In order to characterize the transcriptional regulation of the grp78 (glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa) gene of Neurospora crassa, a 1.65-kb genomic fragment upstream of the protein-coding region was sequenced and analysed. A single transcription start point was mapped 160 nt upstream of the first codon. Several distinct protein-DNA binding sites were identified in the promoter region by non-radioactive scanning electrophoretic mobility shift analysis during growth, stress treatment and differentiation of conidia. A protein DNA binding complex induced by tunicamycin was linked to a promoter motif similar to the unfolded protein response element consensus of yeast. Another binding complex in differentiating aerial hyphae was found, which differs from the known cis-elements involved in conidiation-dependent gene expression.