A mini-promoter lacZ gene fusion for the analysis of fungal transcription control sequences

A system for the in vivo analysis of fungal transcription control sequences, based on a mini-promoter, was designed. The mini-promoter, providing all sequences necessary and sufficient for transcription initiation, was derived from the Aspergillus nidulans gpdA promoter region. Transcription initiation was not affected by the introduction of transcription control sequences directly upstream from the mini-promoter. Furthermore, the expression of the mini-promoter was not affected by wide-domain carbon or nitrogen control circuits. Using the mini-promoter vector, a previously identified upstream activating sequence from the A. nidulans gpdA gene was further characterized.