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Interaction of Escherichia coli RecA protein with LexA repressor. II. Inhibition of DNA strand exchange by the uncleavable LexA S119A repressor argues that recombination and SOS induction are competitive processes.

The Escherichia coli RecA protein is involved in SOS induction, DNA repair, and homologous recombination. In vitro, RecA protein serves as a co-protease to cleave LexA repressor, the repressor of the SOS regulon; in addition, RecA protein promotes homologous pairing and DNA strand exchange, steps important to homologous recombination and DNA repair. To determine if these two functions of RecA protein are competing or parallel, the effect of uncleavable LexA S119A repressor on RecA protein-dependent activities was examined. LexA S119A repressor inhibits both the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-dependent ATP hydrolysis and DNA strand exchange activities of RecA protein. As for wild-type LexA repressor (Rehrauer, W. M., Lavery, P. E., Palmer, E. L., Singh, R. N., and Kowalczykowski, S. C. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 23865-23873), inhibition of ATP hydrolysis is dependent upon the presence of E. coli single-stranded DNA binding (SSB) protein, arguing that LexA repressor affects the competition between RecA protein and SSB protein for ssDNA binding sites. In contrast, inhibition of DNA strand exchange activity is SSB protein-independent, suggesting that LexA S119A repressor blocks a site required for DNA strand exchange. These results imply that there is a common site on the RecA protein filament for secondary DNA and LexA repressor binding and raise the possibility that the recombination and co-protease activities of the RecA protein filament are competitive.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

[Determination of the genotoxicity of fullerene C60 and fullerol using the method of somatic mosaics on cells of Drosophila melanogaster wing and SOS-chromotest].

Genotoxicity of fullerene C60 was been determined in a prokaryotic in vitro test and in an eukaryotic in vivo system. The SOS chromotest of fullerene C60 in the Escherichia coli strain PQ37 revealed no genotoxicity either with or without activation of the rat liver homogenate. To perform the somatic mutation and recombination genotoxicity test (SMART) on somatic wing cells, Drosophila melanogaster larvae were grown on a standard medium with or without fullerene dope. No statistically significant differences were observed at the same fullerene concentrations in the SOS chromotest (0.45 micrograms/ml). Only at the highest possible fullerene concentration of 2.24 micrograms per 1 ml medium, a slight genotoxic effect was observed in wing cells. Fullerol demonstrates no mutagenic effect at a concentration of 2.46 mg/ml.

Animals↗

[Activation of the alarm response of Escherichia by antibiotics].

The data on the effect of antibiotics suppressing the synthesis of protein on the activation of the SOS-system are presented. The action of tetracycline, chloramphenicol rifampicin and nalidixic acid, a well-known activator of SOS-response, has been studied. The short-term action of inhibitory concentrations and the prolonged action of subinhibitory concentrations of these preparations on the activity of genes rec A and sul A and the induction of the synthesis of phage lambda have been considered. Chloramphenicol and tetracycline, as well as nalidixic acid, have been shown to be capable of activating genes rec A, sul A and synthesis of the phage. The induction of SOS-response has been found to be more pronounced in the short-term action of inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics on bacteria than in the prolonged subinhibitory concentrations.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Precise temporal modulation in the response of the SOS DNA repair network in individual bacteria.

The SOS genetic network is responsible for the repair/bypass of DNA damage in bacterial cells. While the initial stages of the response have been well characterized, less is known about the dynamics of the response after induction and its shutoff. To address this, we followed the response of the SOS network in living individual Escherichia coli cells. The promoter activity (PA) of SOS genes was monitored using fluorescent protein-promoter fusions, with high temporal resolution, after ultraviolet irradiation activation. We find a temporal pattern of discrete activity peaks masked in studies of cell populations. The number of peaks increases, while their amplitude reaches saturation, as the damage level is increased. Peak timing is highly precise from cell to cell and is independent of the stage in the cell cycle at the time of damage. Evidence is presented for the involvement of the umuDC operon in maintaining the pattern of PA and its temporal precision, providing further evidence for the role UmuD cleavage plays in effecting a timed pause during the SOS response, as previously proposed. The modulations in PA we observe share many features in common with the oscillatory behavior recently observed in a mammalian DNA damage response. Our results, which reveal a hitherto unknown modulation of the SOS response, underscore the importance of carrying out dynamic measurements at the level of individual living cells in order to unravel how a natural genetic network operates at the systems level.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Genetic composition of the Bacillus subtilis SOS system.

