AI Article Synopsis
- The study investigates the complex network of genes involved in mutagenic DNA repair in stressed Escherichia coli, identifying at least 93 genes that play a role in this process.
- It highlights the importance of three key stress response systems (RpoS, RpoE, and SOS) that help the bacteria sense and respond to environmental stress.
- The findings suggest that understanding these stress responses could lead to new drug targets aimed at preventing the evolution of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Article Abstract
Mechanisms of DNA repair and mutagenesis are defined on the basis of relatively few proteins acting on DNA, yet the identities and functions of all proteins required are unknown. Here, we identify the network that underlies mutagenic repair of DNA breaks in stressed Escherichia coli and define functions for much of it. Using a comprehensive screen, we identified a network of ≥93 genes that function in mutation. Most operate upstream of activation of three required stress responses (RpoS, RpoE, and SOS, key network hubs), apparently sensing stress. The results reveal how a network integrates mutagenic repair into the biology of the cell, show specific pathways of environmental sensing, demonstrate the centrality of stress responses, and imply that these responses are attractive as potential drug targets for blocking the evolution of pathogens.
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Source |
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| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3782309 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1226683 | DOI Listing |
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