Molecular characterization of the Abp1 5′-flanking region in maize and the teosintes

Auxin-binding protein 1 subsp. mays (ABP1) has been suggested as a receptor mediating auxin-induced cell expansion and differentiation. In maize (Zea mays), ABP1 is encoded by a single gene, Abp1. The TATA and CAAT promoter elements as well as the transcriptional start site were previously identified and all were found to be located within a transposable element (TE), Tourist-Zm11. In this study we report the cloning and characterization of the Abp1 5'-flanking region in maize and its wild relatives, the teosintes. We provide evidence for insertion polymorphism corresponding to Tourist-Zm11 and two novel TEs, Batuta and Pilgrim. Despite this polymorphic structure, the Abp1 core promoter in maize and the teosintes is conserved, is located downstream of the TE insertions in the 5'-flanking region, and is TATA-less. We discuss the potential evolutionary impact of these TEs on the regulation of Abp1 gene expression.