Novel role of mfd: effects on stationary-phase mutagenesis in Bacillus subtilis.
Previously, using a chromosomal reversion assay system, we established that an adaptive mutagenic process occurs in nongrowing Bacillus subtilis cells under stress, and we demonstrated that multiple mechanisms are involved in generating these mutations (41, 43). In an attempt to delineate how these mutations are generated, we began an investigation into whether or not transcription and transcription-associated proteins influence adaptive mutagenesis. In B. subtilis, the Mfd protein (transcription repair coupling factor) facilitates removal of RNA polymerase stalled at transcriptional blockages and recruitment of repair proteins to DNA lesions on the transcribed strand. Here we demonstrate that the loss of Mfd has a depressive effect on stationary-phase mutagenesis. An association between Mfd mutagenesis and aspects of transcription is discussed.
Ross
Christian
C
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 89154-4004, USA.
Pybus
Christine
C
Pedraza-Reyes
Mario
M
Sung
Huang-Mo
HM
Yasbin
Ronald E
RE
Robleto
Eduardo
E
D000220:Adaptation, Biological; D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D017353:Gene Deletion; D016296:Mutagenesis; D009154:Mutation; D012641:Selection, Genetic; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D013489:Suppression, Genetic; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000502:physiology*
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; C072103:transcription repair coupling factor protein, Bacteria