Small, acid-soluble proteins bound to DNA protect Bacillus subtilis spores from being killed by freeze-drying.
Wild-type spores of Bacillus subtilis were resistant to eight cycles of freeze-drying, whereas about 90% of spores lacking the two major DNA-binding proteins (small, acid-soluble proteins alpha and beta) were killed by three to four cycles of freeze-dryings, with significant mutagenesis and DNA damage accompanying the killing. This role for alpha/beta-type small, acid-soluble proteins in spore resistance to freeze-drying may be important in spore survival in the environment.
Fairhead
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H
Department of Applied Biochemistry and Food Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Setlow
B
B
Waites
W M
WM
Setlow
P
P
D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004249:DNA Damage; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005612:Freeze Drying; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D012995:Solubility; D013171:Spores, Bacterial / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide