Study on the function of the bent DNA within adenovirus type 2 EIA enhancer: analysis using an in vitro transcription system.

The role of the bent DNA within human adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) enhancer in transcriptional activation of E1A gene has been investigated. The bent region of the enhancer was substituted by a straight DNA fragment or by a bent DNA fragment of 194 bp from origin region of phage lambda replication. Employing an in vitro transcription system using HeLa cell extract, effects of mutant enhancers on E1A gene transcription were analyzed. The results obtained showed that the amount of transcripts is affected by changes in local conformation in and around the enhancer.