplated for use within the scope of the present invention in operable linkage with the promoter sequences according to the invention are isolated nucleic acid molecules, e.g., DNA or RNA, comprising a plant nucleotide sequence according to the invention comprising an open reading frame that is preferentially expressed in a specific tissue, i.e., seed-, root, green tissue (leaf and stem), panicle-, or pollen, or is expressed constitutively.

2. Marker Genes

In order to improve the ability to identify transformants, one may desire to employ a selectable or screenable marker gene as, or in addition to, the expressible gene of interest. “Marker genes” are genes that impart a distinct phenotype to cells expressing the marker gene and thus allow such transformed cells to be distinguished from cells that do not have the marker. Such genes may encode either a selectable or screenable marker, depending on whether the marker confers a trait which one can ‘select’ for by chemical means, i.e., through the use of a selective agent (e.g., a herbicide, antibiotic, or the like), or whether it is simply a trait that one can identify through observation or testing, i.e., by ‘screening’ (e.g., the R-locus trait, the green fluorescent protein (GFP)). Of course, many examples of suitable marker genes are known to the art and can be employed in the practice of the invention.

Included within the terms selectable or screenable marker genes are also genes which encode a “secretable marker” whose secretion can be detected as a means of identifying or selecting for transformed cells. Examples include markers, which encode a secretable antigen that can be identified by antibody interaction, or even secretable enzymes, which can be detected by their catalytic activity. Secretable proteins fall into a number of classes, including small, diffusible proteins detectable, e.g., by ELISA; small active enzymes detectable in extracellular solution (e.g., alpha-amylase, beta-lactamase, phosphinothricin acetyltransferase); and proteins that are inserted or trapped in the cell wall (e.g., proteins that include a leader sequence such as that found in the expression unit of extensin or tobacco PR-S).

With regard to selectable secretable markers, the use of a gene that encodes a protein that becomes sequestered in the cell wall, and which protein includes a unique epitope is considered to be particularly advantageous. Such a secreted antigen marker would ideally employ an epitope sequence that would provide low background in plant tissue, a promoter-leader sequence that would impart efficient expression and targeting across the plasma membrane, and would produce protein that is bound in the cell wall and yet accessible to antibodies. A normally secreted wall protein modified to include a unique epitope would satisfy all such requirements.

One example of a protein suitable for modification in this manner is extensin, or hydroxyproline rich glycoprotein (HPRG). For example, the maize HPRG (Steifel 1990) molecule is well characterized in terms of molecular biology, expression and protein structure. However, any one of a variety of ultilane and/or glycine-rich wall proteins (Keller 1989) could be modified by the addition of an antigenic site to create a screenable marker.

One exemplary embodiment of a secretable screenable marker concerns the use of a maize sequence encoding the wall protein HPRG, modified to include a 15 residue epitope from the pro-region of murine interleukin, however, virtually any detectable epitope may be employed in such embodiments, as selected from the extremely wide variety of antigen-antibody combinations known to those of skill in the art. The unique extracellular epitope can then be straightforwardly detected using antibody labeling in conjunction with chromogenic or fluorescent adjuncts. Elements of the present disclosure may be exemplified in detail through the use of the bar and/or GUS genes, and also through the use of various other markers. Of course, in light of this disclosure, numerous other possible selectable and/or screenable marker genes will be apparent to those of skill in the art in addition to the one set forth herein below. Therefore, it will be understood that the following discussion is exemplary rather than exhaustive. In light of the techniques disclosed herein and the general recombinant techniques which are known in the art, the present invention renders possible the introduction of any gene, including marker genes, into a recipient cell to generate a transformed plant.

2.1 Selectable Markers

Various selectable markers are known in the art suitable for plant transformation. Such markers may include but are not limited to:

2.1.1 Negative Selection Markers

Negative selection markers confer a resistance to a biocidal compound such as a metabolic inhibitor (e.g., 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate, WO 98/45456), antibiotics (e.g., kanamycin, G 418, bleomycin or hygromycin) or herbicides (e.g., phosphinothricin or glyphosate). Transformed plant material (e.g., cells, tissues or plantlets), which express marker genes, are capable of developing in the presence of concentrations of a corresponding selection compound (e.g., antibiotic or herbicide), which suppresses growth of an untransformed wild type tissue. Especially preferred negative selection markers are those, which confer resistance to herbicides. Examples, which may be mentioned, are:

• • Phosphinothricin acetyltransferases (PAT; also named Bialophos® resistance; bar; de Block 1987; Vasil 1992, 1993; Weeks 1993; Becker 1994; Nehra 1994; Wan & Lemaux 1994; EP 0 333 033; U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,374). Preferred are the bar gene from Streptomyces hygroscopicus or the pat gene from Streptomyces viridochromogenes. PAT inactivates the active ingredient in the herbicide bialaphos, phosphinothricin (PPT). PPT inhibits glutamine synthetase, (Murakami 1986; Twell 1989) causing rapid accumulation of ammonia and cell death.
  • altered 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) conferring resistance to Glyphosate® (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) (Hinchee 1988; Shah 1986; Della-Cioppa 1987). Where a mutant EPSP synthase gene is employed, additional benefit may be realized through the incorporation of a suitable chloroplast transit peptide, CTP (EP-A10 218 571).
  • Glyphosate® degrading enzymes (Glyphosate® oxidoreductase; gox),
  • Dalapon® inactivating dehalogenases (deh)
  • sulfonylurea- and/or imidazolinone-inactivating acetolactate synthases (ahas or ALS; for example mutated ahas/ALS variants with, for example, the S4, XI12, XA17, and/or Hra mutation (EP-A1 154 204)
  • Bromoxynil® degrading nitrilases (bxn; Stalker 1988)
  • Kanamycin- or geneticin (G418) resistance genes (NPTII; NPT or neo; Potrykus 1985) coding e.g., for neomycin phosphotransferases (Fraley 1983; Nehra 1994)
  • 2-Desoxyglucose-6-phosphate phosphatase (DOG^R1-Gene product; WO 98/45456; EP 0 807 836) conferring resistance against 2-desoxyglucose (Randez-Gil 1995).
  • hygromycin phosphotransferase (HPT), which mediates resistance to hygromycin (Vanden Elzen 1985).
  • altered dihydrofolate reductase (Eichholtz 1987) conferring resistance against methotrexat (Thillet 1988);
  • mutated anthranilate synthase genes that confers resistance to 5-methyl tryptophan.

Additional negative selectable marker genes of bacterial origin that confer resistance to antibiotics include the aadA gene, which confers resistance to the antibiotic spectinomycin, gentamycin acetyl transferase, streptomycin phosphotransferase (SPT), aminoglycoside-3-adenyl transferase and the bleomycin resistance determinant (Hayford 1988; Jones 1987; Svab 1990; Hille 1986).

Especially preferred are negative selection markers that confer resistance against the toxic effects imposed by D-amino acids like e.g., D-alanine and D-serine (WO 03/060133; Erikson 2004). Especially preferred as negative selection marker in this contest are the daol gene (EC: 1.4. 3.3: GenBank Acc.-No.: U60066) from the yeast Rhodotorula gracilis (Rhodosporidium toruloides) and the E. coli gene dsdA (D-serine dehydratase (D-serine deaminase) [EC: 4.3. 1.18; GenBank Acc.-No.: J01603).

Transformed plant material (e.g., cells, embryos, tissues or plantlets) which express such marker genes are capable of developing in the presence of concentrations of a corresponding selection compound (e.g., antibiotic or herbicide) which suppresses growth of an untransformed wild type tissue. The resulting plants can be bred and hybridized in the customary fashion. Two or more generations should be grown in order to ensure that the genomic integration is stable and hereditary. Corresponding methods are described (Jenes 1993; Potrykus 1991).

Furthermore, reporter genes can be employed to allow visual screening, which may or may not (depending on the type of reporter gene) require supplementation with a substrate as a selection compound.

Various time schemes can be employed for the various negative selection marker genes. In case of resistance genes (e.g., against herbicides or D-amino acids) selection is preferably applied throughout callus induction phase for about 4 weeks and beyond at least 4 weeks into regeneration. Such a selection scheme can be applied for all selection regimes. It is furthermore possible (although not explicitly preferred) to remain the selection also throughout the entire regeneration scheme including rooting.

For example, with the phosphinotricin resistance gene (bar) as the selective marker, phosphinotricin at a concentration of from about 1 to 50 mg/l may be included in the medium. For example, with the daol gene as the selective marker, D-serine or D-alanine at a concentration of from about 3 to 100 mg/l may be included in the medium. Typical concentrations for selection are 20 to 40 mg/l. For example, with the mutated ahas genes as the selective marker, PURSUIT™ at a concentration of from about 3 to 100 mg/l may be included in the medium. Typical concentrations for selection are 20 to 40 mg/l.

2.1.2 Positive Selection Marker

Furthermore, positive selection marker can be employed. Genes like isopentenyltransferase from Agrobacterium tumefaciens (strain:PO22; Genbank Acc.-No.: AB025109) may—as a key enzyme of the cytokinin biosynthesis—facilitate regeneration of transformed plants (e.g., by selection on cytokinin-free medium). Corresponding selection methods are described (Ebinuma 2000a,b). Additional positive selection markers, which confer a growth advantage to a transformed plant in comparison with a non-transformed one, are described e.g., in EP-A 0 601 092. Growth stimulation selection markers may include (but shall not be limited to) beta-Glucuronidase (in combination with e.g., a cytokinin glucuronide), mannose-6-phosphate isomerase (in combination with mannose), UDP-galactose-4-epimerase (in combination with e.g., galactose), wherein mannose-6-phosphate isomerase in combination with mannose is especially preferred.

2.1.3 Counter-Selection Marker

Counter-selection markers are especially suitable to select organisms with defined deleted sequences comprising said marker (Koprek 1999). Examples for counter-selection marker comprise thymidin kinases (TK), cytosine deaminases (Gleave 1999; Perera 1993; Stougaard 1993), cytochrom P450 proteins (Koprek 1999), haloalkan dehalogenases (Naested 1999), iaaH gene products (Sundaresan 1995), cytosine deaminase codA (Schlaman & Hooykaas 1997), tms2 gene products (Fedoroff & Smith 1993), or alpha-naphthalene acetamide (NAM; Depicker 1988). Counter selection markers may be useful in the construction of transposon tagging lines. For example, by marking an autonomous transposable element such as Ac, Master Mu, or En/Spn with a counter selection marker, one could select for transformants in which the autonomous element is not stably integrated into the genome. This would be desirable, for example, when transient expression of the autonomous element is desired to activate in trans the transposition of a defective transposable element, such as Ds, but stable integration of the autonomous element is not desired. The presence of the autonomous element may not be desired in order to stabilize the defective element, i.e., prevent it from further transposing. However, it is proposed that if stable integration of an autonomous transposable element is desired in a plant the presence of a negative selectable marker may make it possible to eliminate the autonomous element during the breeding process.

2.2. Screenable Markers

Screenable markers that may be employed include, but are not limited to, a beta-glucuronidase (GUS) or uidA gene which encodes an enzyme for which various chromogenic substrates are known; an R-locus gene, which encodes a product that regulates the production of anthocyanin pigments (red color) in plant tissues (Dellaporta 1988); a beta-lactamase gene (Sutcliffe 1978), which encodes an enzyme for which various chromogenic substrates are known (e.g., PADAC, a chromogenic cephalosporin); a xyIE gene (Zukowsky 1983) which encodes a catechol dioxygenase that can convert chromogenic catechols; an alpha-amylase gene (Ikuta 1990); a tyrosinase gene (Katz 1983) which encodes an enzyme capable of oxidizing tyrosine to DOPA and dopaquinone which in turn condenses to form the easily detectable compound melanin; beta-galactosidase gene, which encodes an enzyme for which there are chromogenic substrates; a luciferase (lux) gene (Ow 1986), which allows for bioluminescence detection; or even an aequorin gene (Prasher 1985), which may be employed in calcium-sensitive bioluminescence detection, or a green fluorescent protein gene (Niedz 1995).

Genes from the maize R gene complex are contemplated to be particularly useful as screenable markers. The R gene complex in maize encodes a protein that acts to regulate the production of anthocyanin pigments in most seed and plant tissue. A gene from the R gene complex was applied to maize transformation, because the expression of this gene in transformed cells does not harm the cells. Thus, an R gene introduced into such cells will cause the expression of a red pigment and, if stably incorporated, can be visually scored as a red sector. If a maize line is dominant for genes encoding the enzymatic intermediates in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway (C2, A1, A2, Bz1 and Bz2), but carries a recessive allele at the R locus, transformation of any cell from that line with R will result in red pigment formation. Exemplary lines include Wisconsin 22 which contains the rg-Stadler allele and TR112, a K55 derivative which is r-g, b, P1. Alternatively any genotype of maize can be utilized if the C1 and R alleles are introduced together.

It is further proposed that R gene regulatory regions may be employed in chimeric constructs in order to provide mechanisms for controlling the expression of chimeric genes. More diversity of phenotypic expression is known at the R locus than at any other locus (Coe 1988). It is contemplated that regulatory regions obtained from regions 5′ to the structural R gene would be valuable in directing the expression of genes, e.g., insect resistance, drought resistance, herbicide tolerance or other protein coding regions. For the purposes of the present invention, it is believed that any of the various R gene family members may be successfully employed (e.g., P, S, Lc, etc.). However, the most preferred will generally be Sn (particularly Sn:bol3). Sn is a dominant member of the R gene complex and is functionally similar to the R and B loci in that Sn controls the tissue specific deposition of anthocyanin pigments in certain seedling and plant cells, therefore, its phenotype is similar to R.

A further screenable marker contemplated for use in the present invention is firefly luciferase, encoded by the lux gene. The presence of the lux gene in transformed cells may be detected using, for example, X-ray film, scintillation counting, fluorescent spectrophotometry, low-light video cameras, photon counting cameras or multiwell luminometry. It is also envisioned that this system may be developed for populational screening for bioluminescence, such as on tissue culture plates, or even for whole plant screening. Where use of a screenable marker gene such as lux or GFP is desired, benefit may be realized by creating a gene fusion between the screenable marker gene and a selectable marker gene, for example, a GFP-NPTII gene fusion. This could allow, for example, selection of transformed cells followed by screening of transgenic plants or seeds.

3. Uses of Transgenic Plants

Once an expression cassette of the invention has been transformed into a particular plant species, it may be propagated in that species or moved into other varieties of the same species, particularly including commercial varieties, using traditional breeding techniques. Particularly preferred plants of the invention include the agronomically important crops listed above. The genetic properties engineered into the transgenic seeds and plants described above are passed on by sexual reproduction and can thus be maintained and propagated in progeny plants. The present invention also relates to a transgenic plant cell, tissue, organ, seed or plant part obtained from the transgenic plant. Also included within the invention are transgenic descendants of the plant as well as transgenic plant cells, tissues, organs, seeds and plant parts obtained from the descendants.

Preferably, the expression cassette in the transgenic plant is sexually transmitted. In one preferred embodiment, the coding sequence is sexually transmitted through a complete normal sexual cycle of the R0 plant to the R1 generation. Additionally preferred, the expression cassette is expressed in the cells, tissues, seeds or plant of a transgenic plant in an amount that is different than the amount in the cells, tissues, seeds or plant of a plant, which only differs in that the expression cassette is absent.

The transgenic plants produced herein are thus expected to be useful for a variety of commercial and research purposes. Transgenic plants can be created for use in traditional agriculture to possess traits beneficial to the grower (e.g., agronomic traits such as resistance to water deficit, pest resistance, herbicide resistance or increased yield), beneficial to the consumer of the grain harvested from the plant (e.g., improved nutritive content in human food or animal feed; increased vitamin, amino acid, and antioxidant content; the production of antibodies (passive immunization) and nutriceuticals), or beneficial to the food processor (e.g., improved processing traits). In such uses, the plants are generally grown for the use of their grain in human or animal foods. Additionally, the use of root-specific promoters in transgenic plants can provide beneficial traits that are localized in the consumable (by animals and humans) roots of plants such as carrots, parsnips, and beets. However, other parts of the plants, including stalks, husks, vegetative parts, and the like, may also have utility, including use as part of animal silage or for ornamental purposes. Often, chemical constituents (e.g., oils or starches) of maize and other crops are extracted for foods or industrial use and transgenic plants may be created which have enhanced or modified levels of such components.

Transgenic plants may also find use in the commercial manufacture of proteins or other molecules, where the molecule of interest is extracted or purified from plant parts, seeds, and the like. Cells or tissue from the plants may also be cultured, grown in vitro, or fermented to manufacture such molecules. The transgenic plants may also be used in commercial breeding programs, or may be crossed or bred to plants of related crop species. Improvements encoded by the expression cassette may be transferred, e.g., from maize cells to cells of other species, e.g., by protoplast fusion.

The transgenic plants may have many uses in research or breeding, including creation of new mutant plants through insertional mutagenesis, in order to identify beneficial mutants that might later be created by traditional mutation and selection. An example would be the introduction of a recombinant DNA sequence encoding a transposable element that may be used for generating genetic variation. The methods of the invention may also be used to create plants having unique “signature sequences” or other marker sequences which can be used to identify proprietary lines or varieties.

Thus, the transgenic plants and seeds according to the invention can be used in plant breeding, which aims at the development of plants with improved properties conferred by the expression cassette, such as tolerance of drought, disease, or other stresses. The various breeding steps are characterized by well-defined human intervention such as selecting the lines to be crossed, directing pollination of the parental lines, or selecting appropriate descendant plants. Depending on the desired properties different breeding measures are taken. The relevant techniques are well known in the art and include but are not limited to hybridization, inbreeding, backcross breeding, multilane breeding, variety blend, interspecific hybridization, aneuploid techniques, etc. Hybridization techniques also include the sterilization of plants to yield male or female sterile plants by mechanical, chemical or biochemical means. Cross-pollination of a male sterile plant with pollen of a different line assures that the genome of the male sterile but female fertile plant will uniformly obtain properties of both parental lines. Thus, the transgenic seeds and plants according to the invention can be used for the breeding of improved plant lines, which for example increase the effectiveness of conventional methods such as herbicide or pesticide treatment or allow dispensing with said methods due to their modified genetic properties. Alternatively new crops with improved stress tolerance can be obtained which, due to their optimized genetic “equipment”, yield harvested product of better quality than products, which were not able to tolerate comparable adverse developmental conditions. The invention will be further illustrated by the following examples.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

Identification of KG (Keygene) Transcript Candidates

A maize gene expression profiling analysis was carried out using a commercial supplier of AFLP comparative expression technology (Keygene N.V., P.O. Box 216, 6700 AE Wageningen, The Netherlands) using a battery of RNA samples from 23 maize tissues generated by the inventors of the present invention (Table 1). Nine fragments were identified as having embryo or whole seed specific expression. These fragments were designated as KG_Fragment 56, 129, 49, 24, 37, 45, 46, 103, 119, respectively. Sequences of each fragment are shown in SEQ ID NOs: 145 to 153.

TABLE 1
Corn Tissues used for mRNA expression profiling experiment
Sample		Timing and	Days after
No.	Tissue	number of plants	Pollination
1	Root	9 am (4 plants)	5
2		9 am (4 plants)	15
3		9 am (4 plants)	30
4	leaf above the ear	9 am (6 plants)	5
5		9 am (6 plants)	15
6		9 am (6 plants)	30
7	ear complete	9 am (6 plants)	5
8		9 am (6 plants)	10
9	Whole seed	9 am (6 plants)	15
10		9 am (6 plants)	20
11		9 am (6 plants)	30
12	Endosperm	9 am (6 plants)	15
13		9 am (6 plants)	20
14		9 am (6 plants)	30
15	Embryo	9 am (6 plants)	15
16		9 am (6 plants)	20
17		9 am (6 plants)	30
18	Female pistilate flower	6 plants	before
			pollination
19	germinating seed	20 seeds	imbibition
			for 3 days
20	root, veg. state		V2
21	root, veg. state		V4
22	leaf, veg. State		V2
23	leaf, veg. State		V4

Example 2

Identification of the EST Corresponding to KG_Fragment Candidates

Sequences of the KG_Fragment candidates were used as query for BLASTN searching against inventor's in-house database, HySeq All EST. EST accessions showing highest identities to above KG_Fragments are listed in Table 2 and sequences of these ESTs are shown in SEQ ID NOs: 93, 94, and 98-104.

TABLE 2
Maize EST accession number showing highest
identities to the KG fragment candidates
KG			SEQ
Fragment ID	Hyseq Maize EST ID	% identities	ID NO:
24	62001211.f01	100	99
37	62029487.f01	100	100
45	57894155.f01	100	101
46	62096689.f01	100	102
49	62158447.f01	91	98
56	no	N/A	93
103	ZM07MC01323_57619299	100	103
119	ZM07MC15086_59463108	100	104
129	62092959.f01	100	94

Example 3

Confirmation of Expression Pattern of the KG Candidates Using Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (Q-RT-PCR)

In order to confirm the native expression pattern of the KG candidates, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (q-RT-PCR) was performed using total RNA isolated from the same materials as were used for the AFLP expression profiling (Table 1).

Primers for qRT-PCR were designed based on the sequences of either the KG_Fragments or the identified maize Hyseq EST using the Vector NTI software package (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif., USA). Two sets of primers were used for PCR amplification for each candidate. The glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene served as a control for normalization purposes. Sequences of primers for q-RT-PCR are listed in Table 3.

TABLE 3
Primer sequences for q-RT-PCR
Primer          Sequences
KG24_forward_1  GTGGCTGTCATACTGGAT
KG24_reverse_1  GAGCTTCTCGTAGACGAA
KG24_forward_2  TCACAGGAACTTCTGTAGAT
KG24_reverse_2  TCGTTCTTACAGAAGCAT
KG37_forward_1  AAGGCATGTTATGCTCGA
KG37_reverse_1  AAACTCGAAAACCGCCAC
KG37_forward_2  AGGCAAGTTCAAGACAAC
KG37_reverse_2  AAAAATCCCATCTGTCCC
KG45_forward_1  TGCTGGTGAATGATGGTT
KG45_reverse_1  CACATCGTTCGCTACATA
KG45_forward_2  ACGCCTCCCCTCGTGATT
KG45_reverse_2  TGCCAGACGTACCCGACGG
KG46_forward_1  CTGCGGAGGCGAACAGGA
KG46_reverse_1  GCTTGTCGACGGAGACGG
KG46_forward_2  CCGGACATCGGCGTCTACCTC
KG46_reverse_2  CCGTTCGGGAACACCACC
KG49_forward_1  CAGCTGGTGGGGAGGATAT
KG49_reverse_1  CGAGCCTGTGAATTGCAT
KG49_forward_2  ATCTTCTCACGATCCAGG
KG49_reverse_2  TTGTGAACAGCATGTCCC
KG56_forward_1  AAATACGAAGCCCGGATC
KG56_reverse_1  TAGTGTCCGTCCACCTGT
KG56_forward_2  AGCCAGGGCCATATAACA
KG56_reverse_2  TAGCTGTTTCTGCCCATA
KG103_forward_1 TCCACCTTAGCCTAGGGTT
KG103_reverse_1 AACACGCAGCTTTCCAAA
KG103_forward_2 CAAGCTCTCCCTGGAGAT
KG103_reverse_2 GCGAAGACCACACAGACA
KG119_forward_1 CAGACAGACCACTGACTGCAT
KG119_reverse_1 GTTAGGCCTGTGCGTGTG
KG119_forward_2 CTGAGAGCCCCGGAACTCGTT
KG119_reverse_2 TGTGCCGGGCTCTGGGTT
KG129_forward_1 GCTCACCAACGGAGTGAT
KG129_reverse_1 CATCAGAGTTCCCGTCGT
KG129_forward_2 GTCTCTCCCCGCTAGTGACTT
KG129_reverse_2 GGGAAAGTCGCTCACGAA
GAPDH_Forward   GTAAAGTTCTTCCTGATCTGAAT
GAPDH_Reverse   TCGGAAGCAGCCTTAATA

q-RT-PCR was performed using SuperScript III Reverse Transcriptase (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif., USA) and SYBR Green QPCR Master Mix (Eurogentec, San Diego, Calif., USA) in an ABI Prism 7000 sequence detection system. In brief, cDNA was synthesized using 2-3 microgram of total RNA and 1 μL reverse transcriptase in a 20 μl volume. The cDNA was diluted to a range of concentrations (15-20 ng/μl). Thirty to forty ng of cDNA was used for quantitative PCR (qPCR) in a 30 μL volume with SYBR Green QPCR Master Mix following the manufacturer's instruction. The thermocycling conditions were as follows: incubate at 50° C. for 2 minutes, denature at 95° C. for 10 minutes, and run 40 cycles at 95° C. for 15 seconds and 60° C. for 1 minute for amplification. After the final cycle of the amplification, the dissociation curve analysis was carried out to verify that the amplification occurred specifically and no primer dimer product was generated during the amplification process. The housekeeping gene glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GAPDH, primer sequences in Table 3) was used as an endogenous reference gene to normalize the calculation using the Comparative Ct (Cycle of threshold) value method. The ACT value was obtained by subtracting the Ct value of GAPDH gene from the Ct value of the candidate gene, and the relative transcription quantity (expression level) of the candidate gene was expressed as 2^−ΔCT. The q-RT-PCR results are summarized in FIG. 1. All KG candidates showed similar expression patterns that are equivalent to the expression patterns obtained from the AFLP data: specifically or preferably expressed in embryo or whole seeds (FIG. 1).

Example 4

Annotation and Promoter Identification of the KG Candidates

The coding sequences corresponding to KG candidates were annotated based on the in silico results obtained from both BLASTX of each EST sequence against GenBank protein database (nr) and the result of in silico translation of the sequence using Vector NTI software package.

1). KG_fragment 24

Maize EST 62001211.f01 encodes a protein that has homology to a hypothetical protein of wheat (GenBank Accession: BAC80265). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 4.

TABLE 4
BLASTX search results of KG—
fragment 24/Hyseq EST 62001211.f01
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
BAC80265	hypothetical protein	191	9.00E−56	81
	[Triticum aestivum].
Q07764	HVA22_HORVU	191	2.00E−54	81
	Protein HVA22
EAY81013.1	hypothetical protein	162	2.00E−39	67
	OsJ_OsI_034972
	[Oryza sativa
	(indica cultivar-group)]
NP_001062004.1	Os08g0467500 [Oryza	133	5.00E−39	76
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
EAZ18437.1	hypothetical protein	161	6.00E−39	66
	OsJ_032646 [Oryza
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
NP_001067939.1	Os11g0498600 [Oryza	161	6.00E−39	66
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
NP_568744.1	ATHVA22E	148	1.00E−35	62
	(Arabidopsis thaliana
	HVA22 homologue E)
BAD09552.1	putative abscisic	119	5.00E−35	75
	acid-induced protein
	[Oryza sativa
	Japonica Group]
NP_567713.1	ATHVA22D	139	1.00E−31	57
	(Arabidopsis thaliana
	HVA22 homologue D)
EAZ07285.1	hypothetical protein	119	1.00E−31	75
	OsI_028517 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to KG_Fragment 24 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 27 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 45

Identification of the Promoter Region of KG24

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the predicted KG_Fragment 24 gene was defined as the promoter p-KG24. To identify this predicted promoter region, the EST sequence of 62001211.f_o1 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary maize genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_tigr_maize_genomic_partial_—5.0.nt. One maize genomic DNA sequence, AZM5_—23949 (3602 bp) was identified (SEQ ID NO: 81). This 3602 bp sequence harbored the predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to KG_Fragment 24 and more than 1.6 kb upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene

Isolation of the Promoter Region of KG24 by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 154)
CTACATTTATGTTATAGAGGCGCAA
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 155)
CATCTCTTGGGACGGAACCAA.

The expected 1507 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and named as promoter KG24 (p-KG24). Sequence of p-KG24 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 9.BLASTN Results of p_KG24

The top 13 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query are presented in Table 5.

TABLE 5
BlastN results of p_KG24
		Max	Total	Query		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	ident
AF205807.1	Zea mays subsp.	522	660	22%	2.00E−144	94%
	huehuetenangensis
	isolate Beadle s.n. b1
	gene, B-M033 allele,
	partial sequence
EU961185.1	Zea mays clone	491	491	21%	3.00E−135	93%
	233237 unknown
	mRNA
EU945925.1	Zea mays clone	491	491	21%	3.00E−135	93%
	290258 mRNA
	sequence
AF448416.1	Zea mays B73	491	660	33%	3.00E−135	94%
	chromosome 9S bz
	genomic region
AC157319.2	Zea mays clone	489	489	21%	1.00E−134	93%
	ZMMBBb-136E2,
	complete sequence
AY883458.1	Zea mays subsp.	484	484	21%	5.00E−133	92%
	parviglumis cultivar
	CIMMYT-11355
	teosinte glume
	architecture 1 (tga1)
	gene, promoter region
AY508163.1	Zea mays cultivar	479	479	21%	2.00E−131	92%
	F324 disrupted
	peroxidase (pox3)
	gene, exons 1 through
	3; and transposon
	MITE, complete
	sequence
AY508162.1	Zea mays cultivar	479	479	21%	2.00E−131	92%
	F227 disrupted
	peroxidase (pox3)
	gene, exons 1 through
	3; and transposon
	MITE, complete
	sequence
AY508161.1	Zea mays cultivar	479	479	21%	2.00E−131	92%
	F226 disrupted
	peroxidase (pox3)
	gene, exons 1 through
	3; and transposon
	MITE, complete
	sequence
AY508160.1	Zea mays cultivar	479	479	21%	2.00E−131	92%
	F7012 disrupted
	peroxidase (pox3)
	gene, exons 1 through
	3; and transposon
	MITE, complete
	sequence
AY508159.1	Zea mays cultivar	479	479	21%	2.00E−131	92%
	Quebec28 disrupted
	peroxidase (pox3)
	gene, pox3-2 allele,
	exons 1 through 3; and
	transposon MITE,
	complete sequence
AY883461.1	Zea mays subsp.	479	479	21%	2.00E−131	93%
	parviglumis cultivar
	HGW-Wilkes Site 6
	teosinte glume
	architecture 1 (tga1)
	gene, promoter region
AY508516.1	Zea mays disrupted	475	475	21%	3.00E−130	92%
	peroxidase (pox3)
	gene, partial
	sequence; and
	transposon MITE,
	complete sequence

2). KG_fragment 37

KG_fragment 37/Maize EST 62029487.f01 encodes a protein that is homologous to a hypothetical protein of rice (GenBank Accession: NP_—001051496). The top 15 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 6.

TABLE 6
BLASTX search results of KG—
fragment 37/Hyseq EST 62029487.f01
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
NP_001051496	Os03g0787200 [Oryza	518	e−145	65
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)].
EAY92106	hypothetical protein	518	e−145	65
	OsI_013339 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)
ABF99245	IQ calmodulin-binding	479	e−133	67
	motif family protein,
	expressed [Oryza
	sativa(japonica
	cultivar-group)]
CAO70668	unnamed protein	367	2.00E−99	51
	product [Vitis vinifera]
CAN68445	hypothetical protein	318	8.00E−85	46
	[Vitis vinifera].
NP_001067295	Os12g0619000 [Oryza	301	1.00E−79	45
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
NP_188858	IQD5 (IQ-domain 5);	301	2.00E−79	49
	calmodulin binding
	[Arabidopsis thaliana]
BAB03067	unnamed protein	298	1.00E−78	44
	product
	[Arabidopsis thaliana]
ACF85687	unknown [Zea mays]	294	2.00E−77	45
EAY94673	hypothetical protein	280	4.00E−73	43
	OsI_015906 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]
EAY83925	hypothetical protein	279	5.00E−73	43
	OsI_037884 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]
NP_001050778	Os03g0648300 [Oryza	276	6.00E−72	43
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
AAU89191	expressed protein	276	6.00E−72	43
	[Oryza sativa
	(japonica
	cultivar-group)]
EAZ27950	hypothetical protein	269	3.00E−27	44
	OsJ_011433 [Oryza
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
EAY92104	hypothetical protein	266	4.00E−69	73
	OsI_013337 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to KG_Fragment 37 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 28 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 46.

Identification of the promoter region of KG37

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the predicted KG_Fragment 37 gene was defined as the promoter p-KG37. To identify this predicted promoter region, the EST sequence of 62029487.f_o1 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary maize genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_tigr_maize_genomic_partial_—5.0.nt. The reverse complement sequence of AZM5_—22959 (2441 bp) was identified (SEQ ID NO: 82). This 2441 bp sequence harbored partial predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to KG_Fragment 37 and about 1.4 kb upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene.

Isolation of the Promoter Region of KG37 by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 156)
CATACGATTTCCTAAGCGGAATC
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 157)
CCGCCCGCCTCAACCACAGT.

The expected 910 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and named as promoter KG37 (p-KG37). Sequence of p-KG37 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 10.BLASTN results of p_KG37

The top 11 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query are presented in Table 7.

