Radiation desiccation response motif-like sequences are involved in transcriptional activation of the Deinococcal ssb gene by ionizing radiation but not by desiccation.

Single-stranded-DNA binding protein (SSB) levels during poststress recovery of Deinococcus radiodurans were significantly enhanced by (60)Co gamma rays or mitomycin C treatment but not by exposure to UV rays, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), or desiccation. Addition of rifampin prior to postirradiation recovery blocked such induction. In silico analysis of the ssb promoter region revealed a 17-bp palindromic radiation/desiccation response motif (RDRM1) at bp -114 to -98 and a somewhat similar sequence (RDRM2) at bp -213 to -197, upstream of the ssb open reading frame.