The SOS response in bacteria includes a global transcriptional response to DNA damage. DNA damage is sensed by the highly conserved recombination protein RecA, which facilitates inactivation of the transcriptional repressor LexA. Inactivation of LexA causes induction (derepression) of genes of the LexA regulon, many of which are involved in DNA repair and survival after DNA damage. To identify potential RecA-LexA-regulated genes in Bacillus subtilis, we searched the genome for putative LexA binding sites within 300 bp upstream of the start codons of all annotated open reading frames. We found 62 genes that could be regulated by putative LexA binding sites. Using mobility shift assays, we found that LexA binds specifically to DNA in the regulatory regions of 54 of these genes, which are organized in 34 putative operons. Using DNA microarray analyses, we found that 33 of the genes with LexA binding sites exhibit RecA-dependent induction by both mitomycin C and UV radiation. Among these 33 SOS genes, there are 22 distinct LexA binding sites preceding 18 putative operons. Alignment of the distinct LexA binding sites reveals an expanded consensus sequence for the B. subtilis operator: 5'-CGAACATATGTTCG-3'. Although the number of genes controlled by RecA and LexA in B. subtilis is similar to that of Escherichia coli, only eight B. subtilis RecA-dependent SOS genes have homologous counterparts in E. coli.

5' Flanking Region↗

Programmable cells: interfacing natural and engineered gene networks.

Novel cellular behaviors and characteristics can be obtained by coupling engineered gene networks to the cell's natural regulatory circuitry through appropriately designed input and output interfaces. Here, we demonstrate how an engineered genetic circuit can be used to construct cells that respond to biological signals in a predetermined and programmable fashion. We employ a modular design strategy to create Escherichia coli strains where a genetic toggle switch is interfaced with: (i) the SOS signaling pathway responding to DNA damage, and (ii) a transgenic quorum sensing signaling pathway from Vibrio fischeri. The genetic toggle switch endows these strains with binary response dynamics and an epigenetic inheritance that supports a persistent phenotypic alteration in response to transient signals. These features are exploited to engineer cells that form biofilms in response to DNA-damaging agents and cells that activate protein synthesis when the cell population reaches a critical density. Our work represents a step toward the development of "plug-and-play" genetic circuitry that can be used to create cells with programmable behaviors.

DNA Damage↗

Mathematical model of the SOS response regulation of an excision repair deficient mutant of Escherichia coli after ultraviolet light irradiation.

A mathematical model for the development of the SOS signal in nucleotide-excision repair deficient Escherichia coli cells subjected to ultraviolet light irradiation is proposed, in which regions of single-stranded DNA (gaps) are created during replication of a damaged chromosome when the strand elongation stops at pyrimidine dimers. The concentration of single-stranded DNA of gaps as a function of time is obtained. The model for the interaction of the LexA and RecA proteins, a well-established key event in SOS regulation, is presented, resulting in a system of differential equations for the concentrations of LexA, RecA and activated RecA proteins. The simulated LexA protein kinetic curves agree with the experimental data for two excision repair deficient mutants: uvrA6 and dnaC28 uvrB(del), which is also a temperature-sensitive DNA replication initiation mutant. It is shown that the model can be used to quantitatively describe the kinetics of SOS response through the amount of the SOS signal (concentration of single-stranded DNA) in a cell as a function of time.

DNA Repair↗

Carcinogenic potency in rodents versus genotoxic potency in E. coli: a correlation analysis for bifunctional alkylating agents.

The mutagenic (M), recombinagenic (R) and SOS inducing (I) potencies of 6 bifunctional directly acting alkylating agents (mitomycin C, thiotepa, chlorambucil, nitrogen mustard, bis(2-chloroethyl)ether and bis(2-chloroethyl)nitrosourea) were measured in an E. coli test system (E. coli multitest) as the integral under the yield-dose curve obtained for each event. This potency corresponds to the cumulative yield of the affected cell population over the entire effective dose range of the chemical treatment. A weak mutagenic activity was detected only for mitomycin C and thiotepa. Except for bis(2-chloroethyl)ether, all agents were recombinagenic and SOS inducing. When the 3 genotoxic potencies (M, R and I) of these bifunctional alkylating agents were correlated, separately or in combination, with the respective carcinogenic potencies in rodents, a highly significant correlation was obtained with both the recombinagenic and SOS inducing potencies.

Alkylating Agents↗

Genotoxic potency of monofunctional alkylating agents in E. coli: comparison with carcinogenic potency in rodents.

A quantitative correlation between carcinogenicity and genotoxicity was investigated by a comparison between the carcinogenic potency in rodents and the mutagenic (M), recombinogenic (R) and SOS-inducing (I) potencies in a bacterial test (E. coli multitest) for 9 monofunctional alkylating agents: N-nitroso-N-methylurethane, N-nitroso-N-ethylurea, epichlorohydrin, N-nitroso-N-methylurea, N-nitroso-N-methyl-N'-nitroguanidine, methyl methanesulfonate, diethylsulfate, dimethylsulfate, ethyl methanesulfonate. A significant positive correlation between the carcinogenic potency and the product of the mutagenic and recombinogenic potencies was found for all tested compounds. Thus, the E. coli multitest may be used as a simple test to search for correlations between carcinogenicity and genotoxicity of DNA-damaging agents.