TABLE 7
BlastN results of p_KG37
		Max	Total	Query		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	ident
EU966853.1	Zea mays clone 297738	619	619	38%	6.00E−174	99%
	unknown mRNA
AC084296.12	Oryza sativa	51.8	51.8	7%	0.006	78%
	chromosome 3 BAC
	OSJNBb0024J04
	genomic sequence,
	complete sequence
AP008209.1	Oryza sativa (japonica	51.8	51.8	7%	0.006	78%
	cultivar-group) genomic
	DNA, chromosome 3
BX284754.1	Neurospora crassa DNA	50	50	3%	0.02	93%
	linkage group II BAC
	contig B23G1
AC143357.1	Pan troglodytes BAC	48.2	48.2	3%	0.069	96%
	clone RP43-171L24 from
	chromosome 7, complete
	sequence
AC003013.1	Human PAC clone RP1-	48.2	48.2	3%	0.069	96%
	205E24 from Xq23,
	complete sequence
AL136101.7	Human DNA sequence	48.2	48.2	3%	0.069	96%
	from clone RP5-954O23
	on chromosome Xq22.2-23,
	complete sequence
AM910995.1	Plasmodium knowlesi	46.4	46.4	4%	0.24	82%
	strain H chromosome 13,
	complete genome
AY573057.1	Plasmodium knowlesi	46.4	46.4	3%	0.24	90%
	merozoite surface protein
	4 (MSP4) gene,
	complete cds
AC120393.16	Mus musculus	46.4	46.4	3%	0.24	89%
	chromosome 7, clone
	RP24-312B12, complete
	sequence
AL357510.17	Human DNA sequence	46.4	46.4	4%	0.24	85%
	from clone RP11-195F21
	on chromosome 10
	Contains the 5′ end of a
	novel gene, complete
	sequence

3). KG_fragment 45

KG_fragment 45/Maize EST 57894155.f01 encodes a protein that is homologous to a hypothetical protein Os06g0473800 of rice (GenBank Accession: NP_—001057629). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 8.

TABLE 8
BLASTX search results of KG—
fragment 45/Hyseq EST 57894155.f01
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
NP_001057629	Os06g0473800 [Oryza	176	1e−42	60
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
EAZ00929	hypothetical protein	172	2e−41	66
	OsI_022161 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]
AAG01171	seed oleosin isoform 1	97	1e−18	40
	[Fagopyrum esculentum]
AAG09751	oleosin	91	6e−17	36
	[Perilla frutescens]
AAG24455	19 kDa oleosin	91	8e−17	36
	[Perilla frutescens]
AAB58402	15.5 kDa oleosin	90	1e−16	45
	[Sesamum indicum]
AAB24078	lipid body membrane	89	2e−16	42
	protein [Daucus carota]
CAA57994	high molecular weight	89	2e−16	48
	oleosin [Hordeum
	vulgare subsp. Vulgare]
AAG23840	oleosin	89	3e−16	37
	[Sesamum indicum]
ABW90149	oleosin 2	88	5e−16	35
	[Jatropha curcas]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to KG_Fragment 45 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 29 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 47.

Identification of the Promoter Region of KG45

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the predicted KG_Fragment 45 gene was defined as the promoter p-KG45. To identify this predicted promoter region, the sequence of 57894155.f_o1 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary genomic DNA sequence database, PUBtigr_maize_genomic_partial_—5.0.nt. The reverse complement sequence of a maize genomic DNA sequence, AZM5_—29112 (2548 bp) was identified (SEQ ID NO: 83). This 2548 bp sequence harbored the predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to KG_Fragment 45 and about 1.2 kb upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene.

Isolation of the Promoter Region of KG45 by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 158)
CCAGCCATCGTGCTTGAGTG
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 159)
GACGTGGTGGCGATCGCAAG

The expected 1131 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and named as promoter KG45 (p-KG45). Sequence of p-KG45 is shown in SEQ ID NO:11.BLASTN Results of p_KG45

The top 15 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query are presented in Table 9.

TABLE 9
BlastN results of p_KG45
		Max	Total	Query
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	Max ident
EU976834.1	Zea mays clone	59	59	2%	5.00E−05	100%
	991429 unknown
	mRNA
CU634021.8	Zebrafish DNA	53.6	53.6	4%	0.002	85%
	sequence from
	clone CH73-96B22
	in linkage group 20,
	complete sequence
AC158582.2	Mus musculus	51.8	51.8	4%	0.007	83%
	chromosome 7,
	clone RP24-
	173K12, complete
	sequence
AC102506.9	Mus musculus	51.8	51.8	4%	0.007	80%
	chromosome 1,
	clone RP24-
	139E15, complete
	sequence
AC114988.21	Mus musculus	51.8	51.8	4%	0.007	83%
	chromosome 7,
	clone RP23-207N5,
	complete sequence
AY105760.2	Zea mays	50	50	2%	0.025	100%
	PCO070107 mRNA
	sequence
DQ485452.1	Homo sapiens	50	50	3%	0.025	89%
	protein kinase D1
	(PRKD1) gene,
	complete cds
AC102004.7	Mus musculus	50	50	4%	0.025	82%
	chromosome 15,
	clone RP24-489M6,
	complete sequence
AC158556.9	Mus musculus	50	50	4%	0.025	82%
	chromosome 15,
	clone RP23-
	140F20, complete
	sequence
AC111275.4	Rattus norvegicus 4	50	50	5%	0.025	78%
	BAC CH230-49L22
	(Children's Hospital
	Oakland Research
	Institute) complete
	sequence
AC097745.8	Rattus norvegicus 3	50	50	4%	0.025	80%
	BAC CH230-11N5
	(Children's Hospital
	Oakland Research
	Institute) complete
	sequence
AL356756.4	Human	50	50	3%	0.025	89%
	chromosome 14
	DNA sequence
	BAC C-2503I6 of
	library CalTech-D
	from chromosome
	14 of Homo sapiens
	(Human), complete
	sequence
AL445884.4	Human	50	50	3%	0.025	89%
	chromosome 14
	DNA sequence
	BAC R-419C10 of
	library RPCI-11
	from chromosome
	14 of Homo sapiens
	(Human), complete
	sequence
AC199142.9	Canis familiaris,	48.2	48.2	4%	0.087	82%
	clone XX-240A15,
	complete sequence
AC182436.1	Mus musculus	48.2	48.2	4%	0.087	81%
	chromosome 5,
	clone wi1-1982K15,
	complete sequence

4). KG_fragment 46

KG_fragment 46/Maize EST 62096689.f01 encodes a protein that is homologous to a Cupin family protein of rice (GenBank Accession: ABF95817.1). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 10.

TABLE 10
BLASTX search results of KG—
fragment 26/Hyseq EST 62096689.f01
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
ABF95817.1	Cupin family protein,	313	1.00E−98	76
	expressed [Oryza
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
ABK80758.1	7S globulin precursor	294	4.00E−90	67
	[Ficus pumila var.
	awkeotsang]
NP_001050038.1	Os03g0336100 [Oryza	313	1.00E−98	76
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
CAO43605.1	unnamed protein	280	5.00E−87	63
	product [Vitis vinifera]
BAA06186.1	preproMP27-MP32	278	6.00E−87	61
	[Cucurbita
	cv. Kurokawa Amakuri]
AAT40548.1	Putative vicilin, identical	291	5.00E−84	61
	[Solanum demissum]
CAN60323.1	hypothetical protein	263	7.00E−82	63
	[Vitis vinifera]
AAC15238.1	globulin-like protein	250	4.00E−76	57
	[Daucus carota]
NP_180416.1	cupin family protein	253	5.00E−76	61
	[Arabidopsis thaliana]
ABD33075.1	Cupin region	249	2.00E−72	55
	[Medicago truncatula]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to KG_Fragment 46 is shown in SEQ ID NO 30 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO 48.

Identification of the Promoter Region of KG46

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the predicted KG_Fragment 46 gene was defined as the promoter p-KG46. To identify this predicted promoter region, the sequence of 62096689.f_o1 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_tigr_maize_genomic_partial_—5.0.nt. One maize genomic DNA sequence, AZM5_—23539 (2908 bp) was identified (SEQ ID NO: 84). This 2908 bp sequence harbored the predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to KG_Fragment 24 and about 600 bp upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene (SEQ ID NO: 84).

Isolation of the Promoter Region of KG46 by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 160)
CATTGTTATACATCGGTGATG
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 161)
CCTAGCTGGCTTCTTCCAAGC

The expected 563 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and named as promoter KG46 (p-KG46). Sequence of p-KG46 is shown in SEQ ID NO:12.BLASTN Results of p_KG46

The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query are presented in Table 11.

TABLE 11
BlastN results of p_KG46
				Query
		Max	Total	cover-		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	age	E value	ident
EU953111.1	Zea mays	156	156	15%	1.00E−34	100%
	clone 1383292
	unknown
	mRNA
AY105246.1	Zea mays	138	138	13%	3.00E−29	100%
	PCO130570
	mRNA
	sequence
EU971630.1	Zea mays	122	122	37%	2.00E−24	75%
	clone 368362
	unknown
	mRNA
AY455286.1	Zea mays	107	107	22%	5.00E−20	81%
	chloroplast
	phytoene
	synthase (Y1)
	gene,
	complete cds;
	nuclear gene
	for chloroplast
	product
EU968175.1	Zea mays	64.4	64.4	11%	5.00E−07	85%
	clone 316213
	unknown
	mRNA
AY664417.1	Zea mays	46.4	46.4	24%	0.15	71%
	cultivar Mo17
	locus 9002,
	complete
	sequence
AP008213.1	Oryza sativa	44.6	44.6	8%	0.51	81%
	(japonica
	cultivar-group)
	genomic DNA,
	chromosome 7
EU970588.1	Zea mays	42.8	42.8	6%	1.8	89%
	clone 347636
	unknown
	mRNA
EU958640.1	Zea mays	42.8	42.8	5%	1.8	90%
	clone 1706905
	unknown
	mRNA
CP000964.1	Klebsiella	42.8	42.8	6%	1.8	88%
	pneumoniae
	342, complete
	genome

5). KG_fragment 49

KG_fragment 49/Maize EST 62158447.f01 encodes a protein that is homologous to a hypothetical protein Osl_—010295 of rice (GenBank Accession: EAY89062). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 12.

TABLE 12
BLASTX search results of KG—
fragment 49/Hyseq EST 62158447.f01
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
EAY89062	hypothetical protein	1021	0.0	87
	OsI_010295 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]
ABF94669	dnaK protein,	1020	0.0	87
	expressed [Oryza
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
CAN68225	hypothetical protein	776	0.0	65
	[Vitis vinifera]
CAO71160	unnamed protein	776	0.0	66
	product [Vitis vinifera]
NP_180771	HSP70T-2; ATP binding	754	0.0	64
	[Arabidopsis thaliana]
AAM67201	70 kD heat shock protein	749	0.0	64
	[Arabidopsis thaliana]
ACC93947	heat-shock protein	297	3.00E−78	35
	70 [Hevea brasiliensis]
XP_001785822	predicted protein	289	7.00E−76	35
	[Physcomitrella patens
	subsp. patens]
XP_001783048	predicted protein	288	1.00E−75	35
	[Physcomitrella patens
	subsp. patens]
XP_001781229	predicted protein	288	2.00E−75	35
	[Physcomitrella patens
	subsp. patens]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to KG_Fragment 49 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 26 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 44.

Identification of the Promoter Region of KG49

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the predicted KG_Fragment 49 gene was defined as the promoter p-KG49. To identify this predicted promoter region, the sequence of 62001211.f_o1 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_tigr_maize_genomic_partial_—5.0.nt. The reverse complement sequence of a maize genomic DNA sequence, AZM5_—34102 (1719 bp) was identified (SEQ ID NO: 80). This 1719 bp sequence harbored partial predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to KG_Fragment 49 and about 1.2 kb upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene (SEQ ID NO: 80).

Isolation of the Promoter Region of KG49 by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 162)
GAGCGACCTCGGACTCAGCGGCT
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 163)
CCTACAAACAATATTGCATCAG

The expected 1188 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and named as promoter KG49 (p-KG49). Sequence of p-KG49 is shown in SEQ ID NO:8.BLASTN Results of p_KG49

The 2 plant homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query are presented in Table 13.

TABLE 13
BlastN results of p_KG49
		Max	Total	Query		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	ident
EU957595.1	Zea mays	237	237	12%	9.00E−59	95%
	clone
	1598693
	unknown
	mRNA
EU966687.1	Zea mays	93.3	93.3	14%	2.00E−15	72%
	clone
	296333
	unknown
	mRNA

6). KG_fragment 56

KG_fragment 56 has no hits to the BPS in-house Hyseq EST database, but has 100% identities to a sequence disclosed in the patent application, pat_US20040034888A1_—3514.

KG_Fragment56/pat_US20040034888A1_—3514 encodes a protein that is homologous to a hypothetical protein Os02g0158900 of rice (GenBank Accession: NP_—001045960.1). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 14.

TABLE 14
BLASTX search results of KG_fragment 56
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
NP_001045960.1	Os02g0158900 [Oryza	237	e−128	76
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
EAZ21814.1	hypothetical protein	233	e−125	76
	OsJ_005297 [Oryza
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
CAO62717.1	unnamed protein	205	2.00E−93	60
	product [Vitis vinifera]
CAN64662.1	hypothetical protein	202	3.00E−92	59
	[Vitis vinifera]
AAF66638.1	AF143742_1 SNF4	167	6.00E−74	64
	[Lycopersicon
	esculentum]
AAA91175.1	Pv42p	103	2.00E−72	62
AAO61675.1	SNF4b [Medicago	111	3.00E−72	67
	truncatula]
NP_172985.1	CBS domain-	108	3.00E−69	65
	containing protein
	[Arabidopsis thaliana]
XP_001761144.1	predicted protein	163	1.00E−66	50
	[Physcomitrella
	patens subsp. patens]
BAC42835.1	unknown protein	191	7.00E−64	46
	[Arabidopsis thaliana]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to KG_Fragment 56 is shown in SEQ ID NO:21 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO:39.

Identification of the Promoter Region of KG56

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the predicted KG_Fragment 56 gene was defined as the promoter p-KG56. To identify this predicted promoter region, the sequence of 62001211.f_o1 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_zmdb_genomesurveyseqs.nt, One maize genomic DNA sequence, ZmGSStuc11-12-04.2541.1 (8495 bp) was identified (SEQ ID NO: 75). The first 4.2 kb of ZmGSStuc11-12-04.2541.1 sequence harbored the predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to KG_Fragment 56 and more than 2 kb upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene (SEQ ID NO: 75).

Isolation of the Promoter Region of KG56 by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 164)
GATTCAGAACATCTGGTCAG
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 165)
AGGTTTAGCGAACAAGGC

The expected 1945 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and named as promoter KG56 (p-KG56). Sequence of p-KG56 is shown in SEQ ID NO:3.BLASTN Results of p_KG56

The top 15 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query are presented in Table 15.

TABLE 15
BlastN results of p_KG56
		Max	Total	Query		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	ident
EU971086.1	Zea mays clone	1088	1895	54%	0	99%
	357153 unknown
	mRNA
AP008208.1	Oryza sativa	437	956	51%	8.00E−119	87%
	(japonica cultivar-
	group) genomic DNA,
	chromosome 2
AP004843.2	Oryza sativa	437	956	51%	8.00E−119	87%
	Japonica Group
	genomic DNA,
	chromosome 2, BAC
	clone: B1103G11
NM_001052494.1	Oryza sativa	430	975	41%	1.00E−116	87%
	(japonica cultivar-
	group)
	Os02g0158800
	(Os02g0158800)
	mRNA, complete cds
AK119177.1	Oryza sativa	430	975	41%	1.00E−116	87%
	Japonica Group
	cDNA clone: 001-037-
	G06, full insert
	sequence
AK065389.1	Oryza sativa	430	975	41%	1.00E−116	87%
	Japonica Group
	cDNA
	clone: J013021B10,
	full insert sequence
BT041386.1	Zea mays full-length	242	670	41%	4.00E−60	83%
	cDNA clone
	ZM_BFc0117N09
	mRNA, complete cds
EU976055.1	Zea mays clone	239	659	41%	4.00E−59	82%
	509800 unknown
	mRNA
AP008212.1	Oryza sativa	239	731	43%	4.00E−59	84%
	(japonica cultivar-
	group) genomic DNA,
	chromosome 6
AP005395.3	Oryza sativa	239	683	43%	4.00E−59	84%
	Japonica Group
	genomic DNA,
	chromosome 6, PAC
	clone: P0623A10
NM_001064941.1	Oryza sativa	237	663	41%	2.00E−58	83%
	(japonica cultivar-
	group)
	Os06g0687400
	(Os06g0687400)
	mRNA, partial cds
AK072400.1	Oryza sativa	237	663	41%	2.00E−58	83%
	Japonica Group
	cDNA
	clone: J023078C17,
	full insert sequence
AK060934.1	Oryza sativa	237	656	41%	2.00E−58	83%
	Japonica Group
	cDNA clone: 006-201-
	B09, full insert
	sequence
AP001298.1	Arabidopsis thaliana	221	406	46%	1.00E−53	77%
	genomic DNA,
	chromosome 3, BAC
	clone: F20C19
BT009221.1	Triticum aestivum	210	614	41%	2.00E−50	82%
	clone
	wle1n.pk0074.b4: fis,
	full insert mRNA
	sequence

7). KG_fragment 103

KG_fragment 103/Maize EST ZM07MC01323_—57619299 encodes a Maize Cytochrome P450 78A1 protein (GenBank Accession: NP_—001106069.1). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 16.

TABLE 16
BLASTXsearch results of KG—
fragment_103/EST ZM07MC01323_57619299
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
NP_001106069.1	Cytochrome P450	1057	0.0	100
	78A1 [Zea mays]
CAO70823.1	unnamed protein	370	0.0	72
	product [Vitis vinifera]
CAN73323.1	hypothetical protein	367	0.0	71
	[Vitis vinifera]
EAY78409.1	hypothetical protein	635	0.0	84
	OsI_032368 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]
NP_001064552.1	Os10g0403000 [Oryza	634	0.0	84
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
BAC76730.1	cytochrome P450	632	0.0	83
	78A11 [Oryza sativa
	Japonica Group]
EAY79271.1	hypothetical protein	634	e−179	84
	OsI_033230 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]
O65012	C78A4_PINRA	354	e−171	65
	Cytochrome P450
	78A4
CAO71766.1	unnamed protein	218	e−163	70
	product [Vitis vinifera]
XP_001771134.1	predicted protein	180	e−158	54
	[Physcomitrella
	patens subsp. patens]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to KG_Fragment 103 is shown SEQ ID NO: 31 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 49.

Identification of the Promoter Region of KG103

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the predicted KG_Fragment 103 gene was defined as the promoter p-KG103. To identify this predicted promoter region, the sequence of EST ZM07MC01323_—57619299 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_zmdb_genomesurveyseqs.nt. The reverse complement sequence of a maize genomic DNA sequence, ZmGSStuc11-12-04.9475.1 (5105 bp) was identified (SEQ ID NO: 85). This 5105 bp sequence harbored the predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to KG_Fragment 103 and about 1.2 kb upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene.

Isolation of the Promoter Region of KG103 by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 166)
ATCATCACCCTACCCCGAGCT
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 167)
GACGAGTTGTTCTGGCTAG

The expected 991 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and named as promoter KG103 (p-KG103). Sequence of p-KG103 is shown in SEQ ID NO:13.BLASTN Results of p_KG103

The top 25 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query are presented in Table 17.

TABLE 17
BlastN results of p_KG103
		Max	Total	Query		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	ident
AC157319.2	Zea mays clone	1079	3747	66%	0	96%
	ZMMBBb-136E2,
	complete sequence
AY530952.1	Zea mays unknown	1068	2126	66%	0	96%
	(Z576C20.2), putative
	heme oxygenase 1
	(Z576C20.3),
	anthocyanin
	biosynthesis regulatory
	protein PI1_B73
	(Z576C20.4), putative
	growth-regulating
	factor 1 (Z576C20.6),
	and putative
	aminoalcoholphospho-
	transferase
	(Z576C20.14) genes,
	complete cds; and
	putative receptor
	protein kinase
	(Z576C20.21) gene,
	partial cds
EU952200.1	Zea mays clone	1058	1058	66%	0	95%
	1221105 unknown
	mRNA
EU338354.1	Zea mays cultivar W22	1050	5123	68%	0	95%
	bz gene locus,
	complete sequence
AF391808.3	Zea mays cultivar McC	1050	5117	68%	0	95%
	bz locus region
AC165176.2	Zea mays clone	1031	1.20E+04	66%	0	94%
	ZMMBBb-177G21,
	complete sequence
AY883559.2	Zea mays cultivar	1018	3526	66%	0	94%
	inbred line B73
	teosinte glume
	architecture 1 (tga1)
	gene, complete cds
AF466646.1	Zea mays putative	1007	1007	66%	0	94%
	transposase
	(Z195D10.1) gene,
	partial cds; glycyl-tRNA
	synthetase
	(Z195D10.2), ornithine
	carbamoyltransferase
	(Z195D10.3), putative
	gag protein
	(Z195D10.5), putative
	SET-domain
	transcriptional
	regulator (Z195D10.7),
	putative oxysterol-
	binding protein
	(Z195D10.8), putative
	polyprotein
	(Z195D10.9), putative
	oxysterol-binding
	protein (Z195D10.10),
	putative gag-pol
	polyprotein
	(Z195D10.11), putative
	phosphatidylinositol-4-
	phosphate-5-kinase
	(Z195D10.12),
	hypothetical protein
	(Z195D10.15), putative
	gag-pol polyprotein
	(Z195D10.16), putative
	polyprotein
	(Z195D10.17), putative
	retrotransposon protein
	(Z195D10.18), and
	prpol (Z195D10.19)
	genes, complete cds;
	and putative teosinte
	branched2
	(Z195D10.20) gene,
	partial cds
AC152495.1	Zea mays BAC clone	1003	1984	66%	0	94%
	Z486N13, complete
	sequence
AF123535.1	Zea mays alcohol	991	1964	67%	0	93%
	dehydrogenase 1
	(adh1) gene, adh1-F
	allele, complete cds
AY691949.1	Zea mays alcohol	991	1970	67%	0	93%
	dehydrogenase 1
	(adh1A) gene,
	complete cds; Fourf
	copia_LTR and Huck
	gypsy_LTR
	retrotransposons,
	complete sequence;
	Opie2 copia_LTR
	retrotransposon Zeon
	gypsy_LTR and Opie1
	copia_LTR
	retrotransposons,
	complete sequence; Ji
	copia_LTR
	retrotransposon,
	complete sequence;
	and unknown protein
	(adh1B), cyclin H-1
	(adh1C), unknown
	protein (adh1D),
	hypothetical protein
	(adh1E), and unknown
	protein (adh1F) genes,
	complete cds
DQ417752.1	Zea mays B73	984	5530	66%	0	93%
	pathogenesis-related
	protein 2 and GASA-
	like protein genes,
	complete cds
AF050440.1	Zea mays	982	982	66%	0	93%
	retrotransposon Huck-
	2 3′ LTR, partial
	sequence
DQ002408.1	Zea mays gypsy	976	3501	66%	0	93%
	retrotransposon huck,
	and copia
	retrotransposon ji,
	complete sequence;
	and helitron
	Mo17_14594,
	complete sequence
U68404.1	Zea mays	973	973	66%	0	93%
	retrotransposon Huck-
	2 5′ LTR and primer
	binding site DNA
	sequence
AY530950.1	Zea mays putative zinc	971	4162	67%	0	93%
	finger protein
	(Z438D03.1), unknown
	(Z438D03.5), epsilon-
	COP (Z438D03.6),
	putative kinase
	(Z438D03.7), unknown
	(Z438D03.25), and C1-
	B73 (Z438D03.27)
	genes, complete cds
AC160211.1	Genomic seqeunce for	969	4518	66%	0	93%
	Zea mays BAC clone
	ZMMBBb0448F23,
	complete sequence
AC157487.1	Genomic sequence for	966	6419	66%	0	93%
	Zea mays clone
	ZMMBBb0614J24,
	from chromosome 8,
	complete sequence
AY530951.1	Zea mays putative	964	4254	66%	0	93%
	growth-regulating
	factor 1 (Z214A02.12),
	putative 40S ribosomal
	protein S8
	(Z214A02.25), and
	putative casein kinase
	I (Z214A02.27) genes,
	complete cds
AY664416.1	Zea mays cultivar	958	3019	66%	0	92%
	Mo17 locus bz,
	complete sequence
AY555142.1	Zea mays BAC clone	951	2719	66%	0	92%
	c573F08, complete
	sequence
AY664419.1	Zea mays cultivar	951	4061	66%	0	92%
	Mo17 locus 9009,
	complete sequence
AC165174.2	Zea mays clone	921	1836	66%	0	91%
	ZMMBBb-127F19,
	complete sequence
AC165173.2	Zea mays clone	921	2326	66%	0	91%
	ZMMBBb-125O19,
	complete sequence
DQ493649.1	Zea mays cultivar	915	3472	66%	0	91%
	Coroico bz locus
	region

8). KG_fragment 119

KG_fragment 119/Maize EST ZM07MC15086_—59463108 encodes a protein that is homologous to a hypothetical protein Os09g0433900 of rice (GenBank Accession: NP_—001063248). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 18

TABLE 18
BLASTX search results of KG_fragment
119/Hyseq EST ZM07MC15086_59463108
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
NP_001063248	Os09g0433900 [Oryza	696	0.0	67
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
EAZ09214	hypothetical protein	657	0.0	67
	OsI_030446 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]
EAZ44840	hypothetical protein	611	e−173	61
	OsJ_028323 [Oryza
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
AAV64199	putative alanine amino-	571	e−161	56
	transferase [Zea mays]
AAV64237	putative alanine amino-	570	e−160	56
	transferase [Zea mays].
BAC79995	putative alanine amino-	559	e−157	60
	transferase [Oryza sativa
	Japonica Group]
EAZ40671	hypothetical protein	556	e−156	58
	OsJ_024154 [Oryza
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
EAZ04721	hypothetical protein	555	e−156	58
	OsI_025953 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]
CAO45546	unnamed protein	555	e−156	58
	product [Vitis vinifera]
CAA49199	alanine aminotransferase	553	e−155	57
	[Panicum miliaceum]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to KG_Fragment 119 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 32 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO:50.

Identification of the Promoter Region of KG119

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the predicted KG_Fragment 119 gene was defined as the promoter p-KG119. To identify this predicted promoter region, the sequence of ZM07MC15086_—59463108 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_tigr_maize_genomic_partial_—5.0.nt. One maize genomic DNA sequence, AZM5_—10092 (8208 bp SEQ ID NO: 86) was identified. The reverse complement sequence of this sequence harbored the predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to KG_Fragment 119 and more than 2 kb upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene (SEQ ID NO: 86).

Isolation of the Promoter Region of KG119 by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 168)
CTTCCGATAAAAATATTTGGAAC
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 169)
GTACGACATGGCGCGTCGG

The expected 2519 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and anotated as promoter KG119 (p-KG119). Sequence of p-KG119 is shown in SEQ ID NO:14BLASTN Results of p_KG119

The top 15 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query are presented in Table 19.

TABLE 19
BlastN results of p_KG119
		Max	Total	Query		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	ident
EU966511.1	Zea mays clone 294961	821	1032	23%	0	99%
	unknown mRNA
AF215823.2	Zea mays T cytoplasm	545	545	15%	3.00E−151	92%
	male sterility restorer factor
	2 (rf2a) gene, rf2a-B73
	allele, complete cds
AC157977.1	Genomic sequence for Zea	535	535	15%	5.00E−148	91%
	mays chromosome 8 BAC
	clone ZMMBBb0284N04,
	complete sequence
EU957455.1	Zea mays clone 1592915	531	531	14%	6.00E−147	92%
	unknown mRNA
AY662985.1	Zea luxurians YZ1 (yz1)	504	716	21%	9.00E−139	89%
	gene, complete cds;
	transposons mPIF-like
	element and frequent flyer,
	complete sequence; and
	NADPH-dependent
	reductase (a1) gene, partial
	cds
AC165178.2	Zea mays clone ZMMBBb-	497	497	14%	1.00E−136	90%
	272P17, complete
	sequence
EF659468.1	Zea mays clone BAC	484	621	14%	8.00E−133	90%
	b0288K09 AP2 domain
	transcription factor
	(Rap2.7) gene, partial cds
AJ005343.1	Zea mays Ama gene	464	464	14%	8.00E−127	89%
	encoding single-subunit
	RNA polymerase
AC165171.2	Zea mays clone CH201-	462	462	15%	3.00E−126	87%
	145P10, complete
	sequence
AF466646.1	Zea mays putative	461	606	14%	9.00E−126	87%
	transposase (Z195D10.1)
	gene, partial cds; glycyl-
	tRNA synthetase
	(Z195D10.2), ornithine
	carbamoyltransferase
	(Z195D10.3), putative gag
	protein (Z195D10.5),
	putative SET-domain
	transcriptional regulator
	(Z195D10.7), putative
	oxysterol-binding protein
	(Z195D10.8), putative
	polyprotein (Z195D10.9),
	putative oxysterol-binding
	protein (Z195D10.10),
	putative gag-pol
	polyprotein (Z195D10.11),
	putative
	phosphatidylinositol-4-
	phosphate-5-kinase
	(Z195D10.12), hypothetical
	protein (Z195D10.15),
	putative gag-pol
	polyprotein (Z195D10.16),
	putative polyprotein
	(Z195D10.17), putative
	retrotransposon protein
	(Z195D10.18), and prpol
	(Z195D10.19) genes,
	complete cds; and putative
	teosinte branched2
	(Z195D10.20) gene, partial
	cds
AY789036.1	Zea mays subsp.	461	461	14%	9.00E−126	88%
	parviglumis floricaula/leafy-
	like 2 (zfl2) gene, complete
	cds
AC165174.2	Zea mays clone ZMMBBb-	459	959	19%	3.00E−125	88%
	127F19, complete
	sequence
AF448416.1	Zea mays B73	459	459	14%	3.00E−125	87%
	chromosome 9S bz
	genomic region
AF416310.1	Zea mays clone mPIF268	459	459	14%	3.00E−125	88%
	mPIF miniature inverted-
	repeat transposable
	element
DQ493647.1	Zea mays cultivar NalTel	453	453	14%	1.00E−123	86%
	bz locus region

9). KG_fragment 129

KG_fragment 129/maize EST 62092959.f01 encodes a protein that is homologous to a maize unknown protein (GenBank Accession: ACF78165.1). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 20.

TABLE 20
BLASTX search results of KG—
fragment 129/Hyseq EST 62092959.f01
				% iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
ACF78165.1	unknown[Zea Mays].	513	e−143	91
ACF83516.1	unknown [Zea mays]	401	e−110	69
ACF86030.1	unknown [Zea mays]	243	7e−96	69
ACF78865.1	unknown [Zea mays]	243	1e−84	69
EAY82651.1	hypothetical protein	129	3e−42	45
	OsI_036610
NP_001066495.1	Os12g0247700 [Oryza	121	1e−39	44
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
NP_001066367.1	Os12g0198700 [Oryza	88	2e−35	47
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
ABE11623.1	unknown [Oryza	102	6e−34	41
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
ABS82785.1	jasmonate-induced	92	1e−32	51
	protein
	[Triticum aestivum]
AAR20919.1	jasmonate-induced	91	3e−32	50
	protein
	[Triticum aestivum]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to KG_Fragment 129 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 22 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO:40.

Identification of the Promoter Region of KG129

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the predicted KG_Fragment 129 gene was defined as the promoter p-KG129. To identify this predicted promoter region, the sequence of 62092959.f_o1 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_tigr_maize_genomic_partial_—5.0.nt. One maize genomic DNA sequence, AZM5_—91706 (2131 bp) was identified (SEQ ID NO: 76). This 2131 bp sequence harbored the predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to KG_Fragment 129 and about 600 bp upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene.

Isolation of the Promoter Region of KG129by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 170)
GCCAGTGCTAATGATATTTA
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 171)
ATGCACCTACTCGGCGGTG

The expected 512 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and annotated as promoter KG129 (p-KG129). Sequence of p-KG129 is shown in SEQ ID NO:4.BLASTN Results of p_KG129

The top 20 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query are presented in Table 21.

