The expression of vip3LB, one of the vegetative insecticidal protein-encoding genes of Bacillus thuringiensis, was studied at the transcriptional level. By primer extension analysis, we have identified, for the first time, the transcription start point of vip3-type gene. Upstream from vip3LB transcription start point, was found a nucleotide sequence partially homologous to the consensus sequence for the E sigma(E) holoenzyme of B. subtilis. Thus, it was strongly suggested that the identified vip3 promoter was under the control of sigma(35)-like enzyme, the B. thuringiensis homolog of sigma(E). The transcriptional activity from the promoter was detected at the vegetative stage of growth starting at mid-log phase as well as during the middle stage of sporulation.