DNA binding site of a transcriptional activator useful in gene expression

We have discovered DNA binding sites which are specifically recognized by PrtT, a transcriptional activator for protease genes. The DNA binding site can be defined structurally by a consensus nucleotide sequence and functionally by PrtT's ability to regulate transcriptional activation through that sequence. Both PrtT and its cognate DNA binding site ( i.e ., the nucleotide sequence in each promoter that is recognized by PrtT) can be used in a gene expression system. Possession of only a PrtT transcriptional activator is insufficient, its cognate DNA binding site is necessary for recognition by PrtT ( i.e ., binding to the site and activating transcription under appropriate conditions). A functional site, such as one obtained from a wild-type fungal gene, will confer PrtT-dependent transcriptional activation on 3'-downstream sequences. A mutation of a wild-type promoter that results in a non-functional site will abolish PrtT-dependent transcriptional activation of 3'-downstream sequences. A mutation of a wild-type promoter that results in a more functional site will enhance PrtT-dependent transcriptional activation of 3'-downstream sequences.