TABLE 21
BlastN results of p_KG129
		Max	Total	Query		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	ident
EU241905.1	Zea mays ZCN14 (ZCN14)	230	353	38%	6.00E−57	86%
	gene, complete cds
AY682272.1	Zea mays subsp. mexicana	228	465	37%	2.00E−56	86%
	barren stalk 1 gene,
	promoter region I
AY682271.1	Zea mays subsp. mexicana	228	465	37%	2.00E−56	86%
	barren stalk 1 gene,
	promoter region I
AY682262.1	Zea mays barren stalk 1	228	459	37%	2.00E−56	86%
	gene, promoter region I
AY682258.1	Zea mays barren stalk 1	228	459	37%	2.00E−56	86%
	gene, promoter region I
AY682256.1	Zea mays barren stalk 1	228	459	37%	2.00E−56	86%
	gene, promoter region I
AY743721.1	Zea mays subsp.	228	459	37%	2.00E−56	86%
	parviglumis cultivar INIFAP-
	JSG 374 barren stalk 1
	gene, promoter I region
AY682254.1	Zea mays barren stalk 1	224	455	37%	2.00E−55	86%
	gene, promoter region I
AY743723.1	Zea mays subsp.	215	283	37%	1.00E−52	85%
	parviglumis cultivar
	CIMMYT-11355 barren stalk
	1 gene, promoter I region
AY753906.1	Zea mays subsp.	206	206	37%	6.00E−50	84%
	parviglumis barren stalk 1
	gene, promoter I region
AY683001.1	Zea mays cultivar B73	201	527	38%	3.00E−48	85%
	barren stalk1 (BA1) gene,
	complete cds
AY682281.1	Zea mays subsp.	199	541	37%	9.00E−48	85%
	parviglumis barren stalk 1
	gene, promoter region I
AY682274.1	Zea mays subsp.	199	525	37%	9.00E−48	85%
	parviglumis barren stalk 1
	gene, promoter region I
AY682273.1	Zea mays subsp.	199	525	37%	9.00E−48	85%
	parviglumis barren stalk 1
	gene, promoter region I
AY682270.1	Zea mays subsp. mexicana	199	525	37%	9.00E−48	85%
	barren stalk 1 gene,
	promoter region I
AY682269.1	Zea mays subsp. mexicana	199	525	37%	9.00E−48	85%
	barren stalk 1 gene,
	promoter region I
AY682268.1	Zea mays barren stalk 1	199	525	37%	9.00E−48	85%
	gene, promoter region I
AY682267.1	Zea mays barren stalk 1	199	525	37%	9.00E−48	85%
	gene, promoter region I
AY682266.1	Zea mays barren stalk 1	199	525	37%	9.00E−48	85%
	gene, promoter region I
AY682265.1	Zea mays barren stalk 1	199	525	37%	9.00E−48	85%
	gene, promoter region I

Example 5

Place Analysis of the Promoters

Cis-acting motifs in the promoter regions were identified using PLACE (a database of Plant Cis-acting Regulatory DNA elements) using the Genomatix database suite.

1.) p-KG24

PLACE analysis results of p-KG24 are listed in Table 22. No TATA box motif is found in this promoter, but there are 2 CAAT Box motifs at nucleotide position 191-195 and 247-251 of the forward strand, respectively. These CAAT Box motifs are distal from the 3′ end of the promoter and therefore may not be functional motifs.

TABLE 22
PLACE analysis results of the 1507bp promoter of p-KG24
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM156	L1BOXATPDF1	2	9	−	0	1	TAAATGTA
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	56	61	+	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	68	74	−	0	1	GATTTAC
FAM087	BOXIINTPATPB	76	81	+	0	1	ATAGAA
FAM303	OSE1ROOTNODULE	90	96	−	0	1	AAAGATG
FAM012	IBOXCORE	126	132	+	0	1	GATAACT
FAM267	NTBBF1ARROLB	130	136	+	0	1	ACTTTAG
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	131	137	−	0	1	TCTAAAG
FAM272	SV40COREENHAN	143	150	+	0	1	GTGGAATG
FAM322	BIHD1OS	149	153	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM027	-10PEHVPSBD	154	159	+	0	1	TATTCT
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	191	195	+	0	1	CCAAT
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	212	218	+	0	1	AAACAAA
FAM039	AACACOREOSGLUB1	213	219	+	0	1	AACAAAC
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	217	221	+	0	1	AACGG
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	220	230	+	0	1	GGGGCCTTATT
FAM310	CPBCSPOR	227	232	+	0	1	TATTAG
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	236	242	−	0	1	GAATTCC
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	247	251	+	0	1	CCAAT
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	272	278	+	0	1	GATTTCC
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	289	294	+	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM006	HDZIP2ATATHB2	318	326	+	0	1	TAATAATTA
FAM170	MYBGAHV	330	336	−	0	1	TAACAAA
FAM010	WBOXNTCHN48	332	346	−	0	1	GCTGACCTTTTAACA
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	336	341	−	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM010	QELEMENTZMZM13	337	351	+	0	1	AAAGGTCAGCTTCCC
FAM202	-300ELEMENT	364	372	+	0	1	TGTAAAAGC
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	365	375	−	0	1	TGGGCTTTTAC
FAM003	MYBPLANT	385	395	−	0	1	AACCAAACAGA
FAM171	MYBPZM	392	398	−	0	1	CCCAACC
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	395	405	+	0	1	TGGGCTGTGGC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	399	411	−	0	1	TTCACAGCCACAG
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	409	414	+	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	423	433	+	0	1	TGGGCTGTGAG
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	439	444	+	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM306	ANAERO2CONSENSUS	445	450	−	0	1	AGCAGC
FAM003	MYBPLANT	480	490	−	0	1	CACCAAACGGT
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	481	485	−	0	1	AACGG
FAM266	MYB1AT	492	497	+	0	1	AAACCA
FAM099	CCA1ATLHCB1	511	518	+	0	1	AAAAATCT
FAM162	LTRE1HVBLT49	544	549	+	0	1	CCGAAA
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	545	557	+	0	1	CGAAAAGCCACTA
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	582	588	+	0	1	GATTTGC
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	596	602	−	0	1	GACTTTC
FAM013	DRE2COREZMRAB17	599	605	−	0	1	ACCGACT
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	611	616	+	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM306	ANAERO2CONSENSUS	617	622	−	0	1	AGCAGC
FAM010	WBBOXPCWRKY1	675	689	−	0	1	TTTGACTTTTGGCTT
FAM266	MYB1AT	687	692	+	0	1	AAACCA
FAM003	MYBPLANT	688	698	+	0	1	AACCAAACACA
FAM024	2SSEEDPROTBANAPA	691	699	+	0	1	CAAACACAC
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	715	725	+	0	1	TGGGCCATTTA
FAM012	IBOXCORE	721	727	−	0	1	GATAAAT
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	738	744	−	0	1	GATTTGC
FAM202	-300ELEMENT	748	756	+	0	1	TGAAAAATT
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	749	754	+	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM270	RAV1AAT	758	762	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	800	806	+	0	1	GAGACTA
FAM012	IBOXCORE	814	820	+	0	1	GATAACT
FAM267	NTBBF1ARROLB	818	824	+	0	1	ACTTTAT
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	819	825	−	0	1	TATAAAG
FAM307	ANAERO3CONSENSUS	828	834	+	0	1	TCATCAC
FAM182	OBP1ATGST6	893	903	+	0	1	TACACTTTTGG
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	906	916	+	0	1	TGGGCTCGGAG
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	916	921	+	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	943	947	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM012	IBOXCORE	953	959	+	0	1	GATAACA
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	960	965	+	0	1	ACGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	960	965	−	0	1	CCGCGT
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	967	979	−	0	1	CGTTAGGCCACAT
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	984	994	−	0	1	TGGGCCGGATT
FAM302	UP1ATMSD	988	998	+	0	1	CGGCCCATTTA
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1018	1023	+	0	1	ACGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1018	1023	−	0	1	CCGCGT
FAM002	RAV1BAT	1023	1035	−	0	1	TGGCACCTGCTCC
FAM010	WBOXHVISO1	1028	1042	−	0	1	AGTGACTTGGCACCT
FAM002	RAV1BAT	1051	1063	−	0	1	CTCCACCTGCAGC
FAM151	INTRONLOWER	1053	1058	+	0	1	TGCAGG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	1070	1076	+	0	1	ACACTAG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1079	1084	+	0	1	CCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1079	1084	−	0	1	CCGCGG
FAM002	GADOWNAT	1090	1102	−	0	1	CGACACGTGTCAG
FAM002	GADOWNAT	1091	1103	+	0	1	TGACACGTGTCGC
FAM322	BIHD1OS	1091	1095	−	0	1	TGTCA
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	1093	1099	+	0	1	ACACGTG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	1094	1100	−	0	1	ACACGTG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1096	1108	+	0	1	CGTGTCGCCACGT
FAM002	ABREATRD2	1100	1112	−	0	1	CGGCACGTGGCGA
FAM002	GBOX10NT	1101	1113	+	0	1	CGCCACGTGCCGC
FAM061	GCCCORE	1108	1114	+	0	1	TGCCGCC
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	1139	1149	+	0	1	CGGGCCGACTG
FAM013	DRECRTCOREAT	1142	1148	+	0	1	GCCGACT
FAM002	TGACGTVMAMY	1143	1155	+	0	1	CCGACTGACGTCT
FAM002	HEXMOTIFTAH3H4	1145	1157	−	0	1	CAAGACGTCAGTC
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	1149	1154	+	0	1	GACGTC
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	1149	1154	−	0	1	GACGTC
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	1172	1176	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM061	GCCCORE	1179	1185	−	0	1	CGCCGCC
FAM010	ELRECOREPCRP1	1198	1212	+	0	1	TTTGACCCCTCGCTA
FAM306	ANAERO2CONSENSUS	1236	1241	−	0	1	AGCAGC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1274	1286	+	0	1	CAGGACGCCACGT
FAM002	ACGTABREMOTIFA2OSE	1278	1290	−	0	1	TTGGACGTGGCGT
FAM262	CIACADIANLELHC	1302	1311	−	0	1	CAATGGCATC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1305	1317	+	0	1	GCCATTGCCACCT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1328	1333	+	0	1	ACGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1328	1333	−	0	1	ACGCGT
FAM010	WBOXHVISO1	1337	1351	+	0	1	CGTGACTATAAAAAA
FAM171	MYBPZM	1383	1389	+	0	1	CCCTACC
FAM303	OSE1ROOTNODULE	1391	1397	−	0	1	AAAGATT
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	1400	1406	+	0	1	CCGTCCC
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	1405	1415	−	0	1	TGGGCTGATGG
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	1416	1422	−	0	1	GAATTGC
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	1451	1461	−	0	1	TGGGCTTCGGT
FAM013	DRECRTCOREAT	1466	1472	+	0	1	GCCGACC
FAM003	REALPHALGLHCB21	1482	1492	−	0	1	AACCAACGGCA
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	1484	1488	−	0	1	AACGG
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	1493	1499	+	0	1	CCGTCCC
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	1500	1504	−	0	1	CTCTT

2.) p-KG37

PLACE analysis results of p-KG37 are listed in Table 23, neither TATA box nor CAAT motifs are found in this promoter.

TABLE 23
PLACE analysis results of the 910bp promoter of p-KG37
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	6	12	+	0	1	GATTTCC
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	26	32	+	0	1	GAGACGA
FAM272	SV40COREENHAN	30	37	−	0	1	GTGGTTCG
FAM202	-300ELEMENT	37	45	−	0	1	TGAAAAATG
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	39	44	−	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	58	63	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	58	63	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	66	78	−	0	1	GTCACTGACGATT
FAM271	SEBFCONSSTPR10A	74	80	−	0	1	CTGTCAC
FAM322	BIHD1OS	75	79	−	0	1	TGTCA
FAM008	MYB2AT	94	104	+	0	1	TCCTTAACTGG
FAM281	MYB1LEPR	105	111	−	0	1	GTTAGTT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	140	146	+	0	1	ACACTGG
FAM273	TATCCAOSAMY	158	164	−	0	1	TATCCAA
FAM014	MYBST1	159	165	+	0	1	TGGATAG
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	175	179	−	0	1	AACGG
FAM278	UPRMOTIFIIAT	180	198	−	0	1	CCTTGCTTTTTAGCCCACG
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	182	192	+	0	1	TGGGCTAAAAA
FAM002	CACGTGMOTIF	212	224	−	0	1	GATCACGTGCGTT
FAM002	CACGTGMOTIF	213	225	+	0	1	ACGCACGTGATCC
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	231	237	−	0	1	GAGACCA
FAM266	MYB1AT	244	249	+	0	1	AAACCA
FAM306	ANAERO2CONSENSUS	278	283	−	0	1	AGCAGC
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	285	297	+	0	1	TCAGTTGACGGTG
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	288	302	+	0	1	GTTGACGGTGTGCAC
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	337	347	−	0	1	TGGGCTCCAAG
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	351	356	−	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	363	369	−	0	1	GAATTTC
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	387	391	+	0	1	AACGG
FAM270	RAV1AAT	392	396	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	396	401	−	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	405	411	+	0	1	TCCGACA
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	446	452	+	0	1	CCGTCCT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	477	483	−	0	1	ACACTTG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	479	491	+	0	1	AGTGTTGCCACGC
FAM270	RAV1AAT	481	485	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	491	496	+	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	491	496	−	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	554	566	−	0	1	AGCAGTGACGCCG
FAM061	GCCCORE	578	584	+	0	1	GGCCGCC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	621	633	+	0	1	ACCGAGGCCACCT
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	631	636	+	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM003	REALPHALGLHCB21	633	643	−	0	1	AACCAAGAAAA
FAM270	RAV1AAT	648	652	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM002	ABRELATERD	677	689	−	0	1	GCAGACGTGGTGC
FAM303	OSE1ROOTNODULE	703	709	−	0	1	AAAGATT
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	745	751	−	0	1	GAGACGG
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	802	808	−	0	1	AAACAAA
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	820	826	+	0	1	CCGTCCT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	824	830	−	0	1	ACACAGG
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	859	863	+	0	1	AACGG
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	882	888	−	0	1	CATAAAG

3.) p-KG45

PLACE analysis results of p-KG45 are listed in Table 24, Three TATA Box motifs are found at nucleotide position 310-316, 312-318, and 1065-1071 of the forward strand, respectively. One CAAT Box motif is found at nucleotide position 976-980 of the forward strand that may be the functional motif working with the TATA box at position 1065-1071 to facilitate transcriptional initiation.

TABLE 24
PLACE analysis results of the 1131bp promoter of p-KG45
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	MisMatches	Score	Sequence
FAM276	TRANSINITDICOTS	4	11	−	0	1	ACGATGGC
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	33	39	−	0	1	ACACACG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	49	55	−	0	1	ACACACG
FAM228	SEF3MOTIFGM	74	79	+	0	1	AACCCA
FAM171	MYBPZM	76	82	+	0	1	CCCAACC
FAM003	MYBPLANT	79	89	+	0	1	AACCAAACATC
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	96	102	+	0	1	GATTTCC
FAM234	SP8BFIBSP8BIB	122	128	−	0	1	TACTATT
FAM310	CPBCSPOR	127	132	+	0	1	TATTAG
FAM270	RAV1AAT	173	177	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM242	TATABOX3	177	183	−	0	1	TATTAAT
FAM087	BOXIINTPATPB	184	189	+	0	1	ATAGAA
FAM267	NTBBF1ARROLB	222	228	+	0	1	ACTTTAT
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	223	229	−	0	1	AATAAAG
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	229	234	−	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	243	249	−	0	1	ACACTGG
FAM234	SP8BFIBSP8BIB	254	260	−	0	1	TACTATT
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	276	281	−	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	288	292	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM295	P1BS	295	302	+	0	1	GAATATTC
FAM295	P1BS	295	302	−	0	1	GAATATTC
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	304	309	+	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM019	TATAPVTRNALEU	306	318	−	0	1	ATTTATATAAAAA
FAM019	TATAPVTRNALEU	307	319	+	0	1	TTTTATATAAATT
FAM243	TATABOX4	309	315	−	0	1	TATATAA
FAM243	TATABOX4	310	316	+	0	1	TATATAA
FAM241	TATABOX2	312	318	+	0	1	TATAAAT
FAM027	-10PEHVPSBD	323	328	+	0	1	TATTCT
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	332	344	−	0	1	GTGTGTGACGCTT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	339	345	+	0	1	ACACACG
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	351	357	+	0	1	CCTAAAG
FAM303	OSE1ROOTNODULE	354	360	+	0	1	AAAGATA
FAM027	-10PEHVPSBD	359	364	+	0	1	TATTCT
FAM270	RAV1AAT	372	376	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	374	380	+	0	1	ACACAAG
FAM202	-300ELEMENT	386	394	+	0	1	TGAAAAGGT
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	388	393	−	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM270	RAV1AAT	413	417	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM275	TGTCACACMCUCUMISIN	426	432	−	0	1	TGTCACA
FAM322	BIHD1OS	428	432	−	0	1	TGTCA
FAM103	CELLCYCLESC	431	438	+	0	1	CACGAAAA
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	439	445	+	0	1	TTTAAAG
FAM289	LEAFYATAG	461	467	−	0	1	CCAATGT
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	463	467	−	0	1	CCAAT
FAM021	GT1CORE	484	494	−	0	1	TGGTTAATATG
FAM266	MYB1AT	489	494	+	0	1	TAACCA
FAM003	REALPHALGLHCB21	490	500	+	0	1	AACCAACTATT
FAM310	CPBCSPOR	497	502	+	0	1	TATTAG
FAM169	MYBATRD2	530	536	−	0	1	CTAACCA
FAM266	MYB1AT	530	535	−	0	1	TAACCA
FAM087	BOXIINTPATPB	558	563	−	0	1	ATAGAA
FAM170	AMYBOX1	597	603	−	0	1	TAACAGA
FAM278	UPRMOTIFIIAT	628	646	+	0	1	CCAAATGTATAATCCCACG
FAM172	MYCATRD2	652	658	−	0	1	CACATGA
FAM172	MYCATERD	653	659	+	0	1	CATGTGA
FAM010	WBOXHVISO1	655	669	+	0	1	TGTGACTCCATTTCG
FAM002	ABRELATERD	740	752	−	0	1	AGATACGTGAACG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	751	757	−	0	1	ACACAAG
FAM024	CANBNNAPA	752	760	−	0	1	CGAACACAA
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	771	775	−	0	1	AACGG
FAM002	RAV1BAT	830	842	−	0	1	CATCACCTGCCTC
FAM307	ANAERO3CONSENSUS	837	843	−	0	1	TCATCAC
FAM322	BIHD1OS	841	845	−	0	1	TGTCA
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	843	849	+	0	1	ACACGCG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	845	850	+	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	845	850	−	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	855	865	+	0	1	CGGGCCGATGC
FAM013	DRECRTCOREAT	864	870	+	0	1	GCCGACG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	866	878	+	0	1	CGACGCGCCACCG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	866	870	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	868	873	+	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	868	873	−	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM306	ANAERO2CONSENSUS	901	906	+	0	1	AGCAGC
FAM002	ABRELATERD	912	924	+	0	1	AGAGACGTGGAGC
FAM050	ABREBZMRAB28	913	922	−	0	1	TCCACGTCTC
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	913	919	+	0	1	GAGACGT
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	931	937	+	0	1	GAGACTT
FAM267	NTBBF1ARROLB	934	940	+	0	1	ACTTTAG
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	935	941	−	0	1	CCTAAAG
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	948	954	+	0	1	GAGACCA
FAM322	BIHD1OS	968	972	−	0	1	TGTCA
FAM278	UPRMOTIFIIAT	975	993	+	0	1	CCCAATGATCAGGACCACG
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	976	980	+	0	1	CCAAT
FAM002	CACGTGMOTIF	994	1006	−	0	1	TGACACGTGCAAG
FAM002	GADOWNAT	995	1007	+	0	1	TTGCACGTGTCAG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	998	1004	−	0	1	ACACGTG
FAM002	RAV1BAT	1001	1013	−	0	1	AGGCACCTGACAC
FAM322	BIHD1OS	1002	1006	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1021	1026	+	0	1	ACGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1021	1026	−	0	1	ACGCGT
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	1024	1028	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1028	1033	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1028	1033	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM322	BIHD1OS	1047	1051	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	1059	1063	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM019	TATAPVTRNALEU	1061	1073	−	0	1	CTTTATATAGCGT
FAM243	TATABOX4	1065	1071	+	0	1	TATATAA
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	1067	1073	+	0	1	TATAAAG
FAM267	NTBBF1ARROLB	1068	1074	−	0	1	ACTTTAT
FAM272	SV40COREENHAN	1073	1080	+	0	1	GTGGTAAG
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	1094	1104	+	0	1	GGGGCCGCCCC
FAM061	GCCCORE	1096	1102	+	0	1	GGCCGCC
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	1103	1113	−	0	1	AGGGCCGTTGG
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	1105	1109	+	0	1	AACGG
FAM278	UPRMOTIFIIAT	1111	1129	+	0	1	CCTTGCGATCGCCACCACG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1115	1127	+	0	1	GCGATCGCCACCA

4.) p-KG46

PLACE analysis results of p-KG46 are listed in Table 25, neither TATA box nor CAAT motifs are found in this promoter.

TABLE 25
PLACE analysis results of the 563bp promoter of p-KG46
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	40	52	−	0	1	TAAATTGCCACCC
FAM170	AMYBOX1	54	60	+	0	1	TAACAGA
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	59	65	+	0	1	GAATTGC
FAM292	PREATPRODH	69	74	−	0	1	ACTCAT
FAM271	SEBFCONSSTPR10A	121	127	+	0	1	TTGTCAC
FAM275	TGTCACACMCUCUMISIN	122	128	+	0	1	TGTCACA
FAM322	BIHD1OS	122	126	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM172	MYCATERD	124	130	−	0	1	CATGTGA
FAM172	MYCATRD2	125	131	+	0	1	CACATGT
FAM172	MYCATRD2	126	132	−	0	1	CACATGT
FAM172	MYCATERD	127	133	+	0	1	CATGTGG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	128	140	−	0	1	AAAAAGGCCACAT
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	134	139	+	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM003	REALPHALGLHCB21	135	145	−	0	1	AACCAAAAAAG
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	171	181	+	0	1	TGGGCTGTCAT
FAM322	BIHD1OS	176	180	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	203	207	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM012	IBOXCORE	212	218	−	0	1	GATAATG
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	229	241	−	0	1	GGAAATGACGATG
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	245	251	+	0	1	GAGACCC
FAM322	BIHD1OS	260	264	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	277	283	+	0	1	ACACGCG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	279	284	+	0	1	ACGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	279	284	−	0	1	ACGCGT
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	282	286	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	287	291	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM002	RAV1BAT	294	306	−	0	1	ACCCACCTGGCCT
FAM002	SITEIOSPCNA	295	307	+	0	1	GGCCAGGTGGGTT
FAM228	SEF3MOTIFGM	302	307	−	0	1	AACCCA
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	354	360	+	0	1	CCGTCCA
FAM194	CMSRE1IBSPOA	354	360	−	0	1	TGGACGG
FAM013	DRE2COREZMRAB17	360	366	+	0	1	ACCGACT
FAM026	RYREPEATLEGUMINBOX	393	403	+	0	1	ACCATGCACGA
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	401	405	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM002	GADOWNAT	403	415	−	0	1	TCGCACGTGTCGT
FAM002	CACGTGMOTIF	404	416	+	0	1	CGACACGTGCGAT
FAM047	ABRE2HVA22	405	414	−	0	1	CGCACGTGTC
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	406	412	+	0	1	ACACGTG
FAM002	RAV1BAT	433	445	+	0	1	ACTCACCTGTTGC
FAM270	RAV1AAT	440	444	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM014	MYBST1	450	456	−	0	1	TGGATAT
FAM025	TATCCAYMOTIFOSRAMY	451	457	+	0	1	TATCCAC
FAM273	TATCCACHVAL21	451	457	+	0	1	TATCCAC
FAM010	WBOXNTCHN48	502	516	+	0	1	GCTGACCAGAGAGCT

5.) p-KG49

PLACE analysis results of p-KG49 is listed in Table 26, One TATA Box motif is found at nucleotide position 803-809 of the forward strand and one CAAT Box motif is found at nucleotide position 472-476 at the reverse strand.

TABLE 26
PLACE analysis results of the 1188bp promoter of p-KG49
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM013	DRECRTCOREAT	29	35	−	0	1	GCCGACA
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	45	50	+	0	1	CCGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	45	50	−	0	1	ACGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	57	62	+	0	1	CCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	57	62	−	0	1	CCGCGG
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	60	66	−	0	1	GAGACCG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	68	72	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	70	76	−	0	1	GAGACGA
FAM272	SV40COREENHAN	101	108	−	0	1	GTGGAAAG
FAM278	UPRMOTIFIIAT	126	144	+	0	1	CCACCCCCTTCTCCCCACG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	159	164	+	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	159	164	−	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM270	RAV1AAT	173	177	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM307	ANAERO3CONSENSUS	179	185	+	0	1	TCATCAC
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	196	208	−	0	1	CTCTGTGACGCTT
FAM147	HEXAMERATH4	231	236	+	0	1	CCGTCG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	232	236	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM147	HEXAMERATH4	237	242	+	0	1	CCGTCG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	238	242	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM152	INTRONUPPER	249	257	+	0	1	CAGGTAAGT
FAM010	WBOXHVISO1	258	272	+	0	1	AATGACTAATCGCCT
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	273	279	−	0	1	GAGACTC
FAM266	MYB1AT	303	308	−	0	1	AAACCA
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	313	319	−	0	1	TCCGACT
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	318	323	+	0	1	GACGTC
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	318	323	−	0	1	GACGTC
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	320	326	−	0	1	TCCGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	320	324	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	378	390	+	0	1	TTCGACGCCACAT
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	380	384	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	392	397	−	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM171	MYBPZM	404	410	+	0	1	GCCAACC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	414	419	+	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	414	419	−	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM025	TATCCAYMOTIFOSRAMY	466	472	−	0	1	TATCCAC
FAM273	TATCCACHVAL21	466	472	−	0	1	TATCCAC
FAM014	MYBST1	467	473	+	0	1	TGGATAT
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	472	476	−	0	1	CCAAT
FAM003	REALPHALGLHCB21	479	489	−	0	1	AACCAAAAAAA
FAM169	MYBATRD2	485	491	−	0	1	CTAACCA
FAM266	MYB1AT	485	490	−	0	1	TAACCA
FAM270	RAV1AAT	534	538	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM170	MYBGAHV	546	552	−	0	1	TAACAAA
FAM177	NRRBNEXTA	551	558	+	0	1	TAGTGGAT
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	629	635	+	0	1	GAGACTA
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	647	653	+	0	1	GAGACTA
FAM010	ELRECOREPCRP1	653	667	−	0	1	CTTGACCATTCGCAT
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	669	675	+	0	1	GAATTTC
FAM003	REALPHALGLHCB21	676	686	−	0	1	AACCAAGGCGA
FAM266	MYB1AT	682	687	−	0	1	AAACCA
FAM317	SORLREP3AT	722	730	+	0	1	TGTATATAT
FAM266	MYB1AT	732	737	−	0	1	AAACCA
FAM002	T/GBOXATPIN2	740	752	−	0	1	CTAAACGTGCCGA
FAM322	BIHD1OS	781	785	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM322	BIHD1OS	792	796	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM243	TATABOX4	803	809	+	0	1	TATATAA
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	833	847	+	0	1	ATTGACTTATTATGC
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	846	852	−	0	1	GACTTGC
FAM021	GT1CORE	851	861	−	0	1	AGGTTAATCGA
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	865	875	+	0	1	TGGGCTCAGTG
FAM221	S1FBOXSORPS1L21	879	884	−	0	1	ATGGTA
FAM010	WBOXNTCHN48	945	959	−	0	1	GCTGACTAGCCGAGT
FAM321	WRECSAA01	982	991	−	0	1	AAAGTATCGA
FAM069	ARFAT	997	1003	+	0	1	ATGTCTC
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	997	1003	−	0	1	GAGACAT
FAM021	GT1CORE	1007	1017	−	0	1	TGGTTAACACA
FAM266	MYB1AT	1012	1017	+	0	1	TAACCA
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1020	1032	+	0	1	GTGTGTGCCACAT
FAM039	AACACOREOSGLUB1	1051	1057	−	0	1	AACAAAC
FAM021	GT1CORE	1052	1062	−	0	1	AGGTTAACAAA
FAM170	MYBGAHV	1052	1058	−	0	1	TAACAAA
FAM329	XYLAT	1125	1132	−	0	1	ACAAAGAA

6.) p-KG56

PLACE analysis results of p-KG56 are listed in Table 27. Two TATA Box motifs are found at nucleotide position 729-735, and 1900-1906 of the forward strand respectively. One CAAT Box motif is found at nucleotide position 599-603 of the reverse strand.

TABLE 27
PLACE analysis results of the 1188bp promoter of p-KG56
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM010	WBOXNTCHN48	7	21	−	0	1	GCTGACCAGATGTTC
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	33	39	+	0	1	GGTAAAG
FAM027	-10PEHVPSBD	47	52	+	0	1	TATTCT
FAM329	XYLAT	62	69	−	0	1	ACAAAGAA
FAM012	IBOXCORE	155	161	+	0	1	GATAATG
FAM270	RAV1AAT	165	169	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM021	GT1CORE	170	180	−	0	1	CGGTTAATCTC
FAM026	RYREPEATGMGY2	201	211	+	0	1	ATCATGCATTA
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	208	214	+	0	1	ATTAAAG
FAM267	NTBBF1ARROLB	209	215	−	0	1	ACTTTAA
FAM171	MYBPZM	216	222	+	0	1	TCCTACC
FAM170	GARE2OSREP1	296	302	−	0	1	TAACGTA
FAM012	IBOXCORE	304	310	−	0	1	GATAATT
FAM014	SREATMSD	305	311	+	0	1	ATTATCC
FAM014	MYBST1	306	312	−	0	1	AGGATAA
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	310	315	+	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM014	MYBST1	362	368	−	0	1	TGGATAG
FAM273	TATCCAOSAMY	363	369	+	0	1	TATCCAG
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	379	391	+	0	1	GAAGTTGACGCTC
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	382	396	+	0	1	GTTGACGCTCTCAAA
FAM245	TBOXATGAPB	393	398	−	0	1	ACTTTG
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	416	430	+	0	1	ATTGACACATTTTTT
FAM322	BIHD1OS	418	422	−	0	1	TGTCA
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	436	442	+	0	1	CTTAAAG
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	445	449	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM002	RAV1BAT	447	459	+	0	1	CTTCACCTGAGAT
FAM202	-300ELEMENT	461	469	+	0	1	TGAAAAAGG
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	462	467	+	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	464	469	−	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM171	BOXLCOREDCPAL	469	475	−	0	1	ACCATCC
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	504	510	+	0	1	ACACGGG
FAM061	AGCBOXNPGLB	527	533	−	0	1	AGCCGCC
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	563	575	+	0	1	CAAGGTGACGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	570	575	+	0	1	ACGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	570	575	−	0	1	CCGCGT
FAM170	AMYBOX1	591	597	−	0	1	TAACAGA
FAM289	LEAFYATAG	597	603	−	0	1	CCAATGT
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	599	603	−	0	1	CCAAT
FAM013	DRE2COREZMRAB17	635	641	+	0	1	ACCGACA
FAM163	LTREATLTI78	635	641	+	0	1	ACCGACA
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	650	655	+	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	650	655	−	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	669	673	−	0	1	AACGG
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	681	687	+	0	1	GAGACTT
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	691	696	−	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	700	705	+	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM241	TATABOX2	729	735	+	0	1	TATAAAT
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	736	740	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM162	LTRE1HVBLT49	755	760	+	0	1	CCGAAA
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	780	786	+	0	1	GATTTTC
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	786	790	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	795	807	+	0	1	GTATCTGCCACGC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	821	833	+	0	1	TCTATGGCCACTG
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	843	847	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	865	869	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	910	916	+	0	1	ACACGAG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	932	936	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	945	951	−	0	1	ACACTTG
FAM061	GCCCORE	954	960	−	0	1	TGCCGCC
FAM171	MYBPZM	993	999	+	0	1	CCCAACC
FAM171	MYBPZM	1001	1007	−	0	1	GCCTACC
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	1023	1037	−	0	1	CTTGACACAATCTGA
FAM322	BIHD1OS	1031	1035	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM008	MYB2AT	1047	1057	+	0	1	GTGATAACTGA
FAM012	IBOXCORE	1049	1055	+	0	1	GATAACT
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1055	1067	+	0	1	TGATAAGCCACTG
FAM012	IBOX	1056	1062	+	0	1	GATAAGC
FAM002	RAV1BAT	1084	1096	−	0	1	CGTCACCTGCAGC
FAM151	INTRONLOWER	1086	1091	+	0	1	TGCAGG
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	1087	1099	+	0	1	GCAGGTGACGAAG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1113	1118	+	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1113	1118	−	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	1130	1134	−	0	1	AACGG
FAM061	GCCCORE	1137	1143	−	0	1	TGCCGCC
FAM002	CACGTGMOTIF	1138	1150	−	0	1	CGTCACGTGCCGC
FAM002	CACGTGMOTIF	1139	1151	+	0	1	CGGCACGTGACGA
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	1141	1153	+	0	1	GCACGTGACGAGC
FAM061	GCCCORE	1156	1162	−	0	1	CGCCGCC
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	1166	1172	+	0	1	GACTTCC
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	1172	1178	−	0	1	ACACCAG
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	1185	1191	−	0	1	TCCGACC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1191	1196	+	0	1	ACGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1191	1196	−	0	1	ACGCGT
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	1198	1210	+	0	1	CGTGATGACGCAC
FAM307	ANAERO3CONSENSUS	1199	1205	−	0	1	TCATCAC
FAM061	GCCCORE	1211	1217	−	0	1	TGCCGCC
FAM262	CIACADIANLELHC	1225	1234	+	0	1	CAAACTCATC
FAM292	PREATPRODH	1228	1233	+	0	1	ACTCAT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1241	1246	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1241	1246	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1251	1256	+	0	1	ACGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1251	1256	−	0	1	CCGCGT
FAM013	DRE2COREZMRAB17	1269	1275	−	0	1	ACCGACT
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	1280	1286	+	0	1	CCCGACA
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	1287	1297	+	0	1	AGGGCCTCATG
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	1316	1322	+	0	1	CCCGACA
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	1323	1333	+	0	1	TGGGCTGGGCC
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	1328	1338	+	0	1	TGGGCCTCCTT
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	1346	1351	+	0	1	GACGTC
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	1346	1351	−	0	1	GACGTC
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	1348	1352	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	1351	1363	−	0	1	GTGCGTGACGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	1351	1355	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	1370	1376	−	0	1	CCGTCCT
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	1374	1384	+	0	1	CGGGCCTCCCC
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	1381	1391	−	0	1	TGGGCTCGGGG
FAM171	BOXLCOREDCPAL	1391	1397	+	0	1	ACCTTCC
FAM089	BS1EGCCR	1420	1425	−	0	1	AGCGGG
FAM322	BIHD1OS	1425	1429	−	0	1	TGTCA
FAM026	RYREPEATBNNAPA	1430	1440	−	0	1	CACATGCAGGG
FAM151	INTRONLOWER	1431	1436	−	0	1	TGCAGG
FAM172	MYCATRD2	1434	1440	−	0	1	CACATGC
FAM172	MYCATERD	1435	1441	+	0	1	CATGTGC
FAM151	INTRONLOWER	1439	1444	+	0	1	TGCAGG
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	1449	1455	+	0	1	GAGACGG
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	1453	1463	+	0	1	CGGGCCATCCC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1472	1484	−	0	1	CAGACGGCCACTC
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	1521	1527	−	0	1	GAGACTA
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1544	1549	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1544	1549	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM295	P1BS	1560	1567	+	0	1	GCATATGC
FAM295	P1BS	1560	1567	−	0	1	GCATATGC
FAM098	CATATGGMSAUR	1561	1566	+	0	1	CATATG
FAM098	CATATGGMSAUR	1561	1566	−	0	1	CATATG
FAM012	IBOXCORE	1674	1680	+	0	1	GATAACA
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	1709	1713	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM209	RBCSCONSENSUS	1712	1718	−	0	1	AATCCAA
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	1715	1721	+	0	1	GATTTAC
FAM010	WBBOXPCWRKY1	1753	1767	+	0	1	TTTGACTTGCAGCCT
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	1756	1762	+	0	1	GACTTGC
FAM151	INTRONLOWER	1768	1773	+	0	1	TGCAGG
FAM002	TGACGTVMAMY	1771	1783	+	0	1	AGGCATGACGTGG
FAM002	HEXMOTIFTAH3H4	1773	1785	−	0	1	GCCCACGTCATGC
FAM002	ABREOSRAB21	1774	1786	+	0	1	CATGACGTGGGCG
FAM002	UPRMOTIFIAT	1775	1787	−	0	1	TCGCCCACGTCAT
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	1807	1813	+	0	1	GAGTTTC
FAM272	SV40COREENHAN	1813	1820	−	0	1	GTGGAAAG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1819	1824	+	0	1	ACGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1819	1824	−	0	1	CCGCGT
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1851	1863	+	0	1	CTGCCCGCCACGT
FAM002	ACGTABREMOTIFA2OSE	1855	1867	−	0	1	GAGAACGTGGCGG
FAM151	INTRONLOWER	1867	1872	−	0	1	TGCAGG
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	1878	1884	−	0	1	GAGTTGC
FAM260	CAREOSREP1	1879	1884	+	0	1	CAACTC
FAM242	TATABOX3	1900	1906	+	0	1	TATTAAT
FAM288	WUSATAg	1906	1912	+	0	1	TTAATGG

7.) p-KG103

PLACE analysis results of p-KG103 are listed in Table 28. Two TATA Box motifs are found at nucleotide position 879-888 and 880-886 of the forward strand, respectively. No CAAT Box motif is found.

