Radioprotection in E. coli by an agent from M. radiodurans.
An agent extracted from the radioresistant bacterium M. radiodurans was found to protect several strains of E. coli from X-radiation. Optimal radioprotection was observed when the repair-proficient B/r strain was irradiated in the presence of the agent under hypoxic conditions. It is proposed that this agent acts to modify damage incurred in the presence of reduced oxygen concentrations so that this damage might be subsequently repaired.
D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005838:Genotype; D008837:Micrococcus / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011835:Radiation Protection; D013045:Species Specificity