The invention relates to isolated polynucleotides from Corynebacterium glutamicum which are useful in the regulation of gene expression. In particular, the invention relates to isolated polynucleotides comprising C.glutamicum promoters which may be used to regulate, i.e., either increase or decrease, gene expression. In certain embodiments, isolated promoter sequences of the present invention regulate gene expression through the use of exogenous or endogenous induction. The invention further provides recombinant vectors and recombinant cells comprising isolated polynucleotides of the present invention, preferably in operable association with heterologous genes. Also provided are methods of regulating bacterial gene expression comprising growth of a recombinant cell of the present invention. In particular, the present invention provides methods to regulate genes involved in amino acid production comprising growth of a recombinant cell of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods of regulating gene expression in bacteria, particularly Corynebacterium species, especially of the genus Corynebacterium, comprising fermentation growth of a recombinant cell of the present invention, where metabolite concentrations, temperature, or oxygen levels are manipulated to regulate gene expression.