TABLE 28
PLACE analysis results of the 992bp promoter of p-KG103
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM307	ANAERO3CONSENSUS	2	8	+	0	1	TCATCAC
FAM065	AMMORESIIUDCRNIA1	7	14	−	0	1	GGTAGGGT
FAM171	MYBPZM	8	14	+	0	1	CCCTACC
FAM010	WBOXNTCHN48	19	33	+	0	1	GCTGACTCGGGCCGC
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	26	36	+	0	1	CGGGCCGCAGG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	45	51	−	0	1	ACACCGG
FAM007	AUXREPSIAA4	49	57	+	0	1	TGTCCCATC
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	99	111	+	0	1	CTCTGTGACGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	107	111	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM147	HEXAMERATH4	107	112	−	0	1	CCGTCG
FAM061	AGCBOXNPGLB	111	117	−	0	1	AGCCGCC
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	138	142	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM002	HEXMOTIFTAH3H4	140	152	+	0	1	GAGGACGTCAGCA
FAM002	TGACGTVMAMY	142	154	−	0	1	CTTGCTGACGTCC
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	143	148	+	0	1	GACGTC
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	143	148	−	0	1	GACGTC
FAM171	MYBPZM	157	163	+	0	1	CCCAACC
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	166	172	+	0	1	TCCGACA
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	202	208	+	0	1	TCCGACG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	203	215	+	0	1	CCGACGGCCACGA
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	204	208	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM147	HEXAMERATH4	204	209	−	0	1	CCGTCG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	245	257	+	0	1	CCGGCTGCCACGA
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	255	259	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM147	HEXAMERATH4	255	260	−	0	1	CCGTCG
FAM089	BS1EGCCR	286	291	−	0	1	AGCGGG
FAM002	ABREMOTIFAOSOSEM	291	303	−	0	1	TGCTACGTGTCTA
FAM002	RAV1BAT	323	335	+	0	1	GTACACCTGGATC
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	325	331	+	0	1	ACACCTG
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	352	357	−	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	362	372	−	0	1	AGGGCCCTGGT
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	365	375	+	0	1	AGGGCCCTCTC
FAM171	MYBPZM	382	388	−	0	1	GCCAACC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	388	393	+	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	388	393	−	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	390	395	+	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	390	395	−	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM069	ARFAT	406	412	−	0	1	CTGTCTC
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	406	412	+	0	1	GAGACAG
FAM271	SEBFCONSSTPR10A	406	412	−	0	1	CTGTCTC
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	423	433	+	0	1	GGGGCCGCTCG
FAM002	ABREZMRAB28	440	452	−	0	1	GTCCACGTGGGAG
FAM085	BOXCPSAS1	440	446	+	0	1	CTCCCAC
FAM002	ABREZMRAB28	441	453	+	0	1	TCCCACGTGGACG
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	479	485	+	0	1	CCCGACC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	489	494	+	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	489	494	−	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM024	CANBNNAPA	497	505	+	0	1	CGAACACGA
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	509	514	+	0	1	CCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	509	514	−	0	1	CCGCGG
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	535	541	−	0	1	GAGACCG
FAM061	GCCCORE	543	549	+	0	1	GGCCGCC
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	592	602	+	0	1	TGGGCTGGGGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	603	608	+	0	1	ACGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	603	608	−	0	1	CCGCGT
FAM315	SORLIP5AT	614	620	−	0	1	GAGTGAG
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	619	629	−	0	1	TGGGCCGACGA
FAM013	DRECRTCOREAT	620	626	−	0	1	GCCGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	620	624	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	639	645	−	0	1	GAGACCG
FAM013	DRECRTCOREAT	651	657	+	0	1	GCCGACA
FAM087	BOXIINTPATPB	667	672	+	0	1	ATAGAA
FAM173	NAPINMOTIFBN	683	689	+	0	1	TACACAT
FAM172	MYCATERD	684	690	−	0	1	CATGTGT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	684	690	+	0	1	ACACATG
FAM026	RYREPEATBNNAPA	685	695	+	0	1	CACATGCAATT
FAM172	MYCATRD2	685	691	+	0	1	CACATGC
FAM012	IBOXCORE	706	712	+	0	1	GATAATA
FAM099	CCA1ATLHCB1	725	732	−	0	1	AAAAATCT
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	728	733	−	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM012	IBOX	735	741	+	0	1	GATAAGT
FAM266	MYB1AT	744	749	+	0	1	AAACCA
FAM003	REALPHALGLHCB21	745	755	+	0	1	AACCAAATATT
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	755	767	+	0	1	TTCACCGCCACAA
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	766	771	−	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM008	MYB2AT	782	792	−	0	1	TGGGTAACTGA
FAM266	MYB1AT	800	805	+	0	1	AAACCA
FAM003	REALPHALGLHCB21	801	811	+	0	1	AACCAAAATAC
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	811	817	−	0	1	ACACAAG
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	826	836	−	0	1	TGGGCTCTTGG
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	828	832	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM272	SV40COREENHAN	835	842	−	0	1	GTGGTTTG
FAM266	MYB1AT	836	841	+	0	1	AAACCA
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	854	864	−	0	1	TGGGCTGGGGG
FAM240	TATABOX1	879	888	+	0	1	CTATAAATAC
FAM241	TATABOX2	880	886	+	0	1	TATAAAT
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	897	909	−	0	1	ACTTCGGCCACCG
FAM315	SORLIP5AT	924	930	−	0	1	GAGTGAG
FAM292	PREATPRODH	927	932	+	0	1	ACTCAT
FAM306	ANAERO2CONSENSUS	955	960	+	0	1	AGCAGC
FAM306	ANAERO2CONSENSUS	968	973	+	0	1	AGCAGC
FAM260	CAREOSREP1	983	988	+	0	1	CAACTC

8.) p-KG119

PLACE analysis results of p-KG119 are listed in Table 29. Two TATA Box motifs are found at nucleotide position 1925-1931 and 1998-2004 of the forward strand respectively. One CAAT Box motif is found at nucleotide position 214-218 of the forward strand.

TABLE 29
PLACE analysis results of the 2519bp promoter of p-KG119
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM012	IBOXCORE	6	12	+	0	1	GATAAAA
FAM151	INTRONLOWER	29	34	−	0	1	TGCAGG
FAM227	SEF1MOTIF	34	42	+	0	1	ATATTTATT
FAM012	IBOXCORE	58	64	+	0	1	GATAACC
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	63	67	−	0	1	AACGG
FAM262	CIACADIANLELHC	93	102	+	0	1	CAACTAAATC
FAM221	S1FBOXSORPS1L21	105	110	−	0	1	ATGGTA
FAM002	RAV1BAT	114	126	−	0	1	TTTCACCTGTCAC
FAM271	SEBFCONSSTPR10A	114	120	−	0	1	CTGTCAC
FAM322	BIHD1OS	115	119	−	0	1	TGTCA
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	126	130	−	0	1	CCAAT
FAM262	CIACADIANLELHC	138	147	−	0	1	CAAGCTGATC
FAM170	AMYBOX1	150	156	+	0	1	TAACAGA
FAM303	OSE1ROOTNODULE	161	167	+	0	1	AAAGATA
FAM012	IBOXCORE	164	170	+	0	1	GATAAAT
FAM266	MYB1AT	184	189	+	0	1	TAACCA
FAM276	TRANSINITDICOTS	186	193	+	0	1	ACCATGGC
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	209	213	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	214	218	+	0	1	CCAAT
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	219	225	+	0	1	TCTAAAG
FAM008	MYB2AT	244	254	−	0	1	TGCCTAACTGC
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	262	268	+	0	1	AAACAAA
FAM008	MYB2AT	274	284	+	0	1	CAGCTAACTGC
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	281	295	−	0	1	TTTGACACTTAGCAG
FAM322	BIHD1OS	289	293	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM030	-300CORE	300	308	−	0	1	TGTAAAGCA
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	302	308	−	0	1	TGTAAAG
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	308	314	+	0	1	ACTAAAG
FAM021	GT1CORE	314	324	+	0	1	GGGTTAAATAT
FAM244	TATABOXOSPAL	317	323	−	0	1	TATTTAA
FAM306	ANAERO2CONSENSUS	359	364	+	0	1	AGCAGC
FAM306	ANAERO2CONSENSUS	362	367	+	0	1	AGCAGC
FAM098	CATATGGMSAUR	408	413	+	0	1	CATATG
FAM098	CATATGGMSAUR	408	413	−	0	1	CATATG
FAM012	IBOX	415	421	−	0	1	GATAAGT
FAM014	SREATMSD	416	422	+	0	1	CTTATCC
FAM014	MYBST1	417	423	−	0	1	TGGATAA
FAM025	AMYBOX2	418	424	+	0	1	TATCCAT
FAM273	TATCCAOSAMY	418	424	+	0	1	TATCCAT
FAM315	SORLIP5AT	434	440	−	0	1	GAGTGAG
FAM292	PREATPRODH	437	442	+	0	1	ACTCAT
FAM270	RAV1AAT	476	480	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	520	526	+	0	1	GAATTCC
FAM310	CPBCSPOR	530	535	−	0	1	TATTAG
FAM234	SP8BFIBSP8BIB	535	541	−	0	1	TACTATT
FAM012	IBOXCORE	563	569	+	0	1	GATAATT
FAM234	SP8BFIBSP8BIB	595	601	+	0	1	TACTATT
FAM310	CPBCSPOR	601	606	+	0	1	TATTAG
FAM014	MYBST1	611	617	−	0	1	AGGATAT
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	660	664	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM322	BIHD1OS	665	669	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	687	693	+	0	1	AAACAAA
FAM026	RYREPEATGMGY2	699	709	+	0	1	ATCATGCATAA
FAM267	NTBBF1ARROLB	760	766	+	0	1	ACTTTAG
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	761	767	−	0	1	TCTAAAG
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	771	785	−	0	1	TTTGACATTCCACCA
FAM272	SV40COREENHAN	773	780	+	0	1	GTGGAATG
FAM322	BIHD1OS	779	783	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM267	NTBBF1ARROLB	804	810	+	0	1	ACTTTAT
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	805	811	−	0	1	AATAAAG
FAM209	RBCSCONSENSUS	842	848	+	0	1	AATCCAA
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	852	864	−	0	1	TTACCTGACGGGG
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	861	867	−	0	1	GAATTAC
FAM270	RAV1AAT	869	873	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	877	883	−	0	1	CCCGACA
FAM061	GCCCORE	890	896	−	0	1	CGCCGCC
FAM171	MYBPZM	946	952	+	0	1	TCCAACC
FAM228	SEF3MOTIFGM	949	954	+	0	1	AACCCA
FAM171	MYBPZM	951	957	+	0	1	CCCAACC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	971	976	+	0	1	ACGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	971	976	−	0	1	CCGCGT
FAM190	OCTAMERMOTIFTAH3H4	972	979	+	0	1	CGCGGATC
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	984	988	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM245	TBOXATGAPB	1029	1034	−	0	1	ACTTTG
FAM270	RAV1AAT	1048	1052	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM262	CIACADIANLELHC	1052	1061	−	0	1	CAACATAATC
FAM270	RAV1AAT	1057	1061	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM273	TATCCAOSAMY	1059	1065	−	0	1	TATCCAA
FAM014	MYBST1	1060	1066	+	0	1	TGGATAA
FAM014	SREATMSD	1061	1067	−	0	1	GTTATCC
FAM012	IBOXCORE	1062	1068	+	0	1	GATAACC
FAM012	IBOXCORENT	1097	1103	−	0	1	GATAAGG
FAM087	BOXIINTPATPB	1127	1132	−	0	1	ATAGAA
FAM105	CEREGLUBOX2PSLEGA	1133	1140	+	0	1	TGAAAACT
FAM292	PREATPRODH	1138	1143	+	0	1	ACTCAT
FAM027	-10PEHVPSBD	1145	1150	−	0	1	TATTCT
FAM012	IBOXCORE	1160	1166	+	0	1	GATAACA
FAM270	RAV1AAT	1171	1175	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	1209	1213	−	0	1	CCAAT
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	1220	1226	−	0	1	GACTTCC
FAM013	DRECRTCOREAT	1223	1229	−	0	1	GCCGACT
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	1244	1250	+	0	1	CCCGACT
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	1280	1286	−	0	1	GATTTCC
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	1292	1296	+	0	1	AACGG
FAM024	2SSEEDPROTBANAPA	1306	1314	−	0	1	CAAACACTC
FAM310	CPBCSPOR	1327	1332	−	0	1	TATTAG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1337	1349	−	0	1	ATTTTAGCCACTA
FAM069	ARFAT	1356	1362	−	0	1	ATGTCTC
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	1356	1362	+	0	1	GAGACAT
FAM024	PROXBBNNAPA	1364	1372	+	0	1	CAAACACCC
FAM310	CPBCSPOR	1376	1381	−	0	1	TATTAG
FAM300	LECPLEACS2	1379	1386	−	0	1	TAAAATAT
FAM310	CPBCSPOR	1433	1438	+	0	1	TATTAG
FAM170	MYBGAHV	1453	1459	+	0	1	TAACAAA
FAM281	MYB1LEPR	1469	1475	−	0	1	GTTAGTT
FAM024	2SSEEDPROTBANAPA	1481	1489	+	0	1	CAAACACTG
FAM010	WBOXNTCHN48	1518	1532	+	0	1	TCTGACTGGCCAGCC
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	1524	1534	−	0	1	TGGGCTGGCCA
FAM013	DRECRTCOREAT	1559	1565	+	0	1	GCCGACC
FAM061	GCCCORE	1568	1574	−	0	1	GGCCGCC
FAM151	INTRONLOWER	1573	1578	−	0	1	TGCAGG
FAM012	IBOXCORE	1596	1602	−	0	1	GATAAAA
FAM267	NTBBF1ARROLB	1618	1624	+	0	1	ACTTTAT
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	1619	1625	−	0	1	TATAAAG
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	1623	1637	−	0	1	GTTGACAAAGAATAT
FAM027	-10PEHVPSBD	1624	1629	+	0	1	TATTCT
FAM329	XYLAT	1626	1633	−	0	1	ACAAAGAA
FAM322	BIHD1OS	1631	1635	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM003	REALPHALGLHCB21	1635	1645	+	0	1	AACCAAATACT
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	1652	1656	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM030	EMHVCHORD	1684	1692	+	0	1	TGTAAAGTT
FAM202	-300ELEMENT	1684	1692	+	0	1	TGTAAAGTT
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	1684	1690	+	0	1	TGTAAAG
FAM267	NTBBF1ARROLB	1685	1691	−	0	1	ACTTTAC
FAM267	NTBBF1ARROLB	1715	1721	+	0	1	ACTTTAA
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	1716	1722	−	0	1	TTTAAAG
FAM003	REALPHALGLHCB21	1720	1730	−	0	1	AACCAACTTTT
FAM169	MYBATRD2	1726	1732	−	0	1	CTAACCA
FAM266	MYB1AT	1726	1731	−	0	1	TAACCA
FAM013	DRECRTCOREAT	1749	1755	+	0	1	GCCGACT
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	1762	1768	−	0	1	GATTTGC
FAM010	WBOXNTCHN48	1809	1823	+	0	1	TCTGACCGATTTTGA
FAM021	GT1CORE	1835	1845	+	0	1	AGGTTAATTCT
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	1859	1865	+	0	1	TCCGACC
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	1886	1892	+	0	1	ACTAAAG
FAM039	AACACOREOSGLUB1	1897	1903	−	0	1	AACAAAC
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	1898	1904	−	0	1	AAACAAA
FAM243	TATABOX4	1924	1930	−	0	1	TATATAA
FAM243	TATABOX4	1925	1931	+	0	1	TATATAA
FAM281	MYB1LEPR	1946	1952	−	0	1	GTTAGTT
FAM024	CANBNNAPA	1948	1956	+	0	1	CTAACACTT
FAM027	-10PEHVPSBD	1985	1990	−	0	1	TATTCT
FAM227	SEF1MOTIF	1993	2001	+	0	1	ATATTTATA
FAM019	TATAPVTRNALEU	1995	2007	+	0	1	ATTTATATAATTC
FAM241	TATABOX2	1995	2001	−	0	1	TATAAAT
FAM243	TATABOX4	1997	2003	−	0	1	TATATAA
FAM243	TATABOX4	1998	2004	+	0	1	TATATAA
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	2009	2015	+	0	1	AAACAAA
FAM310	CPBCSPOR	2021	2026	−	0	1	TATTAG
FAM266	MYB1AT	2034	2039	−	0	1	AAACCA
FAM270	RAV1AAT	2057	2061	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	2071	2076	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	2071	2076	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM270	RAV1AAT	2077	2081	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM013	DRE2COREZMRAB17	2112	2118	+	0	1	ACCGACT
FAM234	SP8BFIBSP8BIB	2120	2126	+	0	1	TACTATT
FAM300	LECPLEACS2	2129	2136	+	0	1	TAAAATAT
FAM124	ERELEE4	2137	2144	+	0	1	AATTCAAA
FAM061	GCCCORE	2189	2195	−	0	1	CGCCGCC
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	2194	2198	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	2211	2225	−	0	1	GTTGACGCATGGTGC
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	2216	2228	−	0	1	AGCGTTGACGCAT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	2244	2249	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	2244	2249	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM270	RAV1AAT	2250	2254	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	2269	2274	+	0	1	ACGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	2269	2274	−	0	1	ACGCGT
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	2271	2283	−	0	1	CCATTTGCCACGC
FAM026	RYREPEATGMGY2	2282	2292	+	0	1	GGCATGCATTC
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	2320	2326	+	0	1	CCCGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	2322	2326	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	2324	2329	+	0	1	ACGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	2324	2329	−	0	1	CCGCGT
FAM002	LRENPCABE	2334	2346	+	0	1	CAGGACGTGGCAG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	2338	2350	−	0	1	CGCTCTGCCACGT
FAM061	GCCCORE	2349	2355	+	0	1	CGCCGCC
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	2393	2399	−	0	1	AATAAAG
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	2400	2406	+	0	1	CCGTCCT
FAM010	WBOXHVISO1	2404	2418	−	0	1	TGTGACTGAGCAAGG
FAM315	SORLIP5AT	2430	2436	−	0	1	GAGTGAG
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	2440	2446	+	0	1	CCGTCCG
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	2459	2465	−	0	1	GAGACGA
FAM085	BOXCPSAS1	2463	2469	+	0	1	CTCCCAC
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	2500	2506	+	0	1	CCCGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	2502	2506	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	2504	2509	+	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	2504	2509	−	0	1	GCGCGT

9.) p-KG129

PLACE analysis results of p-KG129 are listed in Table 30. No TATA Box motifs are found in this promoter. One CAAT Box motif is found at nucleotide position 244-248 of the forward strand.

TABLE 30
PLACE analysis results of the 512 bp promoter of p-KG129
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	20	26	+	0	1	ACACTAG
FAM089	BS1EGCCR	25	30	+	0	1	AGCGGG
FAM306	ANAERO2CONSENSUS	30	35	−	0	1	AGCAGC
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	33	39	+	0	1	GCTAAAG
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	52	58	+	0	1	GCTAAAG
FAM303	OSE1ROOTNODULE	55	61	+	0	1	AAAGATA
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	65	71	+	0	1	ACACTAG
FAM003	MYBPLANT	70	80	−	0	1	CACCAACCGCT
FAM171	BOXLCOREDCPAL	73	79	−	0	1	ACCAACC
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	94	99	+	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM002	HEXMOTIFTAH3H4	140	152	+	0	1	AAAAACGTCAGTG
FAM002	TGACGTVMAMY	142	154	−	0	1	TTCACTGACGTTT
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	166	178	−	0	1	TATAGTGACGATC
FAM087	BOXIINTPATPB	183	188	−	0	1	ATAGAA
FAM272	SV40COREENHAN	196	203	+	0	1	GTGGTTAG
FAM169	MYBATRD2	197	203	−	0	1	CTAACCA
FAM266	MYB1AT	197	202	−	0	1	TAACCA
FAM266	MYB1AT	241	246	+	0	1	AAACCA
FAM003	REALPHALGLHCB21	242	252	+	0	1	AACCAATACTA
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	244	248	+	0	1	CCAAT
FAM087	BOXIINTPATPB	289	294	−	0	1	ATAGAA
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	334	346	−	0	1	TTCTGTGACGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	334	338	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM061	GCCCORE	370	376	−	0	1	GGCCGCC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	372	384	+	0	1	CGGCCGGCCACGT
FAM002	ABREATCONSENSUS	376	388	−	0	1	GGGTACGTGGCCG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	394	399	+	0	1	ACGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	394	399	−	0	1	ACGCGT
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	397	401	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM002	GADOWNAT	408	420	−	0	1	CAACACGTGTCCT
FAM002	CACGTGMOTIF	409	421	+	0	1	GGACACGTGTTGG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	411	417	+	0	1	ACACGTG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	412	418	−	0	1	ACACGTG
FAM024	CANBNNAPA	413	421	−	0	1	CCAACACGT
FAM270	RAV1AAT	416	420	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM010	WBOXNTCHN48	421	435	+	0	1	GCTGACCGGACAGTT
FAM087	BOXIINTPATPB	465	470	+	0	1	ATAGAA
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	479	483	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	482	486	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM147	HEXAMERATH4	482	487	−	0	1	CCGTCG
FAM061	GCCCORE	486	492	−	0	1	CGCCGCC
FAM061	GCCCORE	489	495	−	0	1	TGCCGCC

Example 6

Binary Vector Construction for Maize Transformation to Evaluate the Function of the Promoters

To facilitate subcloning, the promoter fragments of KG24, 37, 45, 46, 49, 103, 119, 129 were modified by the addition of a Pad restriction enzyme site (for p_KG24, p_KG37, p_KG45, p_KG46, p_KG49, p_KG103, p_KG119, p_KG129) or a NotI (for p_KG56) at its 5′ end and a NotI site (for p_KG24, p_KG103, p_KG129) or a BsiWI site (for p_KG37, p_KG45, p_KG46, p_KG49, p_KG56,) at its 3′ end. The PacI-pKG37 (or 45, 46, 49)-Bs/WI, or PacI-pK24 (or 103, 119)-NotI or NotI-pKG56-BsANI promoter fragment was digested and ligated into a corresponding enzyme digested BPS basic binary vector HF84. HF84 comprises a plant selectable marker expression cassette (p-Ubi::c-EcEsdA::t-OCS3), as well as a promoter evaluation cassette that consists of a multiple cloning site (MCS) for insertion of promoter and the rice MET1-1 intron to supply intron-mediated enhancement in monocot cells, GUS reporter gene, and NOS terminator. Diagram of HF84 is shown in FIG. 2 A. p-KG129 fragment was cloned into a binary vector backbone RCB1006 (FIG. 2 B) via Gateway reaction.

Table 31 lists the resulting binary vector of the KG promoters, Sequences of the promoter cassettes in the binary vectors are shown in SEQ ID NO: 57, 58, and 62-68.

TABLE 31
Binary vectors of the KG promoters for corn transformation
Promoter	Vector		SEQ ID
ID	ID	Description	OF VECTOR
p-KG24	RHF155	p-KG24::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	63
p-KG37	RKF109	p-KG37::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	64
p-KG45	RKF106	p-KG45::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	65
p-KG46	RKF107	p-KG46::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	66
p-KG49	RKF108	p-KG49::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	62
p-KG56	RKF125	p-KG56::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	57
p-KG103	RHF128	p-KG103::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	67
p-KG119	RHF138	p-KG119::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	68
p-KG129	RTP1047	p-KG129::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	58

Example 7

Promoter Evaluation in Transgenic Maize with the KG Promoters

Expression patterns and levels driven by the KG promoters were measured using GUS histochemical analysis following the protocol in the art (Jefferson 1987). Maize transformation was conducted using an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system. Ten and five single copy events for T0 and T1 plants were chosen for the promoter analysis. GUS expression was measured at various developmental stages:

1) Roots and leaves at 5-leaf stage2) Stem at V-7 stage2) Leaves, husk and silk at flowering stage (first emergence of silk)3) Spikelets/Tassel (at pollination)5) Ear or Kernels at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days after pollination (DAP)The results indicated that all these 9 promoters expressed specifically in pollen and in embryo (FIGS. 4 to 11).

Example 8

Identification of MA-Transcript Candidates

A microarray study was conducted to identify transcripts with whole seed-specific and or embryo-specific expression in maize using a battery of RNA samples from 23 maize tissues generated by BASF (Table 32). The twenty-three labeled RNAs of these maize tissues were hybridized separately to 23 of our custom designed BPS maize Affymetrix chips, labeled with fluorescent streptavidin antibody, washed, stained and scanned as instructed in the Affymetrix Expression Analysis Technical Manual.

TABLE 32
Corn Tissues used for mRNA expression profiling experiment
Sample		Timing and	Days after
No.	Tissue	number of plants	Pollination
1	Root	9 am (4 plants)	5
2		9 am (4 plants)	15
3		9 am (4 plants)	30
4	leaf above the ear	9 am (6 plants)	5
5		9 am (6 plants)	15
6		9 am (6 plants)	30
7	ear complete	9 am (6 plants)	5
8		9 am (6 plants)	10
9	Whole seed	9 am (6 plants)	15
10		9 am (6 plants)	20
11		9 am (6 plants)	30
12	Endosperm	9 am (6 plants)	15
13		9 am (6 plants)	20
14		9 am (6 plants)	30
15	Embryo	9 am (6 plants)	15
16		9 am (6 plants)	20
17		9 am (6 plants)	30
18	Female pistilate flower	6 plants	before
			pollination
19	germinating seed	20 seeds	imbibition
			for 3 days
20	root, veg. state		V2
21	root, veg. state		V4
22	leaf, veg. State		V2
23	leaf, veg. State		V4

The chip hybridization data were analyzed using Genedata Specialist software and relative expression level was determined based on the hybridization signal intensity of each tissue. Eight of the BPS maize chip probe sets were selected as candidate transcripts showing 3-8 fold higher expression in whole seeds and or in embryo as compared to other tissues. Corresponding transcripts of these probe sets were named as MAWS23, MAWS27, MAWS30, MAWS57, MAWS60, MAWS63, MAEM1 and MAEM20 (Table 32-1). Consensus sequences of the selected chip probe sets are shown in SEQ ID NOs 91, 92, 95-97, 105-107.

TABLE 32-1
Microarray candidates and probe sets
	MA Candidates	Proble set	SEQ ID
	MAWS23	ZM1s57912912	105
	MAWS27	ZM3s00207	96
	MAWS30	ZM1a61269071	106
	MAWS57	ZM1s57500283	107
	MAWS60	ZM4s20063	91
	MAWS63	ZM1s62013293	97
	MAEM1	ZM4s09689	92
	MAEM20	ZM1s5153555	95

Example 9

Confirmation of Expression Pattern of the MA Candidates Using Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (Q-RT-PCR)

In order to confirm the native expression pattern of the MA candidates, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (q-RT-PCR) was performed using total RNA isolated from the same materials as were used for the chip hybridization (Table 32).

Primers for qRT-PCR were designed based on the consensus sequences of probe sets shown in Table 2 using the Vector NTI software package (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif., USA). Two sets of primers were used for PCR amplification for each candidate. The glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene served as a control for normalization purposes. Sequences of primers for q-RT-PCR are listed in Table 32-2.

TABLE 32-2
Primer sequences for q-RT-PCR
Primer           Sequences
MAWS23_forward_1 TCCTCCTCGATCCATCGATC
MAWS23_reverse_1 TTCACCTGCTCACCCATCGG
MAWS23_forward_2 GGCTTCCTCGTAAGCAAGTCATCCA
MAWS23_reverse_2 AACACAGCATTCCGCGACGACC
MAWS27_forward_1 CCGTCCACCGTGAACTCCGCGT
MAWS27_reverse_1 TGGCAGCATCCTGACGCTAACCAG
MAWS27_forward_2 CGTCAGGATGCTGCCATGGGC
MAWS27_reverse_2 TCCGGCGCGTTCTCGTACGA
MAWS30_forward_1 GATGGGTGAGCAGGTGAAGG
MAWS30_reverse_1 AAGAGCAGGAACACGGGCGT
MAWS30_forward_2 ATCCAGAGCAAGGCGCAGGA
MAWS30_reverse_2 TTGACACGCACGCATCCATG
MAWS57_forward_1 CGCCCAACTCGACGCAGGTG
MAWS57_reverse_1 CTGGTGAGCAGCGCGATGGG
MAWS57_forward_2 CTCCCCGTGGCCACCTGGATGT
MAWS57_reverse_2 CGCAGGTATCCGCCGTACTCGC
MAWS60_forward_1 CGACGGACGGGTCCAGACAGCA
MAWS60_reverse_1 TGCACGCGAGCCACCAGGAC
MAWS60_forward_2 AGGGCTCCACGCTCCTTACCGAA
MAWS60_reverse_2 GTTCCCGGCGCCATCCCTATC
MAWS63_forward_1 CAAGCGCGAAATCAAGCCCGG
MAWS63_reverse_1 GGCAGCGGCGAAGAGGTCGA
MAWS63_forward_2 GGGGACCAACAAGAACGCCGTC
MAWS63_reverse_2 TCCCAAGCGACGTCCACCGG
MAEM1_forward_1  CTGGTGGTGGGGCGGGTGAT
MAEM1_reverse_1  GGGGTCCGTCATGATCAGCG
MAEM1_forward_2  GACCATGAGAGAGTACCTCCAC
MAEM1_reverse_2  GAACAGCACCAGCACGTAGC
MAEM20_forward_1 TGCCACTGTGCTGTGCAGTA
MAEM20_reverse_1 GAGCCCACCACCTTGTTTCC
MAEM20_forward_2 TCCACGGTGGTGCATGTCGT
MAEM20_reverse_2 TACTGCTGCAGAATCCTCCTCCGG
GAPDH_Forward    GTAAAGTTCTTCCTGATCTGAAT
GAPDH_Reverse    TCGGAAGCAGCCTTAATA

q-RT-PCR was performed using SuperScript III Reverse Transcriptase (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif., USA) and SYBR Green QPCR Master Mix (Eurogentec, San Diego, Calif., USA) in an ABI Prism 7000 sequence detection system. In brief, cDNA was synthesized using 2-3 μg of total RNA and 1 μL reverse transcriptase in a 20 μL volume. The cDNA was diluted to a range of concentrations (15-20 ng/μL). Thirty to forty ng of cDNA was used for quantitative PCR (qPCR) in a 30 μL volume with SYBR Green QPCR Master Mix following the manufacturer's instruction. The thermocycling conditions were as follows: incubate at 50° C. for 2 minutes, denature at 95° C. for 10 minutes, and run 40 cycles at 95° C. for 15 seconds and 60° C. for 1 minute for amplification. After the final cycle of the amplification, the dissociation curve analysis was carried out to verify that the amplification occurred specifically and no primer dimer product was generated during the amplification process. The housekeeping gene glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GAPDH, primer sequences in Table 3) was used as an endogenous reference gene to normalize the calculation using the Comparative Ct (Cycle of threshold) value method. The ΔCT value was obtained by subtracting the Ct value of GAPDH gene from the Ct value of the candidate gene, and the relative transcription quantity (expression level) of the candidate gene expression was presented as 2-ΔCT. The q-RT-PCR results are summarized in FIG. 12. All candidates showed similar expression patterns that are equivalent to the expression patterns obtained from the chip hybridization study.