Alkylating Agents↗

Genotoxic, mutagenic and recombinogenic effects of rauwolfia alkaloids.

In the last decade, the possible correlation between the use of reserpine and rauwolfia drugs as antihypertensive agents and breast cancer incidence has been investigated. For the purpose of evaluating the mutagenic and genotoxic effects of these drugs, reserpine and ajmalicine were studied using the SOS Chromotest and the induction of gene conversion, crossing-over and reverse mutation in the yeast diploid strain XS2316. The results indicated a lack of genotoxic, mutagenic and recombinogenic effects.

Microsomes↗

dinP, a new gene in Escherichia coli, whose product shows similarities to UmuC and its homologues.

A new gene, designated dinP, was found during E. coli genomic sequencing around the 5.5 min region. Its coding region is preceded by a sequence similar to the consensus binding sequence for LexA, the so-called SOS box sequence. The amino acid sequence of DinP (351 amino acid residues) has a strong similarity to the C. elegans hypothetical protein F22B7.6 and weaker similarities to the UmuC homologues in E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium and also to REV1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Another SOS operon (dinJ1 and dinJ2 genes) found in this region is also described.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The two-step model for translesion synthesis: then and now.

The formation of base substitution mutations following exposure of bacteria to ultraviolet light and many other mutagens occurs during translesion synthesis opposite a photoproduct or other lesion in the template strand of DNA. This process requires the UmuD(2)' UmuC complex, only formed to a significant extent in SOS-induced cells. The "two-step" model proposed that there were two steps, insertion of a wrong base (misincorporation) and use of the misincorporated base as a primer for further chain extension (bypass). The original evidence suggested that UmuD(2)' UmuC was needed only for the second step and that in its absence other polymerases such as DNA polymerase III could make misincorporations. Now we know that the UmuD(2)' UmuC complex is DNA polymerase V and that it can carry out both steps in vitro and probably does both in vivo in wild-type cells. Even so, DNA polymerase III clearly has an important accessory role in vitro and a possibly essential role in vivo, the precise nature of which is not clear. DNA polymerases II and IV are also up-regulated in SOS-induced cells and their involvement in the broader picture of translesion synthesis is only now beginning to emerge. It is suggested that we need to think of the chromosomal replication factory as a structure through which the DNA passes and within which as many as five DNA polymerases may need to act. Protein-protein interactions may result in a cassette system in which the most appropriate polymerase can be engaged with the DNA at any given time. The original two-step model was very specific, and thus an oversimplification. As a general concept, however, it reflects reality and has been demonstrated in experiments with eukaryotic DNA polymerases in vitro.

Bacteria↗

Bryn Bridges and mutagenesis: exploring the intellectual space.

The products of the SOS-regulated umuDC genes are required for most UV and chemical mutagenesis in Escherichia coli. Recently it has been recognized that UmuC is the founding member of a superfamily of novel DNA polymerases found in all three kingdoms of life. Key findings leading to these insights are reviewed, placing a particular emphasis on contributions made by Bryn Bridges and on his interest in the importance of interactions between the umuDC gene products and the replicative DNA polymerase.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Evolution of the two-step model for UV-mutagenesis.

It is quite remarkable how our understanding of translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) has changed so dramatically in the past 2 years. Until very recently, little was known about the molecular mechanisms of TLS in higher eukaryotes and what we did know, was largely based upon Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae model systems. The paradigm, proposed by Bryn Bridges and I [Mutat. Res. 150 (1985) 133] in 1985, was that error-prone TLS occurred in two steps; namely a misinsertion event opposite a lesion, followed by extension of the mispair so as to facilitate complete bypass of the lesion. The initial concept was that at least for E. coli, the misinsertion event was performed by the cell's main replicase, DNA polymerase III holoenzyme, and that elongation was achieved through the actions of specialized polymerase accessory proteins, such as UmuD and UmuC. Some 15 years later, we now know that this view is likely to be incorrect in that both misinsertion and bypass are performed by the Umu proteins (now called pol V). As pol V is normally a distributive enzyme, pol III may only be required to "fix" the misincorporation as a mutation by completing chromosome duplication. However, while the role of the E. coli proteins involved in TLS have changed, the initial concept of misincorporation followed by extension/bypass remains valid. Indeed, recent evidence suggests that it can equally be applied to TLS in eukaryotic cells where there are many more DNA polymerases to choose from. The aim of this review is, therefore, to provide a historical perspective to the "two-step" model for UV-mutagenesis, how it has recently evolved, and in particular, to highlight the seminal contributions made to it by Bryn Bridges.

DNA Polymerase III↗