High impact information on TFAM

• RNA interference (RNAi) of d-TFAM by lipofection of haemocyte-derived Kc167 cells with double-stranded RNA reduced d-TFAM to less than 5% of the normal level [1].
• The data suggest that transcription of the D-mtTFA gene is under control of the DRE/DREF regulatory system [2].
• By repetitive precipitation with His-tag and PCR amplification, the consensus nucleotide sequence for D-mtTFA-binding was determined to be 5'-TTATC/G [2].
• We found a DNA replication-related element (DRE)-like sequence located upstream of the transcription initiation site of the D-mtTFA gene and obtained results indicating that DRE-binding factor (DREF) can bind to the DRE-like sequence of the D-mtTFA gene [2].
• In Drosophila Kc cells, D-mtTFA was localized in the mitochondria, but not in the nucleus [2].

Biological context of TFAM

• Based on these results, the functions of D-mtTFA were discussed in relation to mitochondrial biogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster [2].
• The results suggest that D-mtTFA not only contributes to the mitochondrial DNA transcription and replication system, but also has a role in cell proliferation and development, including spermatogenesis [3].
• Furthermore, a DRE-like sequence present in the D-mtTFA gene showed promotor activity in Drosophila Kc cells [3].

Anatomical context of TFAM

• D-mtTFA possesses a nuclear-targeting sequence, and is present in the nucleus at the syncytial stage, where bundles of 64 spermatids are present during spermatogenesis [3].
• In addition, D-mtTFA was detected in brain throughout the developmental process, as well as in non-proliferating tissues, such as flight muscle and cardia, and was also found in spermatids of imagos [3].

References