Example 10

Annotation and Promoter Identification of the MA Candidates

The coding sequences of the MA candidates were annotated based on in silico results obtained from both BLASTX of each EST sequence against GenBank protein database (nr) and the results of in silico translation of the sequence using Vector NTI software package.

1. Annotation of MAWS23

MAWS23 encodes Lipid body-associated protein L2 (Maize Oleosin 18 kDa) (GenBank Accession: P21641). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 33.

TABLE 33
BLASTX search results of the maize ZM1s57912912 (MAWS23)
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
P21641	OLEO3_MAIZE	69	4.00E−34	100
	Oleosin Zm-II
	(Oleosin 18 kDa)
	(Lipid body-
	associated protein L2)
AAA68066.1	17 kDa oleosin	65	5.00E−29	93
NP_001050984.1	Os03g0699000 [Oryza	63	8.00E−20	93
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
CAA57994.1	high molecular weight	60	4.00E−19	86
	oleosin [Hordeum
	vulgare subsp. vulgare]
AAC02240.1	18 kDa oleosin	60	5.00E−19	90
	[Oryza sativa]
CAN80217.1	hypothetical protein	70	1.00E−09	54
	[Vitis vinifera]
AAB24078.1	lipid body membrane	59	9.00E−07	83
	protein [Daucus carota]
AAG43516.1	AF210696_1 15 kD	52	2.00E−06	66
	oleosin-like protein 1
	[Perilla frutescens]
AAG43517.1	AF210697_1 15 kD	52	2.00E−06	66
	oleosin-like protein 2
	[Perilla frutescens]
CAN80218.1	hypothetical protein	59	2.00E−06	80
	[Vitis vinifera]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to MAWS23 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 33 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 51.

Identification of the Promoter Region of MAWS23

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the MAWS23 gene was defined as the promoter p-MAWS23. To identify this predicted promoter region, the sequence of ZM1s57912912 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary maize genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_tigr_maize_genomic_partial_—5.0.nt. One maize genomic DNA sequences, AZM5_—84556 (2036 bp, SEQ ID NO 87) was identified. This 2036 bp sequence harbored the predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to MAWS23 and less than 0.5 kb upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene. In addition, a public available sequence CL990349 was overlapped with AZM5_—84556. The contig of these 2 genomic sequences containing 1.3 kb upstream region is shown in SEQ ID NO: 87.

Isolation of the Promoter Region by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 172)
TCATCGGTACTCGCGATGTC
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 173)
CTTTGCAAACAAAGTGACGGAG.

The expected 1264 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and named as promoter MAWS23 (p-MAWS23). Sequence of p-MAWS23 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 15.BLASTN Results of p_MAWS23

The top 20 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query of p_MAWS23 are presented in Table 34.

TABLE 34
BLASTN results of p_MAWS23
		Max	Total	Query		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	ident
J05212.1	Maize oleosin KD18 (KD18; L2)	2150	2150	100%	0	97%
	gene, complete cds
AY555143.1	Zea may BAC clone c573L14,	682	682	37%	0	91%
	complete sequence
AF488416.1	Zea mays chromosome 9 BAC 9C20	641	1094	37%	2.00E−180	88%
	complete sequence
AF434192.1	Zea mays line LH82 transposon Ins2,	625	625	37%	2.00E−175	88%
	YZ1 (yz1) gene, YZ1-LH82 allele,
	complete cds; tRNA-Phe (trnF) gene,
	complete sequence; retrotransposon
	Machiavelli Gag and Pol (gag/pol)
	gene, complete cds; and
	retrotransposon-like Ozymandias
	and MITE Gnat1, complete sequence
AY455286.1	Zea mays chloroplast phytoene	619	696	37%	8.00E−174	87%
	synthase (Y1) gene, complete cds;
	nuclear gene for chloroplast product
AF090447.2	Zea mays 22 kDa alpha zein gene	571	680	38%	4.00E−159	86%
	cluster, complete sequence
AC157977.1	Genomic sequence for Zea mays	556	556	37%	8.00E−155	84%
	chromosome 8 BAC clone
	ZMMBBb0284N04, complete
	sequence
BT038288.1	Zea mays full-length cDNA clone	522	522	36%	2.00E−144	83%
	ZM_BFb0224G21 mRNA, complete
	cds
L29505.1	Zea mays high sulfur zein gene,	520	520	29%	6.00E−144	90%
	complete cds
EU943322.1	Zea mays clone 1599166 mRNA	477	477	37%	6.00E−131	80%
	sequence
AC165176.2	Zea mays clone ZMMBBb-177G21,	475	635	37%	2.00E−130	90%
	complete sequence
AC165171.2	Zea mays clone CH201-145P10,	466	466	36%	1.00E−127	81%
	complete sequence
AC152494.1	Zea mays BAC clone Z418K17,	464	948	37%	4.00E−127	80%
	complete sequence
X73151.1	Z. mays GapC2 gene	461	461	38%	5.00E−126	79%
AC165267.2	Zea mays clone ZMMBBb-151F20,	446	446	37%	1.00E−121	79%
	complete sequence
DQ002407.1	Zea mays copia retrotransposon	428	548	37%	3.00E−116	82%
	opie1, gypsy retrotransposon
	grande1, xilon1 retrotransposon,
	helitron B73_14578, gypsy
	retrotransposon huck1 and ruda
	retrotransposon, complete sequence
AF546189.1	Contiguous genomic DNA sequence	340	386	24%	1.00E−89	84%
	comprising the 19-kDa-zein gene
	family from Zea mays, complete
	sequence
AY109359.1	Zea mays CL2022_2 mRNA	306	306	27%	2.00E−79	77%
	sequence
BT038370.1	Zea mays full-length cDNA clone	288	288	21%	6.00E−74	83%
	ZM_BFb0229A02 mRNA, complete
	cds
EU953088.1	Zea mays clone 1381669 unknown	201	201	20%	7.00E−48	75%
	mRNA

2. Annotation of MAWS27

MAWS27 encodes a maize unknown protein (GenBank Accession: ACF80385.1). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 35.

TABLE 35
BLASTX search results of the maize ZM3s00207 (MAWS27)
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
ACF80385.1	unknown [Zea mays]	155	6.00E−41	89
BAA83559.1	putative early nodulin	155	1.00E−39	85
	[Oryza sativa
	Japonica Group]
BAA83567.1	putative early nodulin	154	2.00E−39	84
	[Oryza sativa
	Japonica Group]
NP_001056762.1	Os06g0141700 [Oryza	152	5.00E−39	85
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
NP_001056767.1	Os06g0142300 [Oryza	151	6.00E−39	85
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
BAA33813.1	early nodulin	154	6.00E−39	86
	[Oryza sativa
	Japonica Group]
BAA83566.1	putative early nodulin	151	6.00E−39	85
	[Oryza sativa
	Japonica Group]
EAY99605.1	hypothetical protein	154	6.00E−39	86
	OsI_020838 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]
EAY99606.1	hypothetical protein	151	6.00E−39	85
	OsI_020839 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]
EAY99601.1	hypothetical protein	149	1.00E−38	84
	OsI_020834 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to MAWS27 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 24 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 42.

Identification of the Promoter Region of MAWS27

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the MAWS27 gene was defined as the promoter p-MAWS27. To identify this predicted promoter region, the sequence of ZM3s00207 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary maize genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_tigr_maize_genomic_partial_—5.0.nt. One maize genomic DNA sequences, AZM5_—32720 (2113 bp, SEQ ID NO: 78) was identified. This 2113 bp sequence harbored the predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to MAWS27 and 1.2 kb upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene. In addition, a public available sequence DX863447 was overlapped with AZM5_—32720. The contig of these 2 genomic sequences containing 1.35 kb upstream region is shown in SEQ ID NO: 78.

Isolation of the Promoter Region by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 174)
TATAAATTAGAACGGAGGGGTATG
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 175)
GGTGATCCGAATCCGATCCC.

The expected 1355 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and named as promoter MAWS27 (p-MAWS27). Sequence of p-MAWS27 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 6.BLASTN Results of p_MAWS27

The top 20 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query of p-MAWS27 are presented in Table 36.

TABLE 36
BLASTN results of p_MAWS27
		Max	Total	Query		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	ident
AY072300.1	Zea mays cytochrome	228	443	13%	5.00E−56	90%
	P450 monooxygenase
	CYP72A5 gene, complete
	cds
BT042628.1	Zea mays full-length cDNA	215	283	11%	3.00E−52	93%
	clone ZM_BFb0383P13
	mRNA, complete cds
BT041400.1	Zea mays full-length cDNA	210	273	13%	1.00E−50	89%
	clone ZM_BFc0115C19
	mRNA, complete cds
AJ251453.1	Zea mays see2a gene for	208	269	11%	5.00E−50	90%
	putative legumain, exons
	1-9
EU241894.1	Zea mays ZCN3 (ZCN3)	199	271	13%	3.00E−47	90%
	gene, complete cds
EU943068.1	Zea mays clone 1558247	197	265	13%	9.00E−47	93%
	mRNA sequence
EU953408.1	Zea mays clone 1408713	190	255	11%	1.00E−44	93%
	unknown mRNA
AY662985.1	Zea luxurians YZ1 (yz1)	187	238	13%	2.00E−43	88%
	gene, complete cds;
	transposons mPIF-like
	element and frequent flyer,
	complete sequence; and
	NADPH-dependent
	reductase (a1) gene,
	partial cds
AJ437282.1	Zea mays ZmEBE-2 gene	176	176	11%	3.00E−40	85%
	for ZmEBE-2 protein,
	exons 1-4
AJ437281.1	Zea mays ZmEBE-1 gene	169	215	11%	4.00E−38	85%
	for ZmEBE-1 protein,
	exons 1-5
AY530950.1	Zea mays putative zinc	167	231	13%	2.00E−37	93%
	finger protein (Z438D03.1),
	unknown (Z438D03.5),
	epsilon-COP (Z438D03.6),
	putative kinase
	(Z438D03.7), unknown
	(Z438D03.25), and C1-B73
	(Z438D03.27) genes,
	complete cds
DQ020097.1	Zea mays cultivar B73	165	226	13%	5.00E−37	89%
	inbred aberrant pollen
	transmission 1 (apt1) gene,
	complete cds
AY555143.1	Zea may BAC clone	163	309	13%	2.00E−36	85%
	c573L14, complete
	sequence
AY111966.1	Zea mays CL4954_1	158	206	10%	8.00E−35	96%
	mRNA sequence
EU975033.1	Zea mays clone 465494	156	156	11%	3.00E−34	83%
	unknown mRNA
AF391808.3	Zea mays cultivar McC bz	156	272	17%	3.00E−34	82%
	locus region
U09989.1	Zea mays D3L H(+)-	156	218	11%	3.00E−34	89%
	transporting ATPase
	(Mha1) gene, complete cds
EU241912.1	Zea mays ZCN21 (ZCN21)	154	204	11%	1.00E−33	84%
	gene, complete cds
BT039577.1	Zea mays full-length cDNA	149	197	12%	4.00E−32	83%
	clone ZM_BFc0031C07
	mRNA, complete cds
DQ219417.1	Zea mays YZ1 (Yz1A)	149	362	13%	4.00E−32	89%
	gene, Yz1A-1012M allele,
	partial cds; and a1 gene,
	A1-b alpha allele,
	transposon Ins2, and cin4
	retrotransposon, complete
	sequence

3. Annotation of MAWS30

MAWS30 encodes maize 17 Kda oleosin (GenBank Accession: AAA68066.1). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 37.

TABLE 37
BLASTX search results of the maize ZM1a61269071 (MAWS30)
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
AAA68066.1	17 kDa oleosin	66	3.00E−21	100
P21641	OLEO3_MAIZE	54	1.00E−15	95
	Oleosin Zm-II
	(Oleosin 18 kDa)
	(Lipid body-
	associated protein L2)
CAA57994.1	high molecular weight	54	2.00E−14	77
	oleosin [Hordeum
	vulgare subsp. vulgare]
CAN80217.1	hypothetical protein	81	2.00E−13	42
	[Vitis vinifera]
NP_001050984.1	Os03g0699000 [Oryza	48	3.00E−13	70
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
AAC02240.1	18 kDa oleosin	48	3.00E−13	70
	[Oryza sativa]
AAG43516.1	AF210696_1 15 kD	39	8.00E−06	73
	oleosin-like protein 1
	[Perilla frutescens]
AAG43517.1	AF210697_1 15 kD	39	8.00E−06	73
	oleosin-like protein 2
	[Perilla frutescens]
AAB58402.1	15.5 kDa oleosin	37	5.00E−05	66
	[Sesamum indicum]
CAN80922.1	hypothetical protein	36	7.00E−05	57
	[Vitis vinifera]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to MAWS30 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 34 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 52.

Identification of the Promoter Region of MAWS30

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the MAWS30 gene was defined as the promoter p-MAWS30. To identify this predicted promoter region, the sequence of ZM1a61269071 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary maize genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_tigr_maize_genomic_partial_—5.0.nt. One maize genomic DNA sequences, AZM5_—84557 (3426 bp) was identified. This 3426 bp sequence harbored the predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to MAWS30 and about 0.6 kb upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene. Sequence of AZM5_—84557 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 88.

Isolation of the Promoter Region by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 176)
CTCACACAAATCTAAATAGTAAAG
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 177)
GAGAGAGAGAGTAGTGAAGTG.

The expected 623 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and named as promoter MAWS30 (p-MAWS30). Sequence of p-MAWS30 was shown in SEQ ID NO: 16.BLASTN Results of p_MAWS30

The top 20 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query of p_MAWS30 are presented in Table 38.

TABLE 38
BLASTN results of p_MAWS30
		Max	Total	Query		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	ident
U13702.1	Zea mays oil body protein 17 kDa	686	686	60%	0	100%
	oleosin (ole17) gene,
	complete cds
J05212.1	Maize oleosin KD18 (KD18; L2)	187	187	42%	7.00E−44	75%
	gene, complete cds
AY427563.1	Oryza sativa (japonica cultivar-	98.7	98.7	18%	3.00E−17	78%
	group) 18 kDa oleosin gene,
	promoter region
AF019212.1	Oryza sativa subsp. indica 18 kDa	98.7	98.7	18%	3.00E−17	78%
	oleosin (ole18) gene,
	complete cds
AP008209.1	Oryza sativa (japonica cultivar-	95.1	95.1	18%	4.00E−16	77%
	group) genomic DNA,
	chromosome 3
AC097368.3	Oryza sativa chromosome 3	95.1	95.1	18%	4.00E−16	77%
	BAC OSJNBb0017F17 genomic
	sequence, complete sequence
AF369906.1	Sorghum bicolor clone	53.6	53.6	8%	0.001	82%
	BAC10J22 Sbb3766 sequence
FJ119498.1	Pinus taeda isolate 8102	46.4	46.4	6%	0.16	85%
	anonymous locus
	UMN_CL22Contig1_02 genomic
	sequence
FJ119497.1	Pinus taeda isolate 8112	46.4	46.4	6%	0.16	85%
	anonymous locus
	UMN_CL22Contig1_02 genomic
	sequence
FJ119496.1	Pinus taeda isolate 8099	46.4	46.4	6%	0.16	85%
	anonymous locus
	UMN_CL22Contig1_02 genomic
	sequence
FJ119495.1	Pinus taeda isolate 8105	46.4	46.4	6%	0.16	85%
	anonymous locus
	UMN_CL22Contig1_02 genomic
	sequence
FJ119494.1	Pinus taeda isolate 8108	46.4	46.4	6%	0.16	85%
	anonymous locus
	UMN_CL22Contig1_02 genomic
	sequence
FJ119493.1	Pinus taeda isolate 8103	46.4	46.4	6%	0.16	85%
	anonymous locus
	UMN_CL22Contig1_02 genomic
	sequence
FJ119492.1	Pinus taeda isolate 8100	46.4	46.4	6%	0.16	85%
	anonymous locus
	UMN_CL22Contig1_02 genomic
	sequence
FJ119491.1	Pinus taeda isolate 8107	46.4	46.4	6%	0.16	85%
	anonymous locus
	UMN_CL22Contig1_02 genomic
	sequence
FJ119490.1	Pinus taeda isolate 8113	46.4	46.4	6%	0.16	85%
	anonymous locus
	UMN_CL22Contig1_02 genomic
	sequence
FJ119489.1	Pinus taeda isolate 8101	46.4	46.4	6%	0.16	85%
	anonymous locus
	UMN_CL22Contig1_02 genomic
	sequence
FJ119488.1	Pinus taeda isolate 8111	46.4	46.4	6%	0.16	85%
	anonymous locus
	UMN_CL22Contig1_02 genomic
	sequence
FJ119487.1	Pinus taeda isolate 8114	46.4	46.4	6%	0.16	85%
	anonymous locus
	UMN_CL22Contig1_02 genomic
	sequence
FJ119486.1	Pinus taeda isolate 8110	46.4	46.4	6%	0.16	85%
	anonymous locus
	UMN_CL22Contig1_02 genomic
	sequence

4. Annotation of MAWS57

MAWS57 encodes a protein that has homolog to a rice unknown protein Os05g0576700 (GenBank Accession: NP_—001056403.1). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 39.

TABLE 39
BLASTX search results of the maize ZM1s57500283 (MAWS57)
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
NP_001056403.1	Os05g0576700 [Oryza	112	8.00E−33	95
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
ABK40507.1	pollen oleosin	102	2.00E−26	82
	[Lilium longiflorum]
EAZ35378.1	hypothetical protein	112	5.00E−25	95
	OsJ_018861 [Oryza
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
AAX49393.1	OLE-5	92	4.00E−19	81
	[Coffea canephora]
CAO68008.1	unnamed protein	89	2.00E−18	73
	product [Vitis vinifera]
NP_188487.1	glycine-rich protein/	90	6.00E−16	78
	oleosin
	[Arabidopsis thaliana]
ACI87763.1	putative oleosin	84	5.00E−14	69
	[Cupressus
	sempervirens]
ACA30297.1	putative oleosin	84	5.00E−14	69
	[Cupressus
	sempervirens]
NP_175329.1	glycine-rich protein/	74	5.00E−11	69
	oleosin
	[Arabidopsis thaliana]
CAN74835.1	hypothetical protein	66	1.00E−08	53
	[Vitis vinifera]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to MAWS57 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 35 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 55.

Identification of the Promoter Region of MAWS57

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the MAWS57 gene was defined as the promoter p-MAWS57. To identify this predicted promoter region, the sequence of ZM1s57500283 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary maize genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_tigr_maize_genomic_partial_—5.0.nt. One maize genomic DNA sequences, AZM5_—16632 (5254 bp) was identified. This 5254 bp sequence harbored the predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to MAWS57 and more than 2.5 kb upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene. Sequences of AZM5_—16632 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 89.

Isolation of the Promoter Region by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 178)
GGTTCAAGATATGTATGTGATG
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 179)
TCGGGTATCTCTCTGTCTTGTTG.

The expected 1950 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and named as promoter MAWS57 (p-MAWS57). Sequence of p-MAWS57 was shown in SEQ ID NO: 17.BLASTN Results of p_MAWS57

The top 20 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query of p_MAWS57 are presented in Table 40.

TABLE 40
BLASTN results of p_MAWS57
		Max	Total	Query		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	ident
AP008217.1	Oryza sativa (japonica	259	415	26%	5.00E−65	81%
	cultivar-group) genomic
	DNA, chromosome 11
BX000501.4	Oryza sativa	259	415	26%	5.00E−65	81%
	chromosome 11, . BAC
	OSJNBa0032J07 of
	library OSJNBa from
	chromosome 11 of
	cultivar Nipponbare of
	ssp. japonica of Oryza
	sativa (rice), complete
	sequence
AP008218.1	Oryza sativa (japonica	179	447	23%	4.00E−41	83%
	cultivar-group) genomic
	DNA, chromosome 12
BX000494.2	Oryza sativa	179	447	23%	4.00E−41	83%
	chromosome 12, . BAC
	OSJNBa0052H10 of
	library OSJNBa from
	chromosome 12 of
	cultivar Nipponbare of
	ssp. japonica of Oryza
	sativa (rice), complete
	sequence
BX000491.1	Oryza sativa	179	447	23%	4.00E−41	83%
	chromosome 12, . BAC
	OSJNBb0068K19 of
	library OSJNBb from
	chromosome 12 of
	cultivar Nipponbare of
	ssp. japonica of Oryza
	sativa (rice), complete
	sequence
AK242870.1	Oryza sativa Japonica	176	389	18%	4.00E−40	84%
	Group cDNA, clone:
	J090076L04, full insert
	sequence
NM_001072463.1	Oryza sativa (japonica	167	389	18%	2.00E−37	84%
	cultivar-group)
	Os12g0105300
	(Os12g0105300) mRNA,
	complete cds
AK099132.1	Oryza sativa Japonica	167	389	18%	2.00E−37	84%
	Group cDNA
	clone: J023051M04, full
	insert sequence
AK072914.1	Oryza sativa Japonica	167	389	18%	2.00E−37	84%
	Group cDNA
	clone: J023150I16, full
	insert sequence
AK062121.1	Oryza sativa Japonica	167	389	18%	2.00E−37	84%
	Group cDNA clone: 001-
	045-D01, full insert
	sequence
AK250796.1	Hordeum vulgare subsp.	123	323	25%	2.00E−24	84%
	vulgare cDNA clone:
	FLbaf94j01, mRNA
	sequence
AP008213.1	Oryza sativa (japonica	111	111	5%	2.00E−20	81%
	cultivar-group) genomic
	DNA, chromosome 7
AP005768.3	Oryza sativa Japonica	111	111	5%	2.00E−20	81%
	Group genomic DNA,
	chromosome 7, BAC
	clone: OSJNBa0039C01
AP005255.4	Oryza sativa Japonica	111	111	5%	2.00E−20	81%
	Group genomic DNA,
	chromosome 7, BAC
	clone: OSJNBb0087F05
AC232448.1	Brassica rapa subsp.	100	191	9%	3.00E−17	93%
	pekinensis clone
	KBrB008D15, complete
	sequence
CT828672.1	Oryza sativa (indica	98.7	141	6%	1.00E−16	87%
	cultivar-group) cDNA
	clone: OSIGCSA057D18,
	full insert sequence
AM448932.2	Vitis vinifera contig	96.9	177	15%	3.00E−16	79%
	VV78X114050.3, whole
	genome shotgun
	sequence
AP010508.1	Lotus japonicus genomic	95.1	241	16%	1.00E−15	90%
	DNA, chromosome 2,
	clone: LjT28N02,
	TM1615, complete
	sequence
EF145201.1	Populus trichocarpa	87.8	155	9%	2.00E−13	85%
	clone WS01121_K10
	unknown mRNA
AC098571.2	Oryza sativa Japonica	80.6	80.6	3%	3.00E−11	84%
	Group chromosome 5
	clone OJ1126_B10,
	complete sequence

5. Annotation of MAWS60

MAWS60 encodes a maize unknown protein (GenBank Accession: ACF78165.1). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 41.

TABLE 41
BLASTX search results of the maize ZM4s20063 (MAWS60)
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
ACF78165.1	unknown [Zea mays]	138	3.00E−52	64
ACF83516.1	unknown [Zea mays]	204	2.00E−50	82
ACF86030.1	unknown [Zea mays]	124	2.00E−48	73
ACF87441.1	unknown [Zea mays]	79	1.00E−46	73
ACF78865.1	unknown [Zea mays]	102	1.00E−22	72
ACF88449.1	unknown [Zea mays]	42	5.00E−11	48
NP_001066367.1	Os12g0198700 [Oryza	42	1.00E−10	46
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
NP_001066495.1	Os12g0247700 [Oryza	39	4.00E−10	61
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
ABR25456.1	beta-glucosidase	46	7.00E−10	53
	aggregating factor
	precursor [Oryza sativa
	(indica cultivar-group)]
NP_001066435.1	Os12g0227500 [Oryza	46	7.00E−10	53
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to MAWS60 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 19 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 37.

Identification of the Promoter Region of MAWS60

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the MAWS60 gene was defined as the promoter p-MAWS60. To identify this predicted promoter region, the sequence of ZM4s20063 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary maize genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_tigr_maize_genomic_partial_—5.0.nt. One maize genomic DNA sequences, AZM5_—25938 (3185 bp) was identified. This 3185 bp sequence harbored the predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to MAWS60 and 1.2 kb upstream. sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene. Sequence of AZM5_—25938 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 73.

Isolation of the Promoter Region by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 180)
TTGGTTTTTTGATAATTTGTTTATC
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 181)
TCTCCATTACCTGCAACGATC.

The expected 1106 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and named as promoter MAWS60 (p-MAWS60). Sequence of p-MAWS60 was shown in SEQ ID NO: 1.BLASTN Results of p_MAWS60

The top 20 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query of p_MAWS60 are presented in Table 42.

TABLE 42
BLASTN results of p_MAWS60
		Max	Total	Query		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	ident
AC157320.2	Zea mays clone	452	801	44%	2.00E−123	79%
	ZMMBBb-7C14,
	complete sequence
AF544161.1	Zea mays subsp. mays	320	320	22%	9.00E−84	89%
	cultivar A6 ADP-glucose
	pyrophosphorylase large
	subunit (shrunken2)
	gene, partial sequence
AF544159.1	Zea mays subsp. mays	320	320	22%	9.00E−84	89%
	cultivar Tx601 ADP-
	glucose
	pyrophosphorylase large
	subunit (shrunken2)
	gene, partial sequence
AF544158.1	Zea mays subsp. mays	320	320	22%	9.00E−84	89%
	cultivar Ki9 ADP-glucose
	pyrophosphorylase large
	subunit (shrunken2)
	gene, partial sequence
AF544157.1	Zea mays subsp. mays	320	320	22%	9.00E−84	89%
	cultivar T232 ADP-
	glucose
	pyrophosphorylase large
	subunit (shrunken2)
	gene, partial sequence
U07956.1	Zea mays transposable	320	320	22%	9.00E−84	89%
	element ILS-1
AC165178.2	Zea mays clone	315	860	32%	4.00E−82	84%
	ZMMBBb-272P17,
	complete sequence
AF544160.1	Zea mays subsp. mays	315	315	22%	4.00E−82	88%
	cultivar A272 ADP-
	glucose
	pyrophosphorylase large
	subunit (shrunken2)
	gene, partial sequence
AC160211.1	Genomic seqeunce for	279	428	41%	3.00E−71	86%
	Zea mays BAC clone
	ZMMBBb0448F23,
	complete sequence
AY530950.1	Zea mays putative zinc	264	541	34%	6.00E−67	82%
	finger protein
	(Z438D03.1), unknown
	(Z438D03.5), epsilon-
	COP (Z438D03.6),
	putative kinase
	(Z438D03.7), unknown
	(Z438D03.25), and C1-
	B73 (Z438D03.27)
	genes, complete cds
AF061282.1	Sorghum bicolor 22 kDa	179	429	35%	2.00E−41	96%
	kafirin cluster
AY661657.1	Sorghum bicolor clone	167	167	25%	1.00E−37	74%
	BAC 60H10, complete
	sequence
AY661656.1	Sorghum bicolor clone	167	535	35%	1.00E−37	88%
	BAC 88M4, complete
	sequence
AC169377.4	Sorghum bicolor clone	154	154	17%	8.00E−34	79%
	SB_BBc0068O12,
	complete sequence
AC169379.4	Sorghum bicolor clone	154	154	17%	8.00E−34	79%
	SB_BBc0088B22,
	complete sequence
AP008208.1	Oryza sativa (japonica	131	4754	22%	9.00E−27	78%
	cultivar-group) genomic
	DNA, chromosome 2
AP005066.2	Oryza sativa Japonica	131	218	22%	9.00E−27	75%
	Group genomic DNA,
	chromosome 2, PAC
	clone: P0047E05
AY144442.1	Sorghum bicolor BAC	127	766	19%	1.00E−25	88%
	95A23/98N8.1 Rph
	region, partial sequence
AP008218.1	Oryza sativa (japonica	125	6385	22%	4.00E−25	80%
	cultivar-group) genomic
	DNA, chromosome 12
AL831796.5	Oryza sativa	125	125	22%	4.00E−25	71%
	chromosome 12, . BAC
	OSJNBa0012G19 of
	library OSJNBa from
	chromosome 12 of
	cultivar Nipponbare of
	ssp. japonica of Oryza
	sativa (rice), complete
	sequence

6. Annotation of MAWS63

MAWS63 encodes a protein that is homologous to a rice hypothetical protein Osl_—026531 (GenBank Accession: EAZ05299.1). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 43.

TABLE 43
BLASTX search results of the maize ZM1s62013293 (MAWS63)
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
EAZ05299.1	hypothetical protein	98	2.00E−20	59
	OsI_026531
NP_001060778.1	Os08g0104400 [Oryza	94	2.00E−19	72
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
EAZ05298.1	hypothetical protein	99	9.00E−19	53
	OsI_026530 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]
CAO22190.1	unnamed protein	58	2.00E−06	61
	product [Vitis vinifera]
CAO46216.1	unnamed protein	58	2.00E−06	61
	product [Vitis vinifera]
CAN64204.1	hypothetical protein	58	2.00E−06	61
	[Vitis vinifera]
ABB72396.1	seed maturation	58	2.00E−06	62
	protein [Glycine
	tomentella]
ABB72388.1	seed maturation	58	2.00E−06	62
	protein [Glycine
	latifolia]
ABB72387.1	seed maturation	58	2.00E−06	62
	protein [Glycine
	latifolia]
ABB72392.1	seed maturation	58	2.00E−06	62
	protein [Glycine
	tomentella]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to MAWS63 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 25 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 43.

Identification of the Promoter Region of MAWS63

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the MAWS63 gene was defined as the promoter p-MAWS63. To identify this predicted promoter region, the sequence of ZM1s62013293 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary maize genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_tigr_maize_genomic_partial_—5.0.nt. One maize genomic DNA sequences, AZM5_—12462 (5275 bp) was identified. This 5275 bp sequence harbored the predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to MAWS63 and 2.3 kb upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene. The first 3 kb sequence of AZM5_—12462 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 79.

Isolation of the Promoter Region by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 182)
AAGGGACTCGTGGCCTACAC
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 183)
TACGTTGTCGCAGCTGGATG.

The expected 1941 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and named as promoter MAWS63 (p-MAWS63). Sequence of p-MAWS63 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 7.BLASTN Results of p_MAWS63

The top 20 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query of p_MAWS63 are presented in Table 44.

