The regulation of transcription is a major component in the control of gene expression. Yet, little is known about the overall structure of the Arabidopsis transcriptional network. In addition to the generation and mining of large transcript profile compendia, the research community needs to forge the tools to functionally test at a large scale the activity of the cis-regulatory elements and the associated proteins that control gene transcription.

The aim of the SAP initiative is to provide tools for the systematic analysis of Arabidopsis promoters. It is supported by laboratories in seven European countries that joined forces in an ad hoc consortium financially supported by the contribution of each group. The SAP consortium is welcoming additional partners that are willing to contribute to its objectives.