Surviving the storm: exploring the role of natural transformation in nutrition and DNA repair of stressed .

, a natural transformation (NT)-enabled bacterium renowned for its exceptional radiation resistance, employs unique DNA repair and oxidative stress mitigation mechanisms as a strategic response to DNA damage. This study excavates into the intricate roles of NT machinery in the stressed , focusing on the genes , , , , and , which are instrumental in the uptake and processing of extracellular DNA (eDNA). Our data reveal that NT not only supports the nutritional needs of under stress but also has roles in DNA repair.

A perspective on tumor radiation resistance following high-LET radiation treatment.

High-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation is a promising alternative to conventional low-LET radiation for therapeutic gain against cancer owing to its ability to induce complex and clustered DNA lesions. However, the development of radiation resistance poses a significant barrier. The potential molecular mechanisms that could confer resistance development are translesion synthesis (TLS), replication gap suppression (RGS) mechanisms, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation, release of exosomes, and epigenetic changes.

Multitasking functions of bacterial extracellular DNA in biofilms.

Bacterial biofilms are intricate ecosystems of microbial communities that adhere to various surfaces and are enveloped by an extracellular matrix composed of polymeric substances. Within the context of bacterial biofilms, extracellular DNA (eDNA) originates from cell lysis or is actively secreted, where it exerts a significant influence on the formation, stability, and resistance of biofilms to environmental stressors. The exploration of eDNA within bacterial biofilms holds paramount importance in research, with far-reaching implications for both human health and the environment.

Natural transformation-specific DprA coordinate DNA double-strand break repair pathways in heavily irradiated .

exhibits remarkable survival under extreme conditions, including ionizing radiation, desiccation, and various DNA-damaging agents. It employs unique repair mechanisms, such as single-strand annealing (SSA) and extended synthesis-dependent strand annealing (ESDSA), to efficiently restore damaged genome. In this study, we investigate the role of the natural transformation-specific protein DprA in DNA repair pathways following acute gamma radiation exposure.

Biochemical Properties and Roles of DprA Protein in Bacterial Natural Transformation, Virulence, and Pilin Variation.

Natural transformation enables bacteria to acquire DNA from the environment and contributes to genetic diversity, DNA repair, and nutritional requirements. DNA processing protein A (DprA) receives incoming single-stranded DNA and assists RecA loading for homology-directed natural chromosomal transformation and DNA strand annealing during plasmid transformation. The gene occurs in the genomes of all known bacteria, irrespective of their natural transformation status.

Characterization of DNA Processing Protein A (DprA) of the Radiation-Resistant Bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans.

Environmental DNA uptake by certain bacteria and its integration into their genome create genetic diversity and new phenotypes. DNA processing protein A (DprA) is part of a multiprotein complex and facilitates the natural transformation (NT) phenotype in most bacteria. Deinococcus radiodurans, an extremely radioresistant bacterium, is efficient in NT, and its genome encodes nearly all of the components of the natural competence complex.

Involvement of serine / threonine protein kinases in DNA damage response and cell division in bacteria.

The roles of Serine/Threonine protein kinases (STPKs) in bacterial physiology, including bacterial responses to nutritional stresses and under pathogenesis have been well documented. STPKs roles in bacterial cell cycle regulation and DNA damage response have not been much emphasized, possibly because the LexA/RecA type SOS response became the synonym to DNA damage response and cell cycle regulation in bacteria. This review summarizes current knowledge of STPKs genetics, domain organization, and their roles in DNA damage response and cell division regulation in bacteria.

PprA Protein Inhibits DNA Strand Exchange and ATP Hydrolysis of RecA and Regulates the Recombination in Gamma-Irradiated Cells.

DrRecA and PprA proteins function are crucial for the extraordinary resistance to γ-radiation and DNA strand break repair in . DrRecA mediated homologous recombination help in DNA strand break repair and cell survival, while the PprA protein confers radio-resistance its roles in DNA repair, genome maintenance, and cell division. Genetically and genes interact and constitute an epistatic group however, the mechanism underlying their functional interaction is not clear.

Phosphorylation of deinococcal RecA affects its structural and functional dynamics implicated for its roles in radioresistance of .

Deinococcus RecA (DrRecA) protein is a key repair enzyme and contributes to efficient DNA repair of . Phosphorylation of DrRecA at Y77 (tyrosine 77) and T318 (threonine 318) residues modifies the structural and conformational switching that impart the efficiency and activity of DrRecA. Dynamics comparisons of DrRecA with its phosphorylated analogues support the idea that phosphorylation of Y77 and T318 sites could change the dynamics and conformation plasticity of DrRecA.

Hypolipidemic activity of crude polyphenols from the leaves of Clerodendron colebrookianum Walp in cholesterol fed rats.

This study evaluated the hypolipidemic effect of crude polyphenol fraction from Clerodenrdon colebrookianum (CPCC) leaves in cholesterol fed rats. Crude polyphenol fraction was obtained from the ethyl acetate extract of Clerodenrdon colebrookianum (CC). Investigation was conducted by administering graded oral doses (0.

Pfcrt mutant haplotypes may not correspond with chloroquine resistance.

Introduction: Chloroquine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum is associated with mutations in pfcrt and pfmdr1 genes. The frequency distribution of pfcrt K76T and pfmdr1 N86Y mutations and their association with chloroquine susceptibility was studied in an endemic area along the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Methodology: A single-arm prospective study of clinical and parasitological responses in P.

Nested PCR detection of Plasmodium malariae from microscopy confirmed P. falciparum samples in endemic area of NE India.

The present study evaluates the performance of OptiMAL-IT test and nested PCR assay in detection of malaria parasites. A total of 76 randomly selected blood samples collected from two malaria endemic areas were tested for malaria parasites using microscopy and OptiMAL-IT test in the field. PCR assays were performed in the laboratory using DNA extracted from blood spots of the same samples collected on the FTA classic cards.

Comparative insights using the molecular homology model of BDNF (Brain derived neurotrophic factor) of Varanus komodoensis and the known NGF (Nerve growth factor) structure of Naja atra.

BDNF (Brain derived neurotrophic factor) is a secretion protein and a member of the neurotrophin family of growth factors. Structural and functional characterization of BDNF Varanus komodoensis is of interest while its structure remains unknown. Thus, a homology molecular model of BDNF was constructed for gleaning possible structural insights.

Chemotherapy and drug resistance status of malaria parasite in northeast India.

India reports the highest number of malaria cases in Southeast Asia, of which Plasmodium falciparum contribute more than half of the cases every year. North eastern states of India contribute only 3.96% of country's population but account for >10% of total reported malaria cases, 11% of Plasmodium falciparum cases and 20% of malaria related deaths annually.