TABLE 44
BLASTN results of p_MAWS63
		Max	Total	Query		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	ident
BT040012.1	Zea mays full-length cDNA	1370	1370	39%	0	100%
	clone ZM_BFc0058K21
	mRNA, complete cds
EU967309.1	Zea mays clone 301323	1308	1308	37%	0	100%
	unknown mRNA
BT043342.1	Zea mays full-length cDNA	1301	1301	37%	0	100%
	clone ZM_BFc0164P09
	mRNA, complete cds
DQ245437.1	Zea mays clone 15518	1148	1148	33%	0	99%
	mRNA sequence
AY103722.1	Zea mays PCO142214	1083	1083	38%	0	91%
	mRNA sequence
NM_001111875.1	Zea mays ferredoxin1	1074	1074	39%	0	90%
	(fdx1), nuclear gene
	encoding mitochondrial
	protein, mRNA
	>gb|M73830.1|MZEFD1P
	Maize ferredoxin I (Fd)
	isoprotein mRNA, pFD1′
M73829.1	Maize ferredoxin I (Fd)	1027	1027	33%	0	94%
	isoprotein mRNA, pFD1
EU328185.1	Zea mays chloroplast	812	812	23%	0	99%
	ferredoxin 1 precursor
	(FDX1) mRNA, complete
	cds; nuclear gene for
	chloroplast product
EU328184.1	Zea mays chloroplast	545	545	22%	2.00E−151	87%
	ferredoxin 5 precursor
	(FDX5) mRNA, complete
	cds; nuclear gene for
	chloroplast product
EU975349.1	Zea mays clone 488257	542	542	22%	3.00E−150	86%
	unknown mRNA
EU972749.1	Zea mays clone 387187	526	526	21%	2.00E−145	87%
	unknown mRNA
NM_001111874.1	Zea mays ferredoxin5	495	495	22%	4.00E−136	83%
	(fdx5), mRNA
	>gb|M73828.1|MZEFD5
	Maize ferredoxin (Fd)
	isoprotein mRNA, pFD5
NM_001111374.1	Zea mays ferredoxin2	443	443	15%	2.00E−120	92%
	(fdx2), mRNA
	>dbj|AB016810.1|Zea
	mays mRNA for ferredoxin,
	complete cds
BT039722.1	Zea mays full-length cDNA	434	434	15%	1.00E−117	92%
	clone ZM_BFc0041B09
	mRNA, complete cds
EU328186.1	Zea mays chloroplast	434	434	15%	1.00E−117	92%
	ferredoxin 2 precursor
	(FDX2) mRNA, complete
	cds; nuclear gene for
	chloroplast product
EU974838.1	Zea mays clone 459526	430	430	15%	1.00E−116	91%
	unknown mRNA
CT841984.1	Oryza rufipogon (W1943)	405	405	15%	5.00E−109	89%
	cDNA clone:
	ORW1943C104F01, full
	insert sequence
AK287537.1	Oryza sativa Japonica	405	405	15%	5.00E−109	89%
	Group cDNA, clone:
	J065007C21, full insert
	sequence
CU406957.1	Oryza rufipogon (W1943)	405	405	15%	5.00E−109	89%
	cDNA clone:
	ORW1943C107I19, full
	insert sequence
CU406556.1	Oryza rufipogon (W1943)	405	405	15%	5.00E−109	89%
	cDNA clone:
	ORW1943S102N16, full
	insert sequence

7. Annotation of MAEM1

MAEM1 encodes maize ZCN9 protein (GenBank Accession: ABX11011.1). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 45.

TABLE 45
BLASTX search results of the maize ZM4s09689 (MAEM1)
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
ABX11011.1	ZCN9 [Zea mays]	326	3.00E−97	100
NP_001106248.1	ZCN9 protein	326	3.00E−97	100
	[Zea mays]
NP_001106249.1	ZCN10 protein	309	5.00E−92	94
	[Zea mays]
EAY84662.1	hypothetical protein	210	6.00E−76	84
	OsI_005895 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]
NP_001041806.1	Os01g0111600 [Oryza	208	7.00E−75	83
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
NP_001057701.1	Os06g0498800 [Oryza	193	1.00E−65	68
	sativa (japonica
	cultivar-group)]
ABB90591.1	terminal flower 1	212	8.00E−60	63
	[Aquilegia formosa]
CAO68168.1	unnamed protein	170	2.00E−59	65
	product [Vitis vinifera]
BAD22677.1	flowering locus T like	173	5.00E−59	67
	protein [Populus nigra]
CAN80336.1	hypothetical protein	170	9.00E−59	65
	[Vitis vinifera]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to MAEM1 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 20 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 38.

Identification of the Promoter Region of MAEM1

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the MAEM1 gene was defined as the promoter p-MAEM1. To identify this predicted promoter region, the sequence of ZM4s09689 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary maize genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_tigr_maize_genomic_partial_—5.0.nt. One maize genomic DNA sequences, AZM5_—13765 (3272 bp) was identified. This 3272 bp sequence harbored the predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to MAWS23 and less than 0.5 kb upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene. In addition, a public available sequence CL383739 was overlapped with AZM5_—13765. The contig of these 2 genomic sequences containing 0.9 kb upstream region is shown in SEQ ID NO: 74.

Isolation of the Promoter Region by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 184)
TTAGTAGAGAATAACACACATC
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 185)
GATCGATCGATCAACGCG.

The expected 922 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and named as promoter MAEM1 (p-MAEM1). Sequence of p-MAEM1 was shown in SEQ ID NO: 2.BLASTN Results of p_MAEM1

The top 18 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query of p_MAEM1 are presented in Table46.

TABLE 46
BLASTN results of p_MAEM1
		Max	Total	Query		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	ident
EU241901.1	Zea mays ZCN10	1651	1651	100%	0	99%
	(ZCN10) gene, complete
	cds
NM_001112778.1	Zea mays ZCN10 protein	446	446	27%	7.00E−122	99%
	(ZCN10), mRNA
	>gb|EU241926.1|Zea
	mays ZCN10 (ZCN10)
	mRNA, complete cds
AY530950.1	Zea mays putative zinc	208	208	39%	3.00E−50	74%
	finger protein
	(Z438D03.1), unknown
	(Z438D03.5), epsilon-
	COP (Z438D03.6),
	putative kinase
	(Z438D03.7), unknown
	(Z438D03.25), and C1-
	B73 (Z438D03.27)
	genes, complete cds
EU952257.1	Zea mays clone	196	196	11%	2.00E−46	100%
	1273313 unknown
	mRNA
EU241900.1	Zea mays ZCN9 (ZCN9)	176	176	19%	2.00E−40	82%
	gene, complete cds
AP008207.1	Oryza sativa (japonica	57.2	57.2	11%	1.00E−04	72%
	cultivar-group) genomic
	DNA, chromosome 1
AP004821.4	Oryza sativa Japonica	57.2	57.2	11%	1.00E−04	72%
	Group genomic DNA,
	chromosome 1, PAC
	clone: P0676G08
AP003854.2	Oryza sativa Japonica	57.2	57.2	11%	1.00E−04	72%
	Group genomic DNA,
	chromosome 1, BAC
	clone: OSJNBb0093M23
EU976588.1	Zea mays clone 984310	55.4	55.4	3%	5.00E−04	100%
	unknown mRNA
AC135864.5	Oryza sativa Japonica	53.6	53.6	13%	0.002	70%
	Group chromosome 11
	clone OSJNBb0071K13,
	complete sequence
AP008217.1	Oryza sativa (japonica	53.6	99	13%	0.002	77%
	cultivar-group) genomic
	DNA, chromosome 11
AP008215.1	Oryza sativa (japonica	51.8	187	5%	0.006	85%
	cultivar-group) genomic
	DNA, chromosome 9
AP005767.3	Oryza sativa Japonica	51.8	51.8	4%	0.006	85%
	Group genomic DNA,
	chromosome 9, BAC
	clone: OSJNBa0035G04
AP005780.2	Oryza sativa Japonica	51.8	51.8	4%	0.006	85%
	Group genomic DNA,
	chromosome 9, BAC
	clone: OSJNBb0051H02
AC139170.2	Oryza sativa Japonica	46.4	46.4	6%	0.25	77%
	Group chromosome 11
	clone OSJNBa0058P12,
	complete sequence
AP008218.1	Oryza sativa (japonica	46.4	46.4	6%	0.25	77%
	cultivar-group) genomic
	DNA, chromosome 12
AP008208.1	Oryza sativa (japonica	46.4	92.7	5%	0.25	81%
	cultivar-group) genomic
	DNA, chromosome 2
AP005559.3	Oryza sativa Japonica	46.4	46.4	5%	0.25	81%
	Group genomic DNA,
	chromosome 9, BAC
	clone: OJ1163_C07

8. Annotation of MAEM20

MAEM20 encodes a protein that is homologous to rice hypothetical protein OsJ_—029225 (GenBank Accession: EAZ45742.1). The top 10 homologous sequences identified in the BlastX query are presented in Table 47.

TABLE 47
BLASTX search results of the maize ZM1s59153555 (MAEM20)
				% Iden-
Accession	Description	Score	E-value	tities
EAZ45742.1	hypothetical protein	154	4.00E−35	80
	OsJ_029225
EAZ10155.1	hypothetical protein	154	4.00E−35	80
	OsI_031387 [Oryza
	sativa (indica
	cultivar-group)]
BAD46602.1	putative Histone H2B	154	4.00E−35	80
	[Oryza sativa Japonica
	Group]
CAN78957.1	hypothetical protein	139	1.00E−30	69
	[Vitis vinifera]
NP_172295.1	histone H2B family	133	7.00E−30	62
	protein [Arabidopsis
	thaliana]
XP_001104238.1	PREDICTED: similar to	132	2.00E−28	64
	Histone H2B [Macaca
	mulatta]
XP_001914780.1	PREDICTED: similar to	131	4.00E−28	63
	histone H2B.3 [Equus
	caballus]
XP_532763.2	PREDICTED: similar to	129	1.00E−27	62
	testis-specific histone 2b
	[Canis familiaris]
XP_872016.1	PREDICTED: similar to	128	2.00E−27	62
	histone H2B.3 [Bos
	taurus]
XP_002060453.1	GJ19809 [Drosophila	126	1.00E−26	59
	virilis]

The CDS sequence of the gene corresponding to MAEM20 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 23 and the translated amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 41.

Identification of the Promoter Region of MAEM20

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of the MAEM20 gene was defined as the promoter p-MAEM20. To identify this predicted promoter region, the sequence of ZM1s59153555 was mapped to the BASF Plant Science proprietary maize genomic DNA sequence database, PUB_tigr_maize_genomic_partial_—5.0.nt. One maize genomic DNA sequences, AZM5_—23292 (1996 bp) was identified. This 1996 bp sequence harbored the predicted CDS of the corresponding gene to MAEM20 and 0.7 kb upstream sequence of the ATG start codon of this gene. Sequence of AZM5_—23292 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 77.

Isolation of the Promoter Region by PCR Amplification

The putative promoter region was isolated via genomic PCR using the following sequence specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 186)
GTGATTAAGTTGACTGGCAAATTG
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 187)
GCCTACTTGCCTAGCGTACC.

The expected 698 bp fragment was amplified from maize genomic DNA, and named as promoter MAEM20 (p-MAEM20). Sequence of p-MAEM20 was shown in SEQ ID NO: 5.BLASTN Results of p_MAEM20

The top 16 homologous sequences identified in the BlastN query of p_MAEM20 are presented in Table 48.

TABLE 48
BLASTN results of p_MAEM20
		Max	Total	Query		Max
Accession	Description	score	score	coverage	E value	ident
EU951788.1	Zea mays clone	196	196	15%	2.00E−46	100%
	1000340 unknown
	mRNA
CP000820.1	Frankia sp.	44.6	44.6	5%	0.64	86%
	EAN1pec,
	complete genome
AC174361.12	Medicago	42.8	42.8	4%	2.2	93%
	truncatula
	chromosome 8
	clone mth2-39o9,
	complete sequence
AC146791.12	Medicago	42.8	42.8	4%	2.2	93%
	truncatula
	chromosome 8
	clone mth2-
	123m17, complete
	sequence
XM_001502388.2	PREDICTED:	41	41	3%	7.8	92%
	Equus caballus
	similar to
	neurotrypsin
	(LOC100072455),
	mRNA
CP000548.1	Burkholderia mallei	41	41	3%	7.8	92%
	NCTC 10247
	chromosome I,
	complete sequence
CP000572.1	Burkholderia	41	41	3%	7.8	92%
	pseudomallei
	1106a
	chromosome I,
	complete sequence
CP000546.1	Burkholderia mallei	41	41	3%	7.8	92%
	NCTC 10229
	chromosome I,
	complete sequence
CP000526.1	Burkholderia mallei	41	41	3%	7.8	92%
	SAVP1
	chromosome I,
	complete sequence
CP000539.1	Acidovorax sp.	41	41	5%	7.8	85%
	JS42, complete
	genome
CP000489.1	Paracoccus	41	41	4%	7.8	90%
	denitrificans
	PD1222
	chromosome 1,
	complete sequence
EF130439.1	Sus scrofa clone	41	41	5%	7.8	86%
	KVL4379
	microsatellite
	sequence
CP000383.1	Cytophaga	41	41	3%	7.8	96%
	hutchinsonii ATCC
	33406, complete
	genome
XM_001106371.1	PREDICTED:	41	41	4%	7.8	90%
	Macaca mulatta
	similar to
	chromosome 9
	open reading frame
	58 isoform 1,
	transcript variant 4
	(LOC715655),
	mRNA
CP000010.1	Burkholderia mallei	41	41	3%	7.8	92%
	ATCC 23344
	chromosome 1,
	complete sequence

Example 11

Place Analysis of the Promoters

Cis-acting motifs in the promoter regions were identified using PLACE (a database of Plant Cis-acting Regulatory DNA elements) using the Genomatix database suite.

1) p-MAWS23

PLACE analysis results of p-MAWS23 are listed in Table 49. Two TATA box motifs are found in this promoter, one located at nucleotide position 419-425 of the forward strand, the other located at nucleotide position 736-742 of the reverse strand. There is 1 CAAT Box motif at nucleotide position 621-625 of the forward strand.

TABLE 49
PLACE analysis results of the 1264 bp promoter p-MAWS23
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	23	28	+	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	23	28	−	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	26	30	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM261	CDTDREHVCBF2	27	32	+	0	1	GTCGAC
FAM261	CDTDREHVCBF2	27	32	−	0	1	GTCGAC
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	29	33	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM002	TGACGTVMAMY	48	60	+	0	1	GACTATGACGTCA
FAM002	PALINDROMICCBOXGM	50	62	−	0	1	GATGACGTCATAG
FAM002	PALINDROMICCBOXGM	51	63	+	0	1	TATGACGTCATCT
FAM002	TGACGTVMAMY	53	65	−	0	1	CAAGATGACGTCA
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	54	59	+	0	1	GACGTC
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	54	59	−	0	1	GACGTC
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	62	76	+	0	1	CTTGACACCAGAGGT
FAM322	BIHD1OS	64	68	−	0	1	TGTCA
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	66	72	+	0	1	ACACCAG
FAM322	BIHD1OS	76	80	−	0	1	TGTCA
FAM270	RAV1AAT	92	96	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM270	RAV1AAT	95	99	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM266	MYB1AT	101	106	+	0	1	TAACCA
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	104	116	+	0	1	CCACTCGCCACCG
FAM147	HEXAMERATH4	114	119	+	0	1	CCGTCG
FAM013	DRE2COREZMRAB17	115	121	−	0	1	ACCGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	115	119	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM013	DRE2COREZMRAB17	119	125	−	0	1	ACCGACC
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	130	136	−	0	1	ATTAAAG
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	138	142	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM024	2SSEEDPROTBANAPA	145	153	+	0	1	CAAACACAT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	154	160	+	0	1	ACACTTG
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	165	171	−	0	1	AAACAAA
FAM314	SORLIP4AT	182	190	+	0	1	GTATGATGG
FAM010	WBOXHVISO1	200	214	+	0	1	GATGACTGACAATGT
FAM322	BIHD1OS	206	210	−	0	1	TGTCA
FAM002	RAV1BAT	230	242	−	0	1	TTACACCTGCCGG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	234	240	−	0	1	ACACCTG
FAM002	CACGTGMOTIF	239	251	−	0	1	GAGCACGTGTTAC
FAM002	CACGTGMOTIF	240	252	+	0	1	TAACACGTGCTCT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	242	248	+	0	1	ACACGTG
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	249	253	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM012	IBOXCORENT	258	264	+	0	1	GATAAGA
FAM026	RYREPEATBNNAPA	264	274	+	0	1	ATCATGCAAAT
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	269	275	−	0	1	GATTTGC
FAM322	BIHD1OS	277	281	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM026	RYREPEATBNNAPA	291	301	−	0	1	ATCATGCAGGC
FAM151	INTRONLOWER	292	297	−	0	1	TGCAGG
FAM170	MYBGAHV	343	349	+	0	1	TAACAAA
FAM300	LECPLEACS2	382	389	+	0	1	TAAAATAT
FAM243	TATABOX4	419	425	+	0	1	TATATAA
FAM270	RAV1AAT	449	453	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM295	P1BS	475	482	+	0	1	GTATATCC
FAM295	P1BS	475	482	−	0	1	GGATATAC
FAM014	MYBST1	477	483	−	0	1	TGGATAT
FAM025	AMYBOX2	478	484	+	0	1	TATCCAT
FAM273	TATCCAOSAMY	478	484	+	0	1	TATCCAT
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	502	506	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM026	RYREPEATBNNAPA	514	524	−	0	1	CTCATGCAAGC
FAM261	CDTDREHVCBF2	526	531	+	0	1	GTCGAC
FAM261	CDTDREHVCBF2	526	531	−	0	1	GTCGAC
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	532	536	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	537	541	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM012	IBOXCORE	540	546	−	0	1	GATAAAA
FAM014	SREATMSD	541	547	+	0	1	TTTATCC
FAM014	MYBST1	542	548	−	0	1	GGGATAA
FAM006	HDZIP2ATATHB2	588	596	−	0	1	TAATAATTA
FAM015	ACGTABOX	597	602	+	0	1	TACGTA
FAM015	ACGTABOX	597	602	−	0	1	TACGTA
FAM010	WBOXHVISO1	600	614	−	0	1	TATGACTTGAAGTAC
FAM266	MYB1AT	618	623	+	0	1	AAACCA
FAM003	REALPHALGLHCB21	619	629	+	0	1	AACCAATGGCA
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	621	625	+	0	1	CCAAT
FAM266	MYB1AT	640	645	+	0	1	TAACCA
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	668	674	+	0	1	AATAAAG
FAM244	TATABOXOSPAL	736	742	−	0	1	TATTTAA
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	756	762	−	0	1	AATAAAG
FAM171	MYBPZM	782	788	−	0	1	TCCAACC
FAM061	GCCCORE	795	801	−	0	1	CGCCGCC
FAM026	RYREPEATVFLEB4	812	822	+	0	1	ACCATGCATGT
FAM026	RYREPEATVFLEB4	813	823	−	0	1	CACATGCATGG
FAM172	MYCATRD2	817	823	−	0	1	CACATGC
FAM172	MYCATERD	818	824	+	0	1	CATGTGT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	818	824	−	0	1	ACACATG
FAM012	IBOXCORENT	843	849	−	0	1	GATAAGA
FAM171	MYBPZM	854	860	+	0	1	TCCTACC
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	864	868	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	866	872	−	0	1	ATTAAAG
FAM010	WBBOXPCWRKY1	872	886	+	0	1	TTTGACTCTTTATGA
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	877	881	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	879	885	−	0	1	CATAAAG
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	889	895	−	0	1	GAATTCC
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	890	896	+	0	1	GAATTCC
FAM098	CATATGGMSAUR	897	902	+	0	1	CATATG
FAM098	CATATGGMSAUR	897	902	−	0	1	CATATG
FAM087	BOXIINTPATPB	905	910	−	0	1	ATAGAA
FAM270	RAV1AAT	915	919	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	923	927	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	924	929	+	0	1	GACGTC
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	924	929	−	0	1	GACGTC
FAM013	DRECRTCOREAT	957	963	+	0	1	GCCGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	959	963	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM147	HEXAMERATH4	959	964	−	0	1	CCGTCG
FAM026	SPHCOREZMC1	986	996	+	0	1	TCCATGCATGC
FAM026	RYREPEATVFLEB4	987	997	−	0	1	TGCATGCATGG
FAM026	RYREPEATBNNAPA	990	1000	+	0	1	TGCATGCAAAT
FAM172	MYCATERD	1005	1011	−	0	1	CATGTGT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	1005	1011	+	0	1	ACACATG
FAM172	MYCATRD2	1006	1012	+	0	1	CACATGT
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	1018	1023	+	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM026	RYREPEATLEGUMINBOX	1030	1040	+	0	1	GGCATGCACCC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1059	1071	−	0	1	TTCACGGCCACGG
FAM322	BIHD1OS	1074	1078	−	0	1	TGTCA
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1100	1105	+	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1100	1105	−	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1102	1107	+	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1102	1107	−	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM322	BIHD1OS	1112	1116	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM026	RYREPEATBNNAPA	1137	1147	+	0	1	TCCATGCAAGC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1152	1164	+	0	1	ACCCGGGCCACGT
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	1155	1165	+	0	1	CGGGCCACGTA
FAM002	ABREATCONSENSUS	1156	1168	−	0	1	GGGTACGTGGCCC
FAM002	ABREMOTIFAOSOSEM	1179	1191	+	0	1	CGCTACGTGTCAC
FAM322	BIHD1OS	1186	1190	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	1195	1207	−	0	1	ATAGGTGACGAGA
FAM272	SV40COREENHAN	1228	1235	−	0	1	GTGGAAAG
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	1243	1255	−	0	1	CAAAGTGACGGAG
FAM245	TBOXATGAPB	1250	1255	+	0	1	ACTTTG
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	1252	1258	−	0	1	AAACAAA

2) p-MAWS27

PLACE analysis results of p-MAWS27 are listed in Table 50. Multiple TATA box motifs are found in this promoter, located at nucleotide position 1-7, 278-284, 597-603, 1246-1252 of the forward strand, and 273-279, 533-539 of the reverse strand, respectively. Three CAAT Box motifs are located at nucleotide position −947-951, 968-972 and 985-989 of the forward strand.

TABLE 50
PLACE analysis results of the 1355 bp promoter p-MAWS27
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM241	TATABOX2	1	7	+	0	1	TATAAAT
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	11	15	+	0	1	AACGG
FAM002	T/GBOXATPIN2	54	66	−	0	1	TTAAACGTGATGA
FAM307	ANAERO3CONSENSUS	54	60	+	0	1	TCATCAC
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	67	73	−	0	1	AAACAAA
FAM292	PREATPRODH	84	89	−	0	1	ACTCAT
FAM008	MYB2AT	90	100	−	0	1	GCTGTAACTGA
FAM012	IBOXCORE	105	111	+	0	1	GATAATT
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	112	116	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM147	HEXAMERATH4	112	117	−	0	1	CCGTCG
FAM026	RYREPEATBNNAPA	123	133	−	0	1	TGCATGCAAAT
FAM026	RYREPEATLEGUMINBOX	126	136	+	0	1	TGCATGCACTT
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	207	212	−	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	212	216	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM014	REBETALGLHCB21	217	223	+	0	1	CGGATAC
FAM014	REBETALGLHCB21	223	229	+	0	1	CGGATAT
FAM012	IBOXCORE	227	233	−	0	1	GATAATA
FAM260	CAREOSREP1	234	239	−	0	1	CAACTC
FAM244	TATABOXOSPAL	273	279	−	0	1	TATTTAA
FAM243	TATABOX4	278	284	+	0	1	TATATAA
FAM245	TBOXATGAPB	284	289	+	0	1	ACTTTG
FAM295	P1BS	289	296	+	0	1	GAATATAC
FAM295	P1BS	289	296	−	0	1	GTATATTC
FAM014	REBETALGLHCB21	296	302	+	0	1	CGGATAC
FAM015	ACGTABOX	300	305	+	0	1	TACGTA
FAM015	ACGTABOX	300	305	−	0	1	TACGTA
FAM014	REBETALGLHCB21	313	319	+	0	1	CGGATAT
FAM262	CIACADIANLELHC	340	349	−	0	1	CAATTTAATC
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	346	350	−	0	1	CCAAT
FAM280	AGMOTIFNTMYB2	347	354	−	0	1	AGATCCAA
FAM024	PROXBBNNAPA	368	376	−	0	1	CAAACACCC
FAM310	CPBCSPOR	389	394	−	0	1	TATTAG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	397	409	−	0	1	ATTTTAGCCACTA
FAM024	PROXBBNNAPA	423	431	+	0	1	CAAACACCC
FAM310	CPBCSPOR	435	440	−	0	1	TATTAG
FAM310	CPBCSPOR	448	453	+	0	1	TATTAG
FAM012	IBOXCORE	485	491	−	0	1	GATAACT
FAM170	AMYBOX1	490	496	−	0	1	TAACAGA
FAM156	L1BOXATPDF1	528	535	−	0	1	TAAATGCA
FAM244	TATABOXOSPAL	533	539	−	0	1	TATTTAA
FAM025	AMYBOX2	569	575	−	0	1	TATCCAT
FAM273	TATCCAOSAMY	569	575	−	0	1	TATCCAT
FAM014	MYBST1	570	576	+	0	1	TGGATAA
FAM014	SREATMSD	571	577	−	0	1	ATTATCC
FAM012	IBOXCORE	572	578	+	0	1	GATAATA
FAM014	MYBST1	576	582	−	0	1	TGGATAT
FAM025	AMYBOX2	577	583	+	0	1	TATCCAT
FAM273	TATCCAOSAMY	577	583	+	0	1	TATCCAT
FAM202	-300ELEMENT	586	594	−	0	1	TGTAAAATG
FAM227	SEF1MOTIF	597	605	−	0	1	ATATTTATA
FAM241	TATABOX2	597	603	+	0	1	TATAAAT
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	616	630	−	0	1	TTTGACATCTATATA
FAM322	BIHD1OS	624	628	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM171	MYBPZM	635	641	−	0	1	CCCAACC
FAM270	RAV1AAT	644	648	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	655	667	−	0	1	TATCGTGCCACGG
FAM276	TRANSINITDICOTS	686	693	+	0	1	AACATGGC
FAM061	GCCCORE	696	702	−	0	1	CGCCGCC
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	742	747	−	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM260	CAREOSREP1	808	813	+	0	1	CAACTC
FAM012	IBOX	863	869	−	0	1	GATAAGC
FAM303	OSE1ROOTNODULE	866	872	−	0	1	AAAGATA
FAM228	SEF3MOTIFGM	909	914	+	0	1	AACCCA
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	940	945	+	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	947	951	+	0	1	CCAAT
FAM002	ABRELATERD	954	966	−	0	1	ACGGACGTGGTTT
FAM266	MYB1AT	954	959	+	0	1	AAACCA
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	963	969	+	0	1	CCGTCCC
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	968	972	+	0	1	CCAAT
FAM221	S1FBOXSORPS1L21	971	976	+	0	1	ATGGTA
FAM228	SEF3MOTIFGM	976	981	+	0	1	AACCCA
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	985	989	+	0	1	CCAAT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	990	996	−	0	1	ACACGAG
FAM024	CANBNNAPA	991	999	−	0	1	CGAACACGA
FAM069	ARFAT	1003	1009	−	0	1	CTGTCTC
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	1003	1009	+	0	1	GAGACAG
FAM271	SEBFCONSSTPR10A	1003	1009	−	0	1	CTGTCTC
FAM026	RYREPEATBNNAPA	1010	1020	+	0	1	AGCATGCAAAC
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	1017	1023	+	0	1	AAACAAA
FAM039	AACACOREOSGLUB1	1018	1024	+	0	1	AACAAAC
FAM026	RYREPEATVFLEB4	1025	1035	+	0	1	AGCATGCATGC
FAM026	RYREPEATVFLEB4	1026	1036	−	0	1	CGCATGCATGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1053	1058	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1053	1058	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1055	1060	+	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1055	1060	−	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM002	ABRELATERD	1058	1070	+	0	1	CGGGACGTGAACC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1069	1074	+	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1069	1074	−	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1071	1076	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1071	1076	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM061	GCCCORE	1083	1089	+	0	1	TGCCGCC
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	1089	1095	+	0	1	CCGTCCG
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	1094	1100	−	0	1	GAGACCG
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	1139	1151	+	0	1	CATCCTGACGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1146	1151	+	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1146	1151	−	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1148	1153	+	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1148	1153	−	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	1157	1167	−	0	1	GGGGCCCAGAC
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	1160	1170	+	0	1	TGGGCCCCAAA
FAM002	ABRELATERD	1169	1181	−	0	1	GCGGACGTGGTTT
FAM266	MYB1AT	1169	1174	+	0	1	AAACCA
FAM002	ABREOSRAB21	1170	1182	+	0	1	AACCACGTCCGCC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1181	1186	+	0	1	CCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1181	1186	−	0	1	CCGCGG
FAM061	GCCCORE	1185	1191	−	0	1	CGCCGCC
FAM061	GCCCORE	1188	1194	−	0	1	CGCCGCC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1192	1197	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1192	1197	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM061	GCCCORE	1236	1242	+	0	1	TGCCGCC
FAM241	TATABOX2	1246	1252	+	0	1	TATAAAT
FAM156	L1BOXATPDF1	1248	1255	+	0	1	TAAATGCA
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	1269	1275	−	0	1	GAGACGC
FAM246	TCA1MOTIF	1283	1292	+	0	1	TCATCTTCTT

3) p-MAWS30

PLACE analysis results of p-MAWS30 are listed in Table 51. One TATA box motif is found in this promoter, located at nucleotide position290-296 of the forward strand. No CAAT Box motifs are found in this promoter.

TABLE 51
PLACE analysis results of the 623 bp promoter p-MAWS30
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM234	SP8BFIBSP8BIB	15	21	−	0	1	TACTATT
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	18	24	+	0	1	AGTAAAG
FAM267	NTBBF1ARROLB	19	25	−	0	1	ACTTTAC
FAM266	MYB1AT	31	36	−	0	1	TAACCA
FAM322	BIHD1OS	56	60	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM027	-10PEHVPSBD	72	77	−	0	1	TATTCT
FAM010	WBOXHVISO1	73	87	−	0	1	CGTGACTACATATTC
FAM270	RAV1AAT	90	94	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	123	128	−	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM171	MYBPZM	132	138	+	0	1	TCCAACC
FAM027	-10PEHVPSBD	152	157	+	0	1	TATTCT
FAM156	L1BOXATPDF1	167	174	+	0	1	TAAATGTA
FAM014	MYBST1	186	192	−	0	1	AGGATAG
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	190	195	+	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	192	197	−	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM008	MYB2AT	211	221	+	0	1	GCATTAACTGA
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	255	259	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM162	LTRE1HVBLT49	273	278	+	0	1	CCGAAA
FAM170	MYBGAHV	280	286	−	0	1	TAACAAA
FAM241	TATABOX2	290	296	+	0	1	TATAAAT
FAM066	AMMORESIVDCRNIA1	313	319	−	0	1	CGAACTT
FAM266	MYB1AT	343	348	+	0	1	TAACCA
FAM010	WBOXNTCHN48	358	372	+	0	1	GCTGACTCGACCACC
FAM026	RYREPEATLEGUMINBOX	391	401	+	0	1	TCCATGCACAT
FAM172	MYCATERD	396	402	−	0	1	CATGTGC
FAM172	MYCATRD2	397	403	+	0	1	CACATGT
FAM010	WBOXHVISO1	443	457	+	0	1	CATGACTCTGACAGC
FAM322	BIHD1OS	451	455	−	0	1	TGTCA
FAM322	BIHD1OS	482	486	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM315	SORLIP5AT	489	495	−	0	1	GAGTGAG
FAM026	RYREPEATBNNAPA	507	517	+	0	1	TCCATGCAAGC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	522	534	+	0	1	ACCTCGGCCACGT
FAM002	ABREATCONSENSUS	526	538	−	0	1	GGGTACGTGGCCG
FAM002	ABREMOTIFAOSOSEM	548	560	+	0	1	CCTTACGTGTCAC
FAM322	BIHD1OS	555	559	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM272	SV40COREENHAN	597	604	−	0	1	GTGGAAAG
FAM294	CTRMCAMV35S	613	621	+	0	1	TCTCTCTCT
FAM294	CTRMCAMV35S	615	623	+	0	1	TCTCTCTCT

4) p-MAWS57

PLACE analysis results of p-MAWS57 are listed in Table 52. No TATA box motifs are found in this promoter. Four CAAT box motifs are located at nucleotide position 217-221, 423-427, 501-505 of the forward strand and 340-344 of the reverse strand, respectively.

