Natural transformation-specific DprA coordinate DNA double-strand break repair pathways in heavily irradiated < em > D. radiodurans < /em >

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2024 Jan 9:e0194823. doi: 10.1128/aem.01948-23. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTDeinococcus radiodurans exhibits an extraordinary ability to endure and thrive in extreme environments, including exposure to radiation, desiccation, and damaging chemicals, as well as intense UV radiation. The bacterium has evolved highly efficient repair mechanisms capable of rapidly mending hundreds of DNA fragments in its genome. Our research indicates that natural transformation (NT)-specific dprA genes play a pivotal role in regulating DNA repair in response to radiation. Remarkably, we found that DprA is instrumental in selecting DNA double-strand break repair pathways, a novel function that has not been reported before. This unique regulatory mechanism highlights the indispensable role of DprA beyond its native function in NT and underscores its ubiquitous presence across various bacterial species, regardless of their NT proficiency. These findings shed new light on the resilience and adaptability of Deinococcus radiodurans, opening avenues for further exploration into its exceptional survival strategies.PMID:38193676 | DOI:10.1128/aem.01948-23
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - Category: Microbiology Authors: Source Type: research