Compositions and methods for the modification of gene expression

Abstract

Novel isolated plant polynucleotide promoter sequences are provided, together with genetic constructs comprising such polynucleotides. Methods for using such constructs in modulating the transcription of DNA sequences of interest are also disclosed, together with transgenic plants comprising such constructs.

1 . An isolated polynucleotide comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of:
 (a) sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 105, 106 and 116;   (b) complements of the sequence recited in SEQ ID NOs: 105, 106 and 116;   (c) reverse complements of the sequence recited in SEQ ID NOs: 105, 106 and 116;   (d) reverse sequences of the sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 105, 106 and 116;   (e) sequences having at least 40% identical nucleotides to a sequence provided in SEQ ID NOs: 105, 106 and 116;   (f) sequences having at least 60% identical nucleotides to a sequence provided in SEQ ID NOs: 105, 106 and 116;   (g) sequences having at least 75% identical nucleotides to a sequence provided in SEQ ID NOs: 105, 106 and 116;   (h) sequences having at least 90% identical nucleotides to a sequence provided in SEQ ID NOs: 105, 106 and 116; and,   (i) sequences having an E value of 0.01 when aligned with a sequence provided in SEQ ID NOs: 105, 106 and 116.   
     
     
         2 . A genetic construct comprising a polynucleotide of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         3 . A genetic construct comprising, in the 5′-3′ direction: (a) a promoter sequence, (b) a DNA sequence of interest; and (c) a gene termination sequence, wherein the promoter sequence comprises an isolated polynucleotide of 1. 
     
     
         4 . The genetic construct of  claim 3 , wherein the DNA sequence of interest comprises an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of interest. 
     
     
         5 . A transgenic cell comprising a genetic construct of  claim 3 . 
     
     
         6 . An organism comprising a transgenic cell of  claim 5 . 
     
     
         7 . A plant comprising a transgenic cell of  claim 5 , or a part or propagule or progeny thereof. 
     
     
         8 . A method for modifying gene expression in a target organism comprising stably incorporating into the genome of the organism a genetic construct according to any  claim 3 . 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the organism is a plant. 
     
     
         10 . A method for producing a plant having modified gene expression comprising: (a) transforming a plant cell with a genetic construct to provide a transgenic cell, wherein the genetic construct comprises: (i) a promoter sequence comprising a sequence of  claim 1 ; (ii) a DNA sequence of interest; and (c) a gene termination sequence; and (b) cultivating the transgenic cell under condition conducive to regeneration and mature plant growth. 
     
     
         11 . A method for modifying a phenotype of a target organism, comprising stably incorporating into the genome of the target organism a genetic construct comprising: (a) a promoter sequence of  claim 1 ; (b) a DNA sequence of interest; and (c) a gene termination sequence. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the target organism is a plant. 
     
     
         13 - 14 . (canceled)