Novel enhancer and promoter elements indispensable for the tissue-specific expression of the sericin-1 gene of the silkworm Bombyx mori

► We found novel promoter and enhancer elements of the sericin-1 gene in vivo. ► Binding of the tissue- and stage-specific complex is detected at these elements. ► The proximal element of the −70 region is indispensable for the promoter activity. ► A mutation in the −70 region blocking the complex-binding decreases promoter activity.