Response of the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus to UV damage.
In order to characterize the genome-wide transcriptional response of the hyperthermophilic, aerobic crenarchaeote Sulfolobus solfataricus to UV damage, we used high-density DNA microarrays which covered 3,368 genetic features encoded on the host genome, as well as the genes of several extrachromosomal genetic elements. While no significant up-regulation of genes potentially involved in direct DNA damage reversal was observed, a specific transcriptional UV response involving 55 genes could be dissected. Although flow cytometry showed only modest perturbation of the cell cycle, strong modulation of the transcript levels of the Cdc6 replication initiator genes was observed. Up-regulation of an operon encoding Mre11 and Rad50 homologs pointed to induction of recombinational repair. Consistent with this, DNA double-strand breaks were observed between 2 and 8 h after UV treatment, possibly resulting from replication fork collapse at damaged DNA sites. The strong transcriptional induction of genes which potentially encode functions for pilus formation suggested that conjugational activity might lead to enhanced exchange of genetic material. In support of this, a statistical microscopic analysis demonstrated that large cell aggregates formed upon UV exposure. Together, this provided supporting evidence to a link between recombinational repair and conjugation events.
Fröls
Sabrina
S
Center of Geobiology, Dept. Biology, Jahnebakken 5, N-5020 Bergen, Norway.
Gordon
Paul M K
PM
Panlilio
Mayi Arcellana
MA
Duggin
Iain G
IG
Bell
Stephen D
SD
Sensen
Christoph W
CW
Schleper
Christa
C
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000528:radiation effects; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000235:genetics / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004260:DNA Repair / Q000235:genetics / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000528:radiation effects; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / Q000528:radiation effects*; D048229:Sulfolobus solfataricus / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D004269:DNA, Bacterial