TABLE 52
PLACE analysis results of the 1950 bp promoter p-MAWS57
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM307	ANAERO3CONSENSUS	17	23	−	0	1	TCATCAC
FAM266	MYB1AT	46	51	−	0	1	AAACCA
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	118	122	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM069	ARFAT	120	126	−	0	1	ATGTCTC
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	120	126	+	0	1	GAGACAT
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	159	173	+	0	1	GTTGACTGGTTGTCT
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	217	221	+	0	1	CCAAT
FAM172	MYCATRD2	230	236	−	0	1	CACATGT
FAM172	MYCATERD	231	237	+	0	1	CATGTGT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	231	237	−	0	1	ACACATG
FAM026	RYREPEATGMGY2	242	252	+	0	1	AACATGCATTT
FAM026	RYREPEATBNNAPA	318	328	−	0	1	AACATGCAAAT
FAM270	RAV1AAT	325	329	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM273	TATCCAOSAMY	327	333	−	0	1	TATCCAA
FAM014	MYBST1	328	334	+	0	1	TGGATAT
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	340	344	−	0	1	CCAAT
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	374	378	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	415	425	−	0	1	TGGGCTCTTTC
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	417	421	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	423	427	+	0	1	CCAAT
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	448	460	−	0	1	CACCCTGCCACCC
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	468	472	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	501	505	+	0	1	CCAAT
FAM228	SEF3MOTIFGM	514	519	+	0	1	AACCCA
FAM002	RAV1BAT	525	537	−	0	1	TATCACCTGTGAA
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	620	624	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM292	PREATPRODH	637	642	−	0	1	ACTCAT
FAM173	NAPINMOTIFBN	642	648	+	0	1	TACACAT
FAM292	PREATPRODH	682	687	−	0	1	ACTCAT
FAM260	CAREOSREP1	684	689	−	0	1	CAACTC
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	691	697	+	0	1	ACACAGG
FAM270	RAV1AAT	701	705	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM273	TATCCAOSAMY	724	730	−	0	1	TATCCAG
FAM014	MYBST1	725	731	+	0	1	TGGATAC
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	752	756	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	768	774	−	0	1	ACACTGG
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	769	783	−	0	1	CTTGACACCACACTG
FAM322	BIHD1OS	777	781	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM295	P1BS	790	797	+	0	1	GTATATGC
FAM295	P1BS	790	797	−	0	1	GCATATAC
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	799	803	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM010	WBOXHVISO1	802	816	−	0	1	GATGACTTGTATTCT
FAM027	-10PEHVPSBD	802	807	−	0	1	TATTCT
FAM026	RYREPEATGMGY2	866	876	+	0	1	TTCATGCATAT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	890	896	−	0	1	ACACTTG
FAM202	-300ELEMENT	899	907	−	0	1	TGAAAAGGT
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	900	905	+	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	909	915	+	0	1	TTTAAAG
FAM008	MYB2AT	916	926	+	0	1	GCTGTAACTGT
FAM270	RAV1AAT	968	972	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM295	P1BS	977	984	+	0	1	GCATATAC
FAM295	P1BS	977	984	−	0	1	GTATATGC
FAM310	CPBCSPOR	987	992	−	0	1	TATTAG
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	988	1002	−	0	1	TTTGACATTTTATTA
FAM322	BIHD1OS	996	1000	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM012	IBOXCORE	1035	1041	+	0	1	GATAATT
FAM170	MYBGAHV	1064	1070	−	0	1	TAACAAA
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	1074	1079	+	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM245	TBOXATGAPB	1086	1091	+	0	1	ACTTTG
FAM321	WRECSAA01	1105	1114	−	0	1	AAAGTATCGA
FAM245	TBOXATGAPB	1110	1115	+	0	1	ACTTTG
FAM010	ELRECOREPCRP1	1121	1135	+	0	1	ATTGACCCGTTACCA
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	1127	1131	−	0	1	AACGG
FAM008	MYB2AT	1133	1143	−	0	1	GTGGTAACTGG
FAM010	WBOXNTCHN48	1173	1187	+	0	1	TCTGACTTGAAGAAG
FAM002	RAV1BAT	1205	1217	+	0	1	GTCCACCTGAACG
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	1214	1218	+	0	1	AACGG
FAM069	ARFAT	1218	1224	−	0	1	CTGTCTC
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	1218	1224	+	0	1	GAGACAG
FAM271	SEBFCONSSTPR10A	1218	1224	−	0	1	CTGTCTC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1231	1243	−	0	1	CTCTCCGCCACAA
FAM002	RAV1BAT	1244	1256	+	0	1	CTCCACCTGAACG
FAM171	MYBPZM	1283	1289	−	0	1	GCCAACC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1289	1301	−	0	1	CAGCTCGCCACGG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1296	1308	+	0	1	GAGCTGGCCACCT
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	1311	1317	−	0	1	GAGACTA
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1348	1353	+	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1348	1353	−	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	1356	1362	−	0	1	ACACTGG
FAM147	HEXAMERATH4	1365	1370	+	0	1	CCGTCG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	1366	1370	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM228	SEF3MOTIFGM	1373	1378	−	0	1	AACCCA
FAM061	GCCCORE	1387	1393	+	0	1	GGCCGCC
FAM061	GCCCORE	1390	1396	+	0	1	CGCCGCC
FAM209	RBCSCONSENSUS	1408	1414	+	0	1	AATCCAA
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	1414	1418	+	0	1	AACGG
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	1455	1465	+	0	1	TGGGCCTTATC
FAM012	IBOXCORENT	1459	1465	−	0	1	GATAAGG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1463	1475	+	0	1	ATCTAGGCCACAA
FAM059	ACGTTBOX	1474	1479	+	0	1	AACGTT
FAM059	ACGTTBOX	1474	1479	−	0	1	AACGTT
FAM010	WBOXHVISO1	1480	1494	+	0	1	TGTGACTCTGTGAGC
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	1500	1510	−	0	1	TGGGCCCAAAC
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	1503	1513	+	0	1	TGGGCCCATCT
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	1512	1516	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM012	IBOXCORE	1536	1542	−	0	1	GATAAAA
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	1542	1552	−	0	1	TGGGCTTGATG
FAM266	MYB1AT	1560	1565	+	0	1	AAACCA
FAM171	MYBPZM	1569	1575	+	0	1	TCCTACC
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	1603	1609	+	0	1	AAACAAA
FAM245	TBOXATGAPB	1606	1611	−	0	1	ACTTTG
FAM172	MYCATERD	1628	1634	−	0	1	CATGTGA
FAM172	MYCATRD2	1629	1635	+	0	1	CACATGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1634	1639	+	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1634	1639	−	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM261	CDTDREHVCBF2	1641	1646	+	0	1	GTCGAC
FAM261	CDTDREHVCBF2	1641	1646	−	0	1	GTCGAC
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	1692	1696	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM276	TRANSINITDICOTS	1696	1703	−	0	1	AACATGGC
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	1734	1738	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1738	1743	+	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1738	1743	−	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM061	GCCCORE	1765	1771	+	0	1	GGCCGCC
FAM306	ANAERO2CONSENSUS	1772	1777	+	0	1	AGCAGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1780	1785	+	0	1	CCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1780	1785	−	0	1	CCGCGG
FAM002	ABRELATERD	1793	1805	−	0	1	ACGGACGTGCTGC
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	1802	1806	−	0	1	AACGG
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	1806	1816	−	0	1	CGGGCCGACCA
FAM013	DRECRTCOREAT	1807	1813	−	0	1	GCCGACC
FAM002	ABRELATERD	1828	1840	−	0	1	CGCGACGTGTGCC
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	1834	1838	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM026	RYREPEATLEGUMINBOX	1839	1849	+	0	1	CGCATGCACGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1846	1851	+	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1846	1851	−	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1848	1853	+	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1848	1853	−	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM002	GADOWNAT	1858	1870	−	0	1	CGGCACGTGTCCG
FAM002	CACGTGMOTIF	1859	1871	+	0	1	GGACACGTGCCGG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	1861	1867	+	0	1	ACACGTG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1871	1876	+	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1871	1876	−	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM002	ABREOSRAB21	1874	1886	−	0	1	AGGGACGTGCCCG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1889	1894	+	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1889	1894	−	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1918	1930	+	0	1	CCAGCAGCCACAA
FAM306	ANAERO2CONSENSUS	1920	1925	+	0	1	AGCAGC
FAM270	RAV1AAT	1928	1932	+	0	1	CAACA

5) p-MAWS60

PLACE analysis results of p-MAWS60 are listed in Table 53. One TATA box motif is found at nucleotide position 156-162 of the forward strand. One CAAT box motif is located at nucleotide position 547-551 of the reverse strand.

TABLE 53
PLACE analysis results of the 1106 bp promoter p-MAWS60
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM266	MYB1AT	2	7	−	0	1	AAACCA
FAM012	IBOXCORE	11	17	+	0	1	GATAATT
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	16	22	−	0	1	AAACAAA
FAM012	IBOXCORE	19	25	−	0	1	GATAAAC
FAM172	MYCATERD	26	32	−	0	1	CATGTGA
FAM172	MYCATRD2	27	33	+	0	1	CACATGA
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	77	82	−	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM303	OSE1ROOTNODULE	95	101	+	0	1	AAAGATA
FAM322	BIHD1OS	132	136	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM010	ELRECOREPCRP1	140	154	−	0	1	TTTGACCATTTCATT
FAM241	TATABOX2	156	162	+	0	1	TATAAAT
FAM292	PREATPRODH	174	179	−	0	1	ACTCAT
FAM303	OSE1ROOTNODULE	200	206	−	0	1	AAAGATT
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	227	233	−	0	1	TTTAAAG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	257	263	−	0	1	ACACTAG
FAM270	RAV1AAT	261	265	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	265	270	+	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	285	291	−	0	1	GAGTTTC
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	289	293	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	297	303	−	0	1	ACACTCG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	311	317	+	0	1	ACACTCG
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	327	331	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	331	345	−	0	1	TTTGACACTCGGCAA
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	335	341	−	0	1	ACACTCG
FAM322	BIHD1OS	339	343	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM300	LECPLEACS2	348	355	+	0	1	TAAAATAT
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	400	406	+	0	1	GGTAAAG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	418	424	−	0	1	ACACTCG
FAM162	LTRE1HVBLT49	425	430	+	0	1	CCGAAA
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	427	432	+	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM012	IBOXCORE	439	445	+	0	1	GATAAAA
FAM300	LECPLEACS2	441	448	+	0	1	TAAAATAT
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	469	475	+	0	1	GAATTCC
FAM010	WBOXNTCHN48	477	491	−	0	1	TCTGACTCACGCTAC
FAM022	GCN4OSGLUB1	482	490	+	0	1	GTGAGTCAG
FAM124	ERELEE4	509	516	−	0	1	ATTTCAAA
FAM262	CIACADIANLELHC	520	529	+	0	1	CAAACAAATC
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	521	527	+	0	1	AAACAAA
FAM098	CATATGGMSAUR	540	545	+	0	1	CATATG
FAM098	CATATGGMSAUR	540	545	−	0	1	CATATG
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	547	551	−	0	1	CCAAT
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	550	562	+	0	1	GGCTTTGCCACAT
FAM172	MYCATERD	557	563	−	0	1	CATGTGG
FAM172	MYCATRD2	558	564	+	0	1	CACATGG
FAM221	S1FBOXSORPS1L21	561	566	+	0	1	ATGGTA
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	578	584	−	0	1	ACACTCG
FAM281	MYB1LEPR	603	609	−	0	1	GTTAGTT
FAM228	SEF3MOTIFGM	607	612	+	0	1	AACCCA
FAM266	MYB1AT	613	618	−	0	1	AAACCA
FAM170	AMYBOX1	622	628	+	0	1	TAACAGA
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	633	639	+	0	1	ACACCAG
FAM010	WBOXHVISO1	638	652	+	0	1	AGTGACTCCATCGTT
FAM003	MYB26PS	739	749	−	0	1	TGTTAGGTTGA
FAM003	MYBPLANT	741	751	+	0	1	AACCTAACACA
FAM024	CANBNNAPA	744	752	+	0	1	CTAACACAG
FAM026	RYREPEATVFLEB4	762	772	+	0	1	TACATGCATGC
FAM026	RYREPEATVFLEB4	763	773	−	0	1	CGCATGCATGT
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	789	793	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM002	RAV1BAT	794	806	−	0	1	CATCACCTGCCTC
FAM307	ANAERO3CONSENSUS	801	807	−	0	1	TCATCAC
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	811	817	−	0	1	GAGACCT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	827	833	−	0	1	ACACCAG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	831	843	+	0	1	TGTGCAGCCACGT
FAM002	ABREATCONSENSUS	835	847	−	0	1	GGGTACGTGGCTG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	852	857	+	0	1	ACGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	852	857	−	0	1	ACGCGT
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	855	859	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	860	865	+	0	1	CCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	860	865	−	0	1	CCGCGG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	867	871	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM002	RAV1BAT	869	881	−	0	1	CAACACCTGTCGT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	873	879	−	0	1	ACACCTG
FAM024	CANBNNAPA	874	882	−	0	1	CCAACACCT
FAM270	RAV1AAT	877	881	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM171	MYBPZM	882	888	+	0	1	GCCAACC
FAM322	BIHD1OS	912	916	−	0	1	TGTCA
FAM015	ACGTABOX	932	937	+	0	1	TACGTA
FAM015	ACGTABOX	932	937	−	0	1	TACGTA
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	941	947	+	0	1	GAGACGA
FAM024	CANBNNAPA	945	953	+	0	1	CGAACACGA
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	963	969	+	0	1	CCGTCCT
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	978	990	−	0	1	GAGCATGACGGGC
FAM026	RYREPEATVFLEB4	988	998	+	0	1	CTCATGCATGC
FAM026	RYREPEATVFLEB4	989	999	−	0	1	TGCATGCATGA
FAM026	RYREPEATVFLEB4	992	1002	+	0	1	TGCATGCATGC
FAM026	RYREPEATVFLEB4	993	1003	−	0	1	TGCATGCATGC
FAM026	RYREPEATVFLEB4	996	1006	+	0	1	TGCATGCATGC
FAM026	RYREPEATVFLEB4	997	1007	−	0	1	AGCATGCATGC
FAM026	RYREPEATGMGY2	1009	1019	+	0	1	ATCATGCATAC
FAM012	IBOXCORE	1022	1028	+	0	1	GATAAAT
FAM015	ACGTABOX	1048	1053	+	0	1	TACGTA
FAM015	ACGTABOX	1048	1053	−	0	1	TACGTA
FAM151	INTRONLOWER	1092	1097	+	0	1	TGCAGG

6) p-MAWS63

PLACE analysis results of p-MAWS63 are listed in Table 54. Three TATA box motifs are found at nucleotide position 1555-1561, 1577-1583 and 1628-1634 of the forward strand, respectively. One CAAT box motif is located at nucleotide position 987-991 of the forward strand, and three CAAT box motifs are located at nucleotide position 156-160, 199-203, 249-253 of the reverse strand.

TABLE 54
PLACE analysis results of the 1941 bp promoter p-MAWS63
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	8	20	−	0	1	GTGTAGGCCACGA
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	17	23	+	0	1	ACACACG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	19	25	+	0	1	ACACGCG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	21	26	+	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	21	26	−	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM008	MYB2AT	34	44	−	0	1	ATGGTAACTGA
FAM221	S1FBOXSORPS1L21	39	44	−	0	1	ATGGTA
FAM173	NAPINMOTIFBN	73	79	+	0	1	TACACAT
FAM172	MYCATERD	74	80	−	0	1	CATGTGT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	74	80	+	0	1	ACACATG
FAM172	MYCATRD2	75	81	+	0	1	CACATGA
FAM124	ERELEE4	92	99	−	0	1	AATTCAAA
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	95	101	+	0	1	GAATTTC
FAM026	RYREPEATBNNAPA	105	115	+	0	1	AGCATGCAAAA
FAM202	-300ELEMENT	109	117	+	0	1	TGCAAAATT
FAM012	IBOXCORE	136	142	+	0	1	GATAAAA
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	142	146	+	0	1	AACGG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	145	157	−	0	1	ATTTTGGCCACCC
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	156	160	−	0	1	CCAAT
FAM061	GCCCORE	161	167	−	0	1	TGCCGCC
FAM012	IBOX	177	183	+	0	1	GATAAGC
FAM014	MYBST1	184	190	−	0	1	TGGATAG
FAM025	AMYBOX2	185	191	+	0	1	TATCCAT
FAM273	TATCCAOSAMY	185	191	+	0	1	TATCCAT
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	199	203	−	0	1	CCAAT
FAM322	BIHD1OS	207	211	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	249	253	−	0	1	CCAAT
FAM014	MYBST1	258	264	−	0	1	TGGATAG
FAM273	TATCCAOSAMY	259	265	+	0	1	TATCCAG
FAM306	ANAERO2CONSENSUS	264	269	+	0	1	AGCAGC
FAM008	MYB2AT	304	314	+	0	1	TCCCTAACTGC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	316	328	+	0	1	CCGGCCGCCACAC
FAM061	GCCCORE	318	324	+	0	1	GGCCGCC
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	337	343	+	0	1	CCCGACC
FAM270	RAV1AAT	350	354	+	0	1	CAACA
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	352	364	+	0	1	ACAATGGCCACCG
FAM276	TRANSINITDICOTS	352	359	+	0	1	ACAATGGC
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	362	368	+	0	1	CCGTCCT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	378	383	+	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	378	383	−	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	380	385	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	380	385	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	403	409	+	0	1	CCGTCCT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	419	424	+	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	419	424	−	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	437	449	−	0	1	GGCAGCGCCACGG
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	470	480	+	0	1	TGGGCCGTAGC
FAM306	ANAERO2CONSENSUS	484	489	+	0	1	AGCAGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	501	506	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	501	506	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	503	508	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	503	508	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	505	517	+	0	1	GCGCAGGCCACCT
FAM002	BP5OSWX	517	529	+	0	1	TACAACGTGAAGC
FAM002	RAV1BAT	555	567	−	0	1	GGGCACCTGCAGC
FAM151	INTRONLOWER	557	562	+	0	1	TGCAGG
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	565	571	+	0	1	CCCGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	567	571	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM002	ABRELATERD	568	580	+	0	1	GACGACGTGTACA
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	570	574	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	599	605	−	0	1	CCGTCCT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	627	632	+	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	627	632	−	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	629	634	+	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	629	634	−	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	662	668	−	0	1	GAGACGA
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	685	691	+	0	1	TCCGACC
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	702	706	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	705	709	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM147	HEXAMERATH4	705	710	−	0	1	CCGTCG
FAM061	GCCCORE	717	723	+	0	1	CGCCGCC
FAM002	RAV1BAT	732	744	+	0	1	GCTCACCTGCCAC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	734	746	+	0	1	TCACCTGCCACGC
FAM171	MYBPZM	745	751	+	0	1	GCCTACC
FAM002	TGACGTVMAMY	754	766	+	0	1	ACCTCTGACGTCG
FAM002	HEXMOTIFTAH3H4	756	768	−	0	1	GACGACGTCAGAG
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	760	765	+	0	1	GACGTC
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	760	765	−	0	1	GACGTC
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	762	774	−	0	1	CTCGATGACGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	762	766	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	772	778	+	0	1	GAGACGC
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	842	846	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	864	869	+	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	864	869	−	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	866	871	+	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	866	871	−	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM002	ACGTOSGLUB1	869	881	−	0	1	CAGTACGTGTACG
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	884	890	−	0	1	AAACAAA
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	914	918	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM260	CAREOSREP1	918	923	−	0	1	CAACTC
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	918	924	+	0	1	GAGTTGC
FAM276	TRANSINITDICOTS	928	935	−	0	1	ACGATGGC
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	932	938	−	0	1	GAGACGA
FAM294	CTRMCAMV35S	935	943	+	0	1	TCTCTCTCT
FAM294	CTRMCAMV35S	937	945	+	0	1	TCTCTCTCT
FAM294	CTRMCAMV35S	939	947	+	0	1	TCTCTCTCT
FAM234	SP8BFIBSP8BIB	955	961	+	0	1	TACTATT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	971	976	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	971	976	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM087	BOXIINTPATPB	977	982	−	0	1	ATAGAA
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	982	987	−	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	987	991	+	0	1	CCAAT
FAM289	LEAFYATAG	987	993	+	0	1	CCAATGT
FAM270	RAV1AAT	991	995	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM311	EECCRCAH1	995	1001	+	0	1	GAGTTAC
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	1064	1076	+	0	1	TGTGGTGACGGTT
FAM003	MYBPLANT	1070	1080	−	0	1	AACCAACCGTC
FAM171	BOXLCOREDCPAL	1073	1079	−	0	1	ACCAACC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1086	1098	−	0	1	GTCGCCGCCACAC
FAM061	GCCCORE	1090	1096	−	0	1	CGCCGCC
FAM002	ABREOSRAB21	1092	1104	−	0	1	ACTGACGTCGCCG
FAM002	HEXMOTIFTAH3H4	1093	1105	+	0	1	GGCGACGTCAGTC
FAM010	WBOXHVISO1	1094	1108	−	0	1	CATGACTGACGTC
							GC
FAM002	TGACGTVMAMY	1095	1107	−	0	1	ATGACTGACGTCG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	1095	1099	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	1096	1101	+	0	1	GACGTC
FAM057	ACGTCBOX	1096	1101	−	0	1	GACGTC
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	1113	1117	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM026	RYREPEATGMGY2	1122	1132	−	0	1	CCCATGCATTC
FAM024	CANBNNAPA	1132	1140	−	0	1	CCAACACCC
FAM270	RAV1AAT	1135	1139	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1177	1182	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1177	1182	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM147	HEXAMERATH4	1186	1191	+	0	1	CCGTCG
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	1187	1199	−	0	1	AGCCATGACGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	1187	1191	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	1200	1204	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1226	1231	+	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1226	1231	−	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1228	1233	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1228	1233	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM015	ACGTABOX	1253	1258	+	0	1	TACGTA
FAM015	ACGTABOX	1253	1258	−	0	1	TACGTA
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1294	1306	−	0	1	CTCTTCGCCACCC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1301	1313	+	0	1	GAAGAGGCCACGG
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	1302	1306	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	1307	1317	−	0	1	CGGGCCGTGGC
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	1314	1320	+	0	1	CCCGACC
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1339	1351	+	0	1	CATCTCGCCACCA
FAM089	BS1EGCCR	1359	1364	−	0	1	AGCGGG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1366	1378	+	0	1	GCCGCTGCCACCG
FAM270	RAV1AAT	1381	1385	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM228	SEF3MOTIFGM	1384	1389	−	0	1	AACCCA
FAM171	MYBPZM	1386	1392	−	0	1	CCCAACC
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	1389	1399	+	0	1	TGGGCTGAAGC
FAM010	QELEMENTZMZM13	1403	1417	−	0	1	AAAGGTCACGGGC
							TT
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	1413	1418	+	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	1415	1420	−	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	1421	1426	−	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	1426	1432	−	0	1	AATAAAG
FAM027	-10PEHVPSBD	1429	1434	+	0	1	TATTCT
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	1437	1442	+	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM270	RAV1AAT	1466	1470	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM202	-300ELEMENT	1469	1477	+	0	1	TGCAAAATC
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	1499	1505	+	0	1	TATAAAG
FAM267	NTBBF1ARROLB	1500	1506	−	0	1	ACTTTAT
FAM270	RAV1AAT	1514	1518	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	1542	1548	−	0	1	ATTAAAG
FAM221	S1FBOXSORPS1L21	1551	1556	+	0	1	ATGGTA
FAM243	TATABOX4	1555	1561	+	0	1	TATATAA
FAM172	MYCATERD	1564	1570	−	0	1	CATGTGA
FAM172	MYCATRD2	1565	1571	+	0	1	CACATGT
FAM241	TATABOX2	1577	1583	+	0	1	TATAAAT
FAM087	BOXIINTPATPB	1596	1601	−	0	1	ATAGAA
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	1611	1615	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM099	CCA1ATLHCB1	1620	1627	−	0	1	AACAATCT
FAM241	TATABOX2	1628	1634	+	0	1	TATAAAT
FAM010	WBOXHVISO1	1647	1661	−	0	1	TATGACTTTTAAGAT
FAM087	BOXIINTPATPB	1667	1672	+	0	1	ATAGAA
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	1670	1675	+	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	1698	1704	+	0	1	AAACAAA
FAM202	-300ELEMENT	1711	1719	−	0	1	TGAAAAGTT
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	1740	1746	−	0	1	CATAAAG
FAM026	RYREPEATGMGY2	1742	1752	−	0	1	TGCATGCATAA
FAM026	RYREPEATVFLEB4	1745	1755	+	0	1	TGCATGCATGC
FAM026	RYREPEATVFLEB4	1746	1756	−	0	1	TGCATGCATGC
FAM026	RYREPEATBNNAPA	1749	1759	+	0	1	TGCATGCAACT
FAM325	MYBCOREATCYCB1	1772	1776	+	0	1	AACGG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	1802	1814	+	0	1	TGGGCGGCCACGT
FAM061	GCCCORE	1804	1810	−	0	1	GGCCGCC
FAM002	ABREOSRAB21	1806	1818	−	0	1	GGCGACGTGGCCG
FAM002	ABREOSRAB21	1807	1819	+	0	1	GGCCACGTCGCCG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	1812	1816	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM061	GCCCORE	1815	1821	+	0	1	CGCCGCC
FAM002	TGACGTVMAMY	1827	1839	+	0	1	GGAACTGACGTGT
FAM002	HEXMOTIFTAH3H4	1829	1841	−	0	1	GGACACGTCAGTT
FAM002	GADOWNAT	1830	1842	+	0	1	ACTGACGTGTCCC
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	1838	1848	−	0	1	CGGGCCGGGAC
FAM013	LTRECOREATCOR15	1845	1851	+	0	1	CCCGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	1847	1851	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	1850	1854	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	1853	1857	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	1856	1860	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1871	1876	+	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1871	1876	−	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1876	1881	+	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	1876	1881	−	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	1889	1893	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM151	INTRONLOWER	1910	1915	+	0	1	TGCAGG

7) p-MAEM1

PLACE analysis results of p-MAEM1 are listed in Table 55. No TATA box motifs are found in this promoter. One CAAT box motif is located at nucleotide position 655-659 of the forward strand.

TABLE 55
PLACE analysis results of the 922 bp promoter p-MAEM1
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM027	-10PEHVPSBD	8	13	−	0	1	TATTCT
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	52	56	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM310	CPBCSPOR	105	110	+	0	1	TATTAG
FAM087	BOXIINTPATPB	160	165	+	0	1	ATAGAA
FAM271	SEBFCONSSTPR10A	168	174	+	0	1	TTGTCAC
FAM322	BIHD1OS	169	173	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM012	IBOXCORE	208	214	+	0	1	GATAAAT
FAM273	TATCCAOSAMY	216	222	−	0	1	TATCCAA
FAM014	MYBST1	217	223	+	0	1	TGGATAC
FAM292	PREATPRODH	236	241	+	0	1	ACTCAT
FAM027	-10PEHVPSBD	244	249	−	0	1	TATTCT
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	253	257	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	298	304	+	0	1	ACTAAAG
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	313	319	+	0	1	ACACACG
FAM014	MYBST1	362	368	−	0	1	TGGATAT
FAM025	AMYBOX2	363	369	+	0	1	TATCCAT
FAM273	TATCCAOSAMY	363	369	+	0	1	TATCCAT
FAM015	ACGTABOX	393	398	+	0	1	TACGTA
FAM015	ACGTABOX	393	398	−	0	1	TACGTA
FAM202	-300ELEMENT	422	430	+	0	1	TGAAAAATT
FAM290	GT1GMSCAM4	423	428	+	0	1	GAAAAA
FAM305	ANAERO1CONSENSUS	433	439	+	0	1	AAACAAA
FAM039	AACACOREOSGLUB1	434	440	+	0	1	AACAAAC
FAM026	RYREPEATGMGY2	493	503	−	0	1	CCCATGCATCG
FAM002	T/GBOXATPIN2	505	517	+	0	1	GGAAACGTGGACA
FAM002	SITEIOSPCNA	540	552	−	0	1	GACCAGGTGGGTT
FAM228	SEF3MOTIFGM	540	545	+	0	1	AACCCA
FAM002	RAV1BAT	541	553	+	0	1	ACCCACCTGGTCC
FAM002	CACGTGMOTIF	572	584	−	0	1	TGCCACGTGTATC
FAM002	ABREATRD2	573	585	+	0	1	ATACACGTGGCAC
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	575	581	+	0	1	ACACGTG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	577	589	−	0	1	CAGCGTGCCACGT
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	613	627	−	0	1	CTTGACACGTTAGCT
FAM002	GADOWNAT	614	626	+	0	1	GCTAACGTGTCAA
FAM322	BIHD1OS	621	625	+	0	1	TGTCA
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	624	630	−	0	1	ACACTTG
FAM002	SORLIP1AT	627	639	−	0	1	GGGCCGGCCACAC
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	630	640	−	0	1	GGGGCCGGCCA
FAM151	INTRONLOWER	639	644	−	0	1	TGCAGG
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	648	652	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	655	659	+	0	1	CCAAT
FAM228	SEF3MOTIFGM	680	685	+	0	1	AACCCA
FAM061	GCCCORE	694	700	+	0	1	TGCCGCC
FAM061	GCCCORE	697	703	+	0	1	CGCCGCC
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	702	708	+	0	1	CCGTCCG
FAM302	SORLIP2AT	706	716	−	0	1	GGGGCCGGCGG
FAM002	ACGTOSGLUB1	724	736	+	0	1	TTGTACGTGCACC
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	743	755	−	0	1	ATCGATGACGATG
FAM307	ANAERO3CONSENSUS	755	761	+	0	1	TCATCAC
FAM094	CACGCAATGMGH3	761	768	+	0	1	CACGCAAT
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	771	777	+	0	1	ACACAAG
FAM302	SITEIIATCYTC	785	795	−	0	1	TGGGCTGTTTA
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	846	858	−	0	1	GCATGTGACGACA
FAM172	MYCATERD	851	857	−	0	1	CATGTGA
FAM026	RYREPEATLEGUMINBOX	852	862	+	0	1	CACATGCACAT
FAM172	MYCATRD2	852	858	+	0	1	CACATGC
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	870	876	+	0	1	CATAAAG
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	874	878	−	0	1	CTCTT

8) p-MAEM20

PLACE analysis results of p-MAEM20 are listed in Table 56. No TATA box motifs are found in this promoter. One CAAT box motif is located at nucleotide position 668-672 of the reverse strand.

TABLE 56
PLACE analysis results of the 698 bp promoter p-MAEM20
IUPAC		Start	End
Family	IUPAC	pos.	pos.	Strand	Mismatches	Score	Sequence
FAM262	CIACADIANLELHC	3	12	−	0	1	CAACTTAATC
FAM010	WBOXATNPR1	9	23	+	0	1	GTTGACTGGCAAATT
FAM012	IBOXCORE	32	38	+	0	1	GATAATA
FAM012	IBOXCORE	55	61	+	0	1	GATAACC
FAM266	MYB1AT	57	62	+	0	1	TAACCA
FAM003	MYBPLANT	68	78	+	0	1	CACCAACCGAC
FAM171	BOXLCOREDCPAL	69	75	+	0	1	ACCAACC
FAM013	DRE2COREZMRAB17	73	79	+	0	1	ACCGACT
FAM270	RAV1AAT	80	84	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM303	OSE1ROOTNODULE	95	101	−	0	1	AAAGATC
FAM021	GT1CORE	96	106	−	0	1	TGGTTAAAGAT
FAM267	TAAAGSTKST1	98	104	−	0	1	GTTAAAG
FAM266	MYB1AT	101	106	+	0	1	TAACCA
FAM008	MYB2AT	116	126	+	0	1	TAACTAACTGT
FAM281	MYB1LEPR	117	123	−	0	1	GTTAGTT
FAM270	RAV1AAT	124	128	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM270	RAV1AAT	127	131	−	0	1	CAACA
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	154	160	+	0	1	GAGACTT
FAM245	TBOXATGAPB	157	162	+	0	1	ACTTTG
FAM234	SP8BFIBSP8BIB	186	192	+	0	1	TACTATT
FAM015	ACGTABOX	205	210	+	0	1	TACGTA
FAM015	ACGTABOX	205	210	−	0	1	TACGTA
FAM116	DRE1COREZMRAB17	217	223	−	0	1	ACCGAGA
FAM010	WBOXHVISO1	253	267	+	0	1	GGTGACTGACAGACT
FAM322	BIHD1OS	259	263	−	0	1	TGTCA
FAM010	WBBOXPCWRKY1	290	304	−	0	1	TTTGACTAGAACAAG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	336	341	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	336	341	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	338	343	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	338	343	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	348	352	+	0	1	CTCTT
FAM012	IBOXCORE	351	357	−	0	1	GATAAAA
FAM014	SREATMSD	352	358	+	0	1	TTTATCC
FAM014	MYBST1	353	359	−	0	1	AGGATAA
FAM263	DPBFCOREDCDC3	357	363	−	0	1	ACACAGG
FAM278	UPRMOTIFIIAT	357	375	+	0	1	CCTGTGTGTCTCCTCC
							ACG
FAM069	ARFAT	362	368	+	0	1	GTGTCTC
FAM069	SURECOREATSULTR11	362	368	−	0	1	GAGACAC
FAM002	ASF1MOTIFCAMV	381	393	−	0	1	TCTCATGACGCCT
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	402	406	+	0	1	CGACG
FAM026	RYREPEATBNNAPA	407	417	+	0	1	ACCATGCAGTG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	426	431	+	0	1	CCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	426	431	−	0	1	GCGCGG
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	428	433	+	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	428	433	−	0	1	GCGCGC
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	430	435	+	0	1	GCGCGT
FAM324	CGCGBOXAT	430	435	−	0	1	ACGCGC
FAM061	GCCCORE	457	463	−	0	1	GGCCGCC
FAM002	ABRELATERD	475	487	−	0	1	GGCGACGTGGTAA
FAM002	ABREOSRAB21	476	488	+	0	1	TACCACGTCGCCC
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	481	485	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM002	ABRE3HVA1	507	519	+	0	1	AGCAACGTGTCGA
FAM261	CDTDREHVCBF2	515	520	+	0	1	GTCGAC
FAM261	CDTDREHVCBF2	515	520	−	0	1	GTCGAC
FAM002	TGACGTVMAMY	527	539	+	0	1	GCCTCTGACGTGT
FAM002	HEXMOTIFTAH3H4	529	541	−	0	1	GGACACGTCAGAG
FAM002	GADOWNAT	530	542	+	0	1	TCTGACGTGTCCC
FAM194	PALBOXAPC	545	551	+	0	1	CCGTCCT
FAM205	PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	558	563	−	0	1	CCTTTT
FAM107	CGACGOSAMY3	595	599	−	0	1	CGACG
FAM304	OSE2ROOTNODULE	660	664	−	0	1	CTCTT
FAM100	CCAATBOX1	668	672	−	0	1	CCAAT

Example 11

Binary Vector Construction for Maize Transformation to Evaluate the Function of the Promoters

To facilitate subcloning, the promoter fragments of MAWS23, 27, 30, 57, 60, 63, MAEM1 and MAEM20 were modified by the addition of a SwaI restriction enzyme site at its 5′ end and a Bs/WI site at its 3′ end. The SwaI-p-MA promoter-BsiWI fragment was digested and ligated into a SwaI and BsiWI digested BPS basic binary vector RCB1006 that comprises a plant selectable marker expression cassette (p-Ubi::AHAS::t-XI12), as well as a promoter evaluation cassette that consists of a multiple cloning site (MCS) for insertion of promoter and the rice MET1-1 intron to supply intron-mediated enhancement in monocot cells, GUS reporter gene, and NOS terminator. Diagram of RCB1006 is shown in FIG. 13.

