Initiating chromosome replication in E. coli: it makes sense to recycle.
Initiating new rounds of Escherichia coli chromosome replication requires DnaA-ATP to unwind the replication origin, oriC, and load DNA helicase. In this issue of Genes & Development, Fujimitsu and colleagues (pp. 1221-1233) demonstrate that two chromosomal sites, termed DARS (DnaA-reactivating sequences), recycle inactive DnaA-ADP into DnaA-ATP. Fujimitsu and colleagues propose these sites are necessary to attain the DnaA-ATP threshold during normal growth and are important regulators of initiation timing in bacteria.
Leonard
Alan C
AC
Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida 32901, USA. aleonard@fit.edu
Grimwade
Julia E
JE
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D002876:Chromosomes, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics*; D004261:DNA Replication / Q000235:genetics*; D021901:DNA, Intergenic / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009698:Nucleoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D021901:DNA, Intergenic; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C066312:DnaA protein, Bacteria; D009698:Nucleoproteins