Regulation by External and Developmental Signals of the RAV2 Gene Encoding a DNA Binding Protein Containing AP2 and B3-Like Domains

Abstract

Arabidopsis RAV1 and RAV2 are unique transcription factors that contain two distinct DNA binding domains, namely AP2 and B3-like domains, both of which have been identified only in higher plants. We characterized the DNA binding properties and expression of RAV2. RAV2 was shown to bind to the same sequences recognized by RAV1. Expression of RAV2 mRNA was found to be modulated by mechanical stimuli. Developmental regulation of RAV2 was investigated using transgenic plants carrying a RAV2 promoter-GUS construct. The analyses revealed complex developmental regulation of RAV2 expression. In particular, the spatial pattern of GUS expression in roots suggested a possible function of RAV2 related to lateral root formation.