Promoter used by sigma-29 RNA polymerase from Bacillus subtilis.

Gene expression during endospore formation by Bacillus subtilis is controlled in part by a sporulation-induced form of RNA polymerase, E sigma 29. The determination of the nucleotide sequences that govern utilization of promoters by E sigma 29 has been limited by the small number of available promoters that are recognized by E sigma 29. In the present report we describe a promoter that is adjacent to the rrnB region of the B. subtilis chromosome and is utilized in vitro and in vivo by E sigma 29. S1 nuclease mapping and dinucleotide priming experiments have been used to determine the start point of transcription. The nucleotide sequences near the -10 and -35 region of this promoter, bvx, are conserved, and resemble sequences at these regions for other promoters that are utilized by E sigma 29.