Table 57 lists the resulting binary vectors of the MA promoters, Sequences of the promoter cassettes in the binary vectors are shown in SEQ ID NOs: 55, 56, 59-61, 69-71.

TABLE 57
Binary vectors of the MA promoters for corn transformation
Promoter	Vector		SEQ
ID	ID	Description	ID NO
p-MAWS23	RTP1060	p_MAWS23::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	69
p-MAWS27	RTP1059	p_MAWS27::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	60
p-MAWS30	RTP1053	p_MAWS30::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	70
p-MAWS57	RTP1049	p_MAWS57::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	71
p-MAWS60	RTP1056	p_MAWS60::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	55
p-MAWS63	RTP1048	p_MAWS63::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	61
p-MAEM1	RTP1061	p_MAEM1::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	56
p-MAEM20	RTP1064	p_MAEM20::iMET1::GUS::t-NOS	59

Example 12

Promoter Evaluation in Transgenic Maize with the MA Promoters

Expression patterns and levels driven by the MA promoters were measured using GUS histochemical analysis following the protocol in the art (Jefferson 1987). Maize transformation was conducted using an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system. Ten and five single copy events for T0 and T1 plants were chosen for the promoter analysis. GUS expression was measured at various developmental stages:

1) Roots and leaves at 5-leaf stage2) Stem at V-7 stage2) Leaves, husk and silk at flowering stage (first emergence of silk)3) Spikelets/Tassel (at pollination)5) Ear or Kernels at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days after pollination (DAP)The results indicated that all these 9 promoters expressed specifically in pollen and in embryo (FIGS. 14 to 21).

Example 13

Identification of Maize Promoter pZmNP28

Based on an Affymetrix GeneChip® Wheat Genome Arrays experiment carried out using methods well-known to the persons skilled in the art, a transcript, Ta.4874.1.S1_at was selected as drought inducible expression. In brief, Affymetrix GeneChip® Wheat Genome Arrays were interrogated with probes derived from different RNA samples (stems, leaves, roots, drought-stressed roots and drought-stressed leaves) and candidate genes exhibiting drought inducible expression profile were identified. Stems, leaves and roots at normal growth condition and drought-stressed conditions were harvested, RNA was extracted and further purified, and the quality and yield of RNA was confirmed by techniques known in the art. The RNA was labeled and hybridized to GeneChip® Wheat Genome Arrays and the data analyzed to derive lists of genes in rank order. Microarray expression was analyzed using AVADIS™ software (Strand Genomics Pvt. Ltd. Bangalore). The raw data for all microarray analysis were imported into AVADIS and the RMA algorithm (Irazarry et al., Biostatistics 4(2): 249-264, 2003) was applied for background correction, normalization and probe aggregation. Absolute calls and p-values were generated for each gene and all probe sets that did not hybridize to nucleic acid in a sample, i.e., were absent (absolute call), across all arrays were removed from the analysis. For determination of transcripts preferentially or selectively expressed in drought-stressed roots and leaves, differential expression analyses were conducted where normal grown stem, leaves and roots were compared to drought-stressed roots and leaves. Ta.4874.1.S1_at showing 10-fold greater expression in drought-stressed leaves than in other tissues was selected as a drought inducible transcript.

The sequence of Ta.14617.1.S1_at was aligned to the sequences of the Affymetrix maize chip. The maize Zm.8705.1.S1_at was identified as an ortholog based on nucleotide sequence identity at 76% to part of the Ta.4874.1.S1_at. The sequence of Zm.8705.1.S1_at is shown in SEQ ID NO: 108.

Example 14

The Expression Patterns of Zm.8705.1.S1_at in Maize

Analysis of 36 Affymetrix maize chips including immature embryo (6), leaf (8), ear (11), and kernel (11) indicated that Zm.8705.1.S1_at expressed specifically in immature embryo and in kernel (FIG. 22).

Example 15

Validation of the Expression Pattern of Zm.8705.1.S1_at the mRNA Levels

Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to validate expression of Zm.8705.1.S1_at gene in various types of tissues. To find mRNA sequence with better quality for designing qRT-PCR primers, the sequence of Zm.8705.1.S1_at was blasted against the BPS in-house Hyseq database. One Hyseq maize EST ZM06MC34918_—62096753 (846 bp) was identified to be the same gene as Zm.8705.1.S1_at. The sequence of ZM06MC34918_—62096753 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 108.

Primers for qRT-PCR were designed using the Vector NTI software package (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif., USA). Two sets of primers were used for PCR amplification. The sequences of primers are in Table 58.

TABLE 58
Primer sequences for RT-QPCR
Primer                         Sequence
ZM06MC34918_62096753_Forward_1 CTCAAGGACGAGCTGACGA
                               GCAT
ZM06MC34918_62096753_Reverse_1 TAGCCCGGACGAGTCTCCT
                               GAA
ZM06MC34918_62096753_Forward_2 CAAGGACGAGCTGACGAGC
                               AT
ZM06MC34918_62096753_Reverse_2 CCCGGACGAGTCTCCTGAA
                               A
GAPDH_Forward                  GTAAAGTTCTTCCTGATCT
                               GAAT
GAPDH_Reverse                  TCGGAAGCAGCCTTAATA

qRT-PCR was performed using SuperScript III Reverse Transcriptase (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif., USA) and SYBR Green QPCR Master Mix (Eurogentec, San Diego, Calif., USA) in an ABI Prism 7000 sequence detection system. cDNA was synthesized using 2-3 μg of total RNA and 1 μL reverse transcriptase in a 20 μL volume. The cDNA was diluted to a range of concentrations (15-20 ng/μL). Thirty to forty ng of cDNA was used for QPCR in a 30 μL volume with SYBR Green QPCR Master Mix following the manufacturer's instruction. The thermocycling conditions were as follows: hold at 50° C. for 2 minutes and at 95° C. for 10 minutes, 40 cycles of 95° C. for 15 seconds and 60° C. for 1 minute for amplification. After the final cycle of the amplification, the dissociation curve analysis was carried out to verify that the amplification occurred specifically and no primer dimer was produced during the amplification process. The housekeeping gene glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GAPDH, Table 58 for primer sequences) was used as an endogenous reference gene to normalize the calculation using Comparative Ct (Cycle of threshold) value method. The ΔC_T value was obtained by subtracting the GAPDH Ct value from the candidate gene (ZM06MC34918_—62096753) Ct value of the same samples. The relative mRNA expression level of the gene candidate was given by 2^−ΔCT. The qRT-PCR results are summarized in FIG. 22. Both primer sets gave embryo-specifical expression patterns that are validated to the expression patterns obtained from the maize Affymetrix chip analysis.

Example 16

Annotation of the Zm.8705.1.S1_at

The sequence of the maize EST ZM06MC34918_—62096753 was searched via BlastX. The EST did not hit to any known maize gene. The 20 homologues of EST ZM06MC34918_—62096753 with the highest score are listed in Table 59.

TABLE 59
Zm.8705.1.S1_at gene annotation
Accession	Description	Species	Score	E-value
AAL23749.1	stress-inducible membrane	Bromus inermis	259	2.00E−67
	pore protein
NP_001042833.1	Os01g0303300	Oryza sativa	265	7.00E−65
ABE83193.1	Mitochondrial import inner	Medicago truncatula	200	9.00E−50
	membrane translocase,
	subunit Tim17/22
AAV84280.1	dehydration up-regulated putative	199	1.00E−49
	membrane pore protein
NP_001049884.1	Os03g0305600	Oryza sativa	190	7.00E−47
ABD32318.1	mitochondrial import inner	Oryza sativa	190	9.00E−47
	membrane translocase
	subunit Tim17/Tim22/
	Tim23 family protein
EAY89687.1	hypothetical protein	Oryza sativa	188	3.00E−46
	OsI_010920
NP_849394.1	protein translocase/	Arabidopsis thaliana	178	3.00E−43
	protein transporter
AAM65873.1	protein translocase/	Arabidopsis thaliana	178	3.00E−43
	protein transporter
NP_567488.1	hypothetical protein	Oryza sativa	178	3.00E−43
	OsI_010920
EAZ26649.1	hypothetical protein	Oryza sativa	164	4.00E−39
	OsI_010920
CAB10395.1	pore protein homolog	Arabidopsis thaliana	148	3.00E−34
AAT45008.1	stress-inducible membrane	Xerophyta humilis	136	2.00E−30
	pore-like protein
CAK26794.1	hypothetical protein	Sporobolus stapfianus	134	5.00E−30
NP_001054446.1	Os05g0111200	Oryza sativa	91	7.00E−17
CAA09867.1	amino acid selective	Hordeum vulgare	89	4.00E−16
	channel protein	subsp. vulgure
EAY96269.1	hypothetical protein	Oryza sativa	87	8.00E−16
	OsI_017502
CAA97910.1	core protein	Pisum sativum	84	7.00E−15
CAA63967.1	pom14	Solanum tuberosum	84	7.00E−15
NP_180456.1	protein translocase/	Arabidopsis thaliana	80	1.00E−13
	protein transporter

Example 17

Identification and Isolation of the Promoter Region

For our promoter identification purposes, the sequence upstream of the start codon of Zm.8705.1.S1_at gene was defined as the promoter pZmNP28_—655. To isolate this predicted promoter region, the sequence of EST ZM06MC34918_—62096753 was mapped to the BPS in-house maize genomic DNA sequence database. One maize genomic DNA sequence of 1697 bp, ZmGSStuc11-12-04.119561.1 was identified to harbour the EST ZM06MC34918_—62096753 in an antisense direction. The 1697 by sequence of the ZmGSStuc11-12-04.119561.1 shown in SEQ ID NO: 196 contains a complete coding sequence (CDS) of the gene and a 655 bp upstream sequence of the start codon ATG including a 140 bp putative 5″UTR based on the sequence alignment result to the Zea mays mRNA clone EL01N0448C02.c sequence (GenBank accession: BTO17732.1). This 656 bp was designated as pZmNP28_—655 and cloned by PCR using the following specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 188)
AAAAGTAGCAATTGGGATAAC
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 189)
GCTCGTCAGCTCGTCCTTGAG

The CDS sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 36 was identified by Vector NTI software package as a gene encoding a protein that is homologous to the stress-inducible membrane pore protein of Bromus inermis (GenBank accession: AAL23749.1, Table 59). The translated amino acid sequence of the CDS is shown in SEQ ID NO: 54 and sequence of pZmNP28_—655 is shown as part of SEQ ID NO: 18 (nucleotide 1459 to nucleotide 2112).

To obtain more sequence information of further upstream of pZmNP28_—655, GenomeWalk was conducted. Maize genomic DNA was extracted from Zea mays B73 and digested with the blunt end restriction enzymes Sspl, ScaI, EcoRV, StuI, DraI, to generate Genome Walker™ maize DNA libraries. Digested DNA was purified with phenol/chloroform and re-dissolved in TE buffer (10 mM Tris HCl, 0.1 mM EDTA, pH 8.0) prior to ligation to the Genome Walker™ adapters following the manufacturer's instruction (Clontech Laboratories, Inc, Mountain View, Calif., USA). Nested PCR was performed using Genome Walker™ library template with adapter and sequence specific primers. The GenomeWalk reactions produced a 2771 bp fragment containing 270 bp overlap with the 5′ end of pZmNP28_—655. The agarose gel showing this fragment was imaged as in FIG. 23. The fragment of Lane 6 of FIG. 23 was purified, cloned into a TOPO TA vector, pCR2.1-TOPO (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif. 92008, USA) and sequenced. A contig sequence containing this 2771 bp fragment combined with pZmNP28_—655 was assembled and the resulted 3177 bp contig sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 90.

Example 18

Identification of the Longer Promoter Regions

To determine the promoter region, we isolated 3 more fragment with different lengths based on above contig sequence information for evaluation of their function as a promoter:

1). A 2070 bp fragment designated as pZmNP28_—2070 and isolated by PCR using the following specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 190)
CTAGGTTGGTGAGATCCTTAG
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 191)
CATCTTCTTCGACGCCTGTTC

Sequence of pZmNP28_—2070 is shown in SEQ ID NO:182). A 1706 bp fragment designated as pZmNP28_—1706 and isolated by PCR using the following specific primers:Forward primer: GTGGCAGCTCTGAAGACTCCAAC (SEQ ID NO: 192)Reverse primer: TGAGGCCGAGGCACTACGTCATG (SEQ ID NO: 193)Compared to pZmNP28_—2070, pZmNP28_—1706 has a deletion of 326 bp at its 3′ end of the pZmNP28_—2070. Sequence of pZmNP28_—1706 is shown as part of SEQ ID NO: 18.3). A 507 bp fragment designated as pZmNP28_—507 and isolated by PCR using the following specific primers:

Forward primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 194)
TGACGTTTGTGTAATTGGGCTTG
Reverse primer:
(SEQ ID NO: 195)
GCTCGTCAGCTCGTCCTTGAG

Example 19

BlastN Results of the Longest Promoter Region pZmNP28_—2070

The 2113 bp region from the 5′ end of pZmNP28_—2070 to immediate upstream of the ATG was searched via BlastN. A few homologues to the 3′ end of this region were found and listed in Table 60.

TABLE 60
BlastN results of the 2113 bp region including ZmNP28_2070
NM_001159134.1	Zea mays LOC100286246	202	7.00E−48
	(gpm462), mRNA >
	gb|EU976384.1|Zea
EU968359.1	Zea mays clone 319482	202	7.00E−48
	stress-inducible membrane
	pore protein mRNA, complete
	cds
EU953175.1	Zea mays clone 1389131	202	7.00E−48
	mRNA sequence
AY111174.1	Zea mays CL27726_1 mRNA	196	3.00E−46
	sequence
DQ245984.1	Zea mays clone 93911 mRNA	195	1.00E−45
	sequence

Example 20

PLACE Analysis of the Longest Promoter Region pZmNP28_—2070

Cis-acting motifs in the 2113 bp region from the 5′ end of pZmNP28_—2070 to immediate upstream of the ATG were identified using PLACE (a database of Plant Cis-acting Regulatory DNA elements) via Genomatix. The Results are listed in Table 61.

TABLE 61
PLACE analysis results of the 656 bp ZmNP19 promoter
IUPAC	Start pos.	End pos.	Strand	Sequence
MYBPLANT	1	11	−	CACCAACCTAG
PALBOXLPC	4	14	−	TCTCACCAACC
BOXLCOREDCPAL	4	10	−	ACCAACC
TAAAGSTKST1	33	39	−	CATAAAG
SORLIP1AT	37	49	−	AGAGCTGCCACAT
RAV1AAT	58	62	+	CAACA
CATATGGMSAUR	86	91	+	CATATG
CATATGGMSAUR	86	91	−	CATATG
GT1GMSCAM4	105	110	+	GAAAAA
OSE1ROOTNODULE	152	158	−	AAAGATG
TAAAGSTKST1	159	165	−	CCTAAAG
TBOXATGAPB	194	199	+	ACTTTG
CCAATBOX1	203	207	+	CCAAT
OSE2ROOTNODULE	227	231	−	CTCTT
AMMORESIIUDCRNIA1	231	238	+	GGTAGGGT
MYBPZM	231	237	−	CCCTACC
CCAATBOX1	247	251	+	CCAAT
CIACADIANLELHC	268	277	+	CAATAAAATC
IBOXCORENT	276	282	−	GATAAGA
P1BS	283	290	+	GAATATCC
P1BS	283	290	−	GGATATTC
MYBST1	285	291	−	GGGATAT
OSE2ROOTNODULE	310	314	−	CTCTT
-10PEHVPSBD	322	327	+	TATTCT
BOXIINTPATPB	324	329	−	ATAGAA
PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	333	338	−	CCTTTT
-10PEHVPSBD	361	366	+	TATTCT
MYB1LEPR	372	378	+	GTTAGTT
-300CORE	386	394	+	TGTAAAGAC
TAAAGSTKST1	386	392	+	TGTAAAG
IBOXCORE	427	433	+	GATAAAG
TAAAGSTKST1	427	433	+	GATAAAG
BIHD1OS	448	452	−	TGTCA
RAV1AAT	451	455	+	CAACA
GT1GMSCAM4	456	461	−	GAAAAA
TBOXATGAPB	462	467	−	ACTTTG
TAAAGSTKST1	468	474	+	ATTAAAG
OSE2ROOTNODULE	472	476	−	CTCTT
CCAATBOX1	487	491	+	CCAAT
DPBFCOREDCDC3	511	517	+	ACACAAG
MYBST1	516	522	+	AGGATAT
SEF3MOTIFGM	562	567	−	AACCCA
AACACOREOSGLUB1	565	571	−	AACAAAC
SORLIP1AT	570	582	+	TTCCTCGCCACTC
DPBFCOREDCDC3	630	636	+	ACACTAG
ELRECOREPCRP1	661	675	−	TTTGACCTAAATAAG
QELEMENTZMZM13	666	680	+	TTAGGTCAAACTATC
SORLIP2AT	682	692	−	GGGGCCATGAA
TAAAGSTKST1	692	698	−	TATAAAG
WBBOXPCWRKY1	695	709	−	TTTGACTATACTATA
PYRIMIDINEBOXHVEPB	710	717	−	TTTTTTCC
GT1GMSCAM4	711	716	+	GAAAAA
ANAERO1CONSENSUS	715	721	+	AAACAAA
CAREOSREP1	749	754	+	CAACTC
CPBCSPOR	762	767	+	TATTAG
GT1CORE	777	787	−	AGGTTAAGGAC
PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAM	785	790	+	CCTTTT
ATHB1ATCONSENSUS	809	817	+	CAATAATTG
ATHB1ATCONSENSUS	809	817	−	CAATTATTG
S1FSORPL21	818	825	−	ATGGTATT
S1FBOXSORPS1L21	820	825	−	ATGGTA
CCAATBOX1	851	855	+	CCAAT
ATHB6COREAT	852	860	+	CAATTATTA
PREATPRODH	863	868	+	ACTCAT
CCAATBOX1	871	875	+	CCAAT
RAV1AAT	883	887	−	CAACA
WBOXHVISO1	885	899	−	AGTGACTAATGACAA
BIHD1OS	886	890	+	TGTCA
DPBFCOREDCDC3	928	934	−	ACACGAG
2SSEEDPROTBANAPA	929	937	−	CAAACACGA
CCAATBOX1	944	948	+	CCAAT
QELEMENTZMZM13	951	965	+	CTAGGTCATGTTTGG
SITEIIATCYTC	963	973	+	TGGGCTCCACT
CIACADIANLELHC	994	1003	+	CAACATGATC
RAV1AAT	994	998	+	CAACA
RAV1AAT	1016	1020	−	CAACA
WBOXATNPR1	1017	1031	+	GTTGACTAAAGACCT
TAAAGSTKST1	1021	1027	+	ACTAAAG
WBOXHVISO1	1053	1067	+	CATGACTTCGCTCAA
SURECOREATSULTR11	1079	1085	−	GAGACTA
MYCATERD	1127	1133	−	CATGTGG
MYCATRD2	1128	1134	+	CACATGT
-300ELEMENT	1138	1146	+	TGCAAAGGG
CGACGOSAMY3	1169	1173	−	CGACG
TRANSINITDICOTS	1173	1180	−	AAGATGGC
OSE1ROOTNODULE	1175	1181	−	AAAGATG
TAAAGSTKST1	1185	1191	−	GGTAAAG
IBOXCORE	1218	1224	−	GATAATA
SREATMSD	1219	1225	+	ATTATCC
MYBST1	1220	1226	−	GGGATAA
CGCGBOXAT	1226	1231	+	CCGCGT
CGCGBOXAT	1226	1231	−	ACGCGG
MYBPZM	1240	1246	+	CCCTACC
HBOXCONSENSUSPVCHS	1241	1261	+	CCTACCCTAAACACTATGGGC
RAV1AAT	1261	1265	+	CAACA
CGACGOSAMY3	1267	1271	−	CGACG
SURECOREATSULTR11	1303	1309	−	GAGACCT
MYBCOREATCYCB1	1314	1318	−	AACGG
RAV1AAT	1326	1330	−	CAACA
CGACGOSAMY3	1373	1377	−	CGACG
LTRECOREATCOR15	1425	1431	−	TCCGACC
SORLIP5AT	1440	1446	+	GAGTGAG
INTRONLOWER	1447	1452	+	TGCAGG
CCAATBOX1	1469	1473	−	CCAAT
MYBST1	1472	1478	+	GGGATAA
SREATMSD	1473	1479	−	GTTATCC
IBOXCORE	1474	1480	+	GATAACA
GT1GMSCAM4	1485	1490	+	GAAAAA
GT1CORE	1513	1523	+	GGGTTAAATAA
TATABOXOSPAL	1516	1522	−	TATTTAA
EECCRCAH1	1560	1566	−	GATTTCC
IBOXCORE	1568	1574	−	GATAAAT
OSE1ROOTNODULE	1571	1577	−	AAAGATA
CCAATBOX1	1590	1594	−	CCAAT
RBCSCONSENSUS	1591	1597	−	AATCCAA
TGACGTVMAMY	1602	1614	+	GATTTTGACGTTT
HEXMOTIFTAH3H4	1604	1616	−	ACAAACGTCAAAA
WBOXATNPR1	1605	1619	+	TTTGACGTTTGTGTA
CCAATBOX1	1620	1624	−	CCAAT
SITEIIATCYTC	1622	1632	+	TGGGCTTGACA
WBOXATNPR1	1626	1640	+	CTTGACAGCCCCATC
BIHD1OS	1628	1632	−	TGTCA
LTRE1HVBLT49	1661	1666	−	CCGAAA
SITEIIATCYTC	1675	1685	−	TGGGCCGAATC
MYBST1	1689	1695	+	AGGATAG
RAV1AAT	1707	1711	+	CAACA
TGACGTVMAMY	1720	1732	+	GTCCATGACGTAG
HEXMOTIFTAH3H4	1722	1734	−	CACTACGTCATGG
SITEIIATCYTC	1742	1752	−	TGGGCTTTGAG
TATABOX3	1757	1763	−	TATTAAT
MYBST1	1761	1767	−	TGGATAT
TATCCAYMOTIFOSRAMY	1762	1768	+	TATCCAC
TATCCACHVAL21	1762	1768	+	TATCCAC
ACGTABOX	1772	1777	+	TACGTA
ACGTABOX	1772	1777	−	TACGTA
WBOXHVISO1	1785	1799	−	AGTGACTCCCTCGGC
WBOXNTCHN48	1793	1807	−	ACTGACTCAGTGACT
GCN4OSGLUB1	1798	1806	+	CTGAGTCAG
MYBCOREATCYCB1	1812	1816	+	AACGG
UPRMOTIFIIAT	1832	1850	+	CCGTGTGCCGGTGTCCACG
DPBFCOREDCDC3	1839	1845	−	ACACCGG
CGCGBOXAT	1848	1853	+	ACGCGC
CGCGBOXAT	1848	1853	−	GCGCGT
CGCGBOXAT	1850	1855	+	GCGCGC
CGCGBOXAT	1850	1855	−	GCGCGC
UPRMOTIFIIAT	1855	1873	+	CCCCGGTGCGGCCGCCACG
SORLIP1AT	1862	1874	+	GCGGCCGCCACGA
GCCCORE	1864	1870	+	GGCCGCC
CGCGBOXAT	1875	1880	+	CCGCGG
CGCGBOXAT	1875	1880	−	CCGCGG
GADOWNAT	1878	1890	−	CGGCACGTGTCCG
CACGTGMOTIF	1879	1891	+	GGACACGTGCCGG
DPBFCOREDCDC3	1881	1887	+	ACACGTG
SORLIP2AT	1889	1899	+	CGGGCCTCGCA
DPBFCOREDCDC3	1899	1905	+	ACACGCG
CGCGBOXAT	1901	1906	+	ACGCGT
CGCGBOXAT	1901	1906	−	ACGCGT
SORLIP2AT	1909	1919	−	GGGGCCGTGGG
UPRMOTIFIIAT	1935	1953	+	CCGCGGTGCCCGCGCCACG
CGCGBOXAT	1935	1940	+	CCGCGG
CGCGBOXAT	1935	1940	−	CCGCGG
SORLIP1AT	1942	1954	+	GCCCGCGCCACGG
CGCGBOXAT	1944	1949	+	CCGCGC
CGCGBOXAT	1944	1949	−	GCGCGG
REBETALGLHCB21	1980	1986	+	CGGATAG
CGACGOSAMY3	1999	2003	+	CGACG
HEXAMERATH4	1999	2004	−	CCGTCG
DRE2COREZMRAB17	2003	2009	−	ACCGACC
MYBCOREATCYCB1	2013	2017	−	AACGG
SORLIP1AT	2021	2033	−	TGTCTCGCCACTC
ARFAT	2028	2034	−	CTGTCTC
SURECOREATSULTR11	2028	2034	+	GAGACAG
SEBFCONSSTPR10A	2028	2034	−	CTGTCTC
BS1EGCCR	2033	2038	+	AGCGGG
CGACGOSAMY3	2058	2062	+	CGACG
TCA1MOTIF	2063	2072	−	TCATCTTCTT
DPBFCOREDCDC3	2082	2088	+	ACACGCG
CGCGBOXAT	2084	2089	+	ACGCGG
CGCGBOXAT	2084	2089	−	CCGCGT
ASF1MOTIFCAMV	2101	2113	+	CGAGCTGACGAGC

Example 21

Binary Vector Construction for Maize Transformation

For pZmNP28_—655 and pZmNP28_—507, the promoter fragments obtained from PCR were cloned into pENTR™ 5′-TOPO TA Cloning vector (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif., USA). An intron-mediated enhancement (IME)-intron (BPSI.1) was inserted into the restriction enzyme BsrGI site that is 24 bp downstream of the 3′ end of the pZmNP28_—655 and pZmNP28_—507. The resulting vector was used as a Gateway entry vector in order to produce the final binary vector RLN 90 and RLN 93 for maize transformation, which comprises a plant selectable marker expression cassette (p-Ubi::AHAS::t-NOS) as well as a promoter evaluation cassette that consists testing promoter, MET1-1 intron to supply intron-mediated enhancement in monocot cells, GUS reporter gene, and NOS terminator (FIGS. 24 A and B). For pZmNP28_—2070 and pZmNP28_—1706, the 2070 bp and the 1706 bp fragments were modified by the addition of a PacI restriction enzyme site at its 5′ end and a BsiWI site at its 3′ end. The PacI-pZmNP28_—2070-BsiWI and PacI-pZmNP28_—1706-BsiWI fragments were digested and ligated into a PacI and BsiWI digested BPS basic binary vector HF84. HF84 comprises a plant selectable marker expression cassette (p-Ubi::c-EcEsdA::t-NOS) as well as a promoter evaluation cassette that consists of a multiple cloning site for insertion of putative promoters via PacI and BsiWI, rice MET1-1 intron to supply intron-mediated enhancement in monocot cells, GUS reporter gene, and NOS terminator. The resulting binary vectors comprising the pZmNP28_—2070::i-MET1::GUS::t-NOS or pZmNP28_—1706::i-MET1::GUS::t-NOS expression cassette was named as RHF160 or RHF158 and were used maize transformation to evaluate the expression pattern driven by pZmNP28_—2070 or pZmNP1706. FIG. 24 C is a diagram of RHF160 and FIG. 24 D is a diagram of RHF158.

Example 22

Promoter Evaluation in Transgenic Maize with the Binary Vectors RLN90, RLN93, RHF158 and RHF160

Expression patterns and levels driven by the promoter were measured using GUS histochemical analysis following the protocol in the art (Jefferson 1987). Maize transformation was conducted using an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system. Ten and five single copy events for T0 and T1 plants were used for the promoter analysis. GUS expression was measured at various developmental stages:

1) Roots and leaves at 5-leaf stage2) Stem at V-7 stage2) Leaves, husk and silk at flowering stage (first emergence of silk)3) Spikelets/Tassel (at pollination)5) Ear or Kernels at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days after pollination (DAP)The results indicated that pZmNP28_—655, pZmNP28_—507 and pZmNP28_—2070 expressed specifically in pollen and in embryo, and pZmNP28_—1706 did not express in any tested tissues (FIG. 25 A to D)).

Example 23

Core Sequences Driving the Embryo-Specific Expression of Promoter pZmNP28

The experiment results of expression evaluation driven by several fragments of this promoter region in different length as described as above showed that a 326 bp core sequence is critical to the embryo specific expression of this promoter. The promoter fragments, pZmNP28_—655, pZmNP28-507 and pZmNP28_—2070, which contain this core sequence, showed embryo specific expression (FIGS. 25 A, C and D). The promoter fragment pZmNP28_—1706, which does not contain this core sequence, showed no expression at all. The core sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 18 (in particular nucleotides 1745 to 2070 of SEQ ID NO:18)

Claims

1. An expression cassette for regulating seed-specific expression of a polynucleotide of interest, said expression cassette comprising a transcription regulating nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: (a) the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18, or a variant thereof;(b) a nucleic acid sequence which is at least 80% identical to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18;(c) a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes under stringent conditions to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18;(d) a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes to a nucleic acid sequence located upstream of the open reading frame sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36;(e) a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes to a nucleic acid sequence located upstream of an open reading frame sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 or 54;(f) a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes to a nucleic acid sequence located upstream of an open reading frame sequence that is at least 80% identical to the open reading frame sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36, wherein the open reading frame sequence encodes a seed protein;(g) a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes to a nucleic acid sequence located upstream of an open reading frame encoding an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 or 54, wherein the open reading frame sequence encodes a seed protein;(h) a nucleic acid sequence obtained by 5′ genome walking or by thermal asymmetric interlaced polymerase chain reaction (TAIL-PCR) on genomic DNA from the first exon of the open reading frame sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36;(i) a nucleic acid sequence obtained by 5′ genome walking or TAIL PCR on genomic DNA from the first exon of an open reading frame sequence that is at least 80% identical to the open reading frame sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36, wherein the open reading frame sequence encodes a seed protein; and(j) a nucleic acid sequence obtained by 5′ genome walking or TAIL PCR on genomic DNA from the first exon of an open reading frame sequence encoding an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to an amino acid sequence encoded by the open reading frame sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 or 54, wherein the open reading frame sequence encodes a seed protein.

2. The expression cassette of claim 1, wherein the expression cassette further comprises at least one polynucleotide of interest being operatively linked to the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence.

3. The expression cassette of claim 2, wherein the at least one polynucleotide of interest is heterologous to the transcription regulating nucleotide sequence.

4. A vector comprising the expression cassette of claim 1.

5. The vector of claim 4, wherein the vector is an expression vector.

6. A host cell comprising the expression cassette of claim 1 or a vector comprising said expression cassette.

7. The host cell of claim 6, wherein the host cell is a plant cell.

8. A transgenic plant tissue, plant organ, plant, or seed comprising the expression cassette of claim 1 or a vector comprising said expression cassette.

9. The transgenic plant tissue, plant organ, plant, or seed of claim 8, wherein the plant is a monocot, or the transgenic plant tissue, plant organ, or seed is from a monocot.

10. A method for producing a transgenic plant tissue, plant organ, plant, or seed comprising: (a) introducing the expression cassette of claim 1 or a vector comprising said expression cassette into a plant cell; and(b) regenerating said plant cell to form a plant tissue, plant organ, plant, or seed.

11. A method for producing a transgenic plant tissue, plant organ, plant, or seed comprising: (a) integrating the expression cassette of claim 1 or a vector comprising said expression cassette into the genome of a plant cell;(b) regenerating said plant cell to form a plant tissue, plant organ, plant, or seed; and(c) selecting said plant tissue, plant organ, plant, or seed for the presence of said expression cassette or a vector comprising said expression cassette.