AI Article Synopsis
- Argonaute proteins are versatile nucleases present in all life forms, with eukaryotic versions involved in gene regulation and defense against viruses, while their prokaryotic counterparts help bacteria fend off invading genetic material.
- Recent research indicates that prokaryotic argonautes (pAgos) may protect bacteria from the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, suggesting a potential role in DNA replication and repair.
- The authors propose models for how pAgos could contribute to ciprofloxacin resistance, including assisting with DNA decatenation, processing DNA repair intermediates, or triggering the SOS response that enhances overall DNA repair and antibiotic resistance.
Article Abstract
Argonaute proteins are programmable nucleases found in all domains of life. Eukaryotic argonautes (eAgos) participate in genetic regulation, antiviral response, and transposon silencing during RNA interference. Prokaryotic argonautes (pAgos) are much more diverse than eAgos and have been implicated in defense against invading genetic elements. Recently, it was shown that pAgos protect bacterial cells from a topoisomerase poison ciprofloxacin, raising a possibility that they may play a role in DNA replication and/or repair. Here, we discuss possible models of pAgo-mediated ciprofloxacin resistance. We propose that pAgos could (i) participate in chromosome decatenation as a backup to topoisomerases; (ii) participate in the processing of DNA repair intermediates formed after topoisomerase poisoning, or (iii) induce SOS response that generally affects DNA repair and antibiotic resistance. These hypotheses should guide future investigations of the involvement of pAgos in the emergence of resistance to ciprofloxacin and, possibly, other antibiotics.
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| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11555693 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1042/BST20240094 | DOI Listing |
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