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. 1995 Apr 25;92(9):3958–3962. doi: 10.1073/pnas.92.9.3958

Increased sensitivity to gamma irradiation in bacteria lacking protein HU.

F Boubrik 1, J Rouviere-Yaniv 1
PMCID: PMC42081  PMID: 7732012

Abstract

The heterodimeric HU protein, isolated from Escherichia coli, is associated with the bacterial nucleoid and shares some properties with both histones and HMG proteins. It is the prototype of small bacterial DNA binding proteins with a pleiotropic role in the cell. HU participates in several biological processes like cell division, initiation of DNA replication, transposition, and other biochemical functions. We show here that bacteria lacking HU are extremely sensitive to gamma irradiation. Expression of either one of the subunits of HU in the hupAB double mutant nearly restores the normal survival rate. This shows that the sensitivity is due to the absence of HU rather than being the result of a secondary mutation occurring in the hupAB cells or a modification of the SOS repair system, since SOS genes are induced normally in the absence of HU. Finally, in vitro studies give an indication of its potential role: HU protects DNA against cleavage by gamma-rays.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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