title: Escherichia coli genes and pathways involved in surviving extreme exposure to ionizing radiation.
abstract: To further an improved understanding of the mechanisms used by bacterial cells to survive extreme exposure to ionizing radiation (IR), we broadly screened nonessential Escherichia coli genes for those involved in IR resistance by using transposon-directed insertion sequencing (TraDIS). Forty-six genes were identified, most of which become essential upon heavy IR exposure. Most of these were subjected to direct validation. The results reinforced the notion that survival after high doses of ionizing radiation does not depend on a single mechanism or process, but instead is multifaceted. Many identified genes affect either DNA repair or the cellular response to oxidative damage. However, contributions by genes involved in cell wall structure/function, cell division, and intermediary metabolism were also evident. About half of the identified genes have not previously been associated with IR resistance or recovery from IR exposure, including eight genes of unknown function.
authors: Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
authors: Rose T
authors: RT
authors: Byrne
authors: Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
authors: Stefanie H
authors: SH
authors: Chen
authors: Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
authors: Elizabeth A
authors: EA
authors: Wood
authors: Genome Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
authors: Eric L
authors: EL
authors: Cabot
authors: Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA cox@biochem.wisc.edu.
authors: Michael M
authors: MM
authors: Cox
mesh_terms: D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing
chemical_list: D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins