Against all odds: the survival strategies of Deinococcus radiodurans

Limited concentration of RecA delays DNA double-strand break repair in Deinococcus radiodurans R1

To evaluate the importance of RecA in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, we examined the effect of low and high RecA concentrations such as 2500 and 100 000 molecules per cell expressed from the inducible Pspac promoter in Deinococcus radiodurans in absence or in presence of IPTG respectively. We showed that at low concentration, RecA has a negligible effect on cell survival after gamma-irradiation when bacteria were immediately plated on TGY agar whereas it significantly decreased the survival to gamma-irradiation of DeltaddrA cells while overexpression of RecA can partially compensate the loss of DdrA protein. In contrast, when cells expressing limited concentration of RecA were allowed to recover in TGY2X liquid medium, they showed a delay in mending DSB, failed to reinitiate DNA replication and were committed to die during incubation. A deletion of irrE resulted in sensitivity to gamma-irradiation and mitomycin C treatment. Interestingly, constitutive high expression of RecA compensates partially the DeltairrE sensitization to mitomycin C. The cells with low RecA content also failed to cleave LexA after DNA damage. However, neither a deletion of the lexA gene nor the expression of a non-cleavable LexA(Ind-) mutant protein had an effect on survival or kinetics of DNA DSB repair compared with their lexA+ counterparts in recA+ as well as in bacteria expressing limiting concentration of RecA, suggesting an absence of relationship between the absence of LexA cleavage and the loss of viability or the delay in the kinetics of DSB repair. Thus, LexA protein seems to play no major role in the recovery processes after gamma-irradiation in D. radiodurans.

Mutagenesis via IS transposition in Deinococcus radiodurans

Analysis of the complete genome indicates that insertion sequences (ISs) are abundant in the radio-resistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans. By developing a forward mutagenesis assay to detect any inactivation events in D. radiodurans, we found that in the presence of an active mismatch repair system 75% of the mutations to trimethoprim-resistance (Tmp(R)) resulted from an IS insertion into the thyA coding region. Analysis of their distribution among the spontaneous Tmp(R) mutants indicated that five different ISs were transpositionally active. A type II Miniature Inverted-repeat Transposable Element (MITE), related to one of the deinococcal ISs, was also discovered as an insertion into thyA. Seven additional genomic copies of this MITE element were identified by BLASTN. Gamma-ray irradiation of D. radiodurans led to an increase of up to 10-fold in the frequency of Tmp(R) mutants. Analysis of the induced mutations in cells exposed to 10 kGy indicated that gamma-irradiation induced transposition of ISDra2 approximately 100-fold. A 50-fold induction of ISDra2 transposition was also observed in cells exposed to 600 J m(-2) UV-irradiation. Point mutations to rifampicin resistance (Rif(R)) were also induced by gamma-irradiation to reach a plateau at 2 kGy. The plateau value represented a 16-fold increase in the mutant frequency over the background. Although error-free repair strategies predominate in D. radiodurans, an upregulation of transposition, as well as induction of point mutations in cells recovering from DNA damage, provide a genetic variability that may have long-term evolutionary consequences on the fitness of this organism in its habitat.

Structure of the manganese superoxide dismutase from Deinococcus radiodurans in two crystal forms

The structure of the manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD; DR1279) from Deinococcus radiodurans has been determined in two different crystal forms. Both crystal forms are monoclinic with space group P2(1). Form I has unit-cell parameters a = 44.28, b = 83.21, c = 59.52 angstroms, beta = 110.18 degrees and contains a homodimer in the asymmetric unit, with structure refinement (R = 16.8%, R(free) = 23.6%) carried out using data to d(min) = 2.2 angstroms. Form II has unit-cell parameters a = 43.57, b = 87.10, c = 116.42 angstroms, beta = 92.1 degrees and an asymmetric unit containing two Mn-SOD homodimers; structure refinement was effected to a resolution of 2.0 angstroms (R = 17.2%, R(free) = 22.3%). The resulting structures are compared with that of Mn-SOD from Escherichia coli, with which they are shown to be essentially isostructural.

Microbial survival rates of Escherichia coli and Deinococcus radiodurans under low temperature, low pressure, and UV-Irradiation conditions, and their relevance to possible Martian life

Viability rates were determined for microbial populations of Escherichia coli and Deinococcus radiodurans under the environmental stresses of low temperature (-35 degrees C), low-pressure conditions (83.3 kPa), and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation (37 W/m(2)). During the stress tests the organisms were suspended in saltwater soil and freshwater soil media, at variable burial depths, and in seawater. Microbial populations of both organisms were most susceptible to dehydration stress associated with low-pressure conditions, and to UV irradiation. However, suspension in a liquid water medium and burial at larger depths (5 cm) improved survival rates markedly. Our results indicate that planetary surfaces that possess little to no atmosphere and have low water availability do not constitute a favorable environment for terrestrial microorganisms.

Three HRDC domains differentially modulate Deinococcus radiodurans RecQ DNA helicase biochemical activity

RecQ helicases are key genome maintenance enzymes that function in DNA replication, recombination, and repair. In contrast to nearly every other identified RecQ family member, the RecQ helicase from the radioresistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans encodes three "Helicase and RNase D C-terminal" (HRDC) domains at its C terminus. HRDC domains have been implicated in structure-specific nucleic acid binding with roles in targeting RecQ proteins to particular DNA structures; however, only RecQ proteins with single HRDC domains have been examined to date. We demonstrate that the HRDC domains can be proteolytically removed from the D. radiodurans RecQ (DrRecQ) C terminus, consistent with each forming a structural domain. Using this observation as a guide, we produced a panel of recombinant DrRecQ variants lacking combinations of its HRDC domains to investigate their biochemical functions. The N-terminal-most HRDC domain is shown to be critical for high affinity DNA binding and for efficient unwinding of DNA in some contexts. In contrast, the more C-terminal HRDC domains attenuate the DNA binding affinity and DNA-dependent ATP hydrolysis rate of the enzyme and play more complex roles in structure-specific DNA unwinding. Our results indicate that the multiple DrRecQ HRDC domains have evolved to encode DNA binding and regulatory functions in the enzyme.

DNA polymerase X from Deinococcus radiodurans possesses a structure‐modulated 3′→5′ exonuclease activity involved in radioresistance

Recently a family X DNA polymerase (PolXDr) was identified in the radioresistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans. Knockout cells show a delay in double-strand break repair (DSBR) and an increased sensitivity to gamma-irradiation. Here we show that PolXDr possesses 3'-->5' exonuclease activity that stops cutting close to a loop. PolXDr consists of a DNA polymerase X domain (PolXc) and a Polymerase and Histidinol Phosphatase (PHP) domain. Deletion of the PHP domain abolishes only the structure-modulated but not the canonical 3'-->5' exonuclease activity. Thus, the exonuclease resides in the PolXc domain, but the structure-specificity requires additionally the PHP domain. Mutation of two conserved glycines in the PolXc domain leads to a specific loss of the structure-modulated exonuclease activity but not the exonuclease activity in general. The PHP domain itself does not show any activity. PolXDr is the first family X DNA polymerase that harbours an exonuclease activity. The wild-type protein, the glycine mutant and the two domains were expressed separately in DeltapolXDr cells. The wild-type protein could restore the radiation resistance, whereas intriguingly the mutant proteins showed a significant negative effect on survival of gamma-irradiated cells. Taken together our in vivo results suggest that both PolXDr domains play important roles in DSBR in D. radiodurans.

Analysis of codon usage pattern in the radioresistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans

The main factors shaping codon usage bias in the Deinococcus radiodurans genome were reported. Correspondence analysis (COA) was carried out to analyze synonymous codon usage bias. The results showed that the main trend was strongly correlated with gene expression level assessed by the "Codon Adaptation Index" (CAI) values, a result that was confirmed by the distribution of genes along the first axis. The results of correlation analysis, variance analysis and neutrality plot indicated that gene nucleotide composition was clearly contributed to codon bias. CDS length was also key factor in dictating codon usage variation. A general tendency of more biased codon usage of genes with longer CDS length to higher expression level was found. Further, the hydrophobicity of each protein also played a role in shaping codon usage in this organism, which could be confirmed by the significant correlation between the positions of genes placed on the first axis and the hydrophobicity values (r=-0.100, P<0.01). In summary, gene expression level played a crucial role, nucleotide mutational bias, CDS length and the hydrophobicity of each protein just in a minor way in shaping the codon usage pattern of D. radiodurans. Notably, 19 codons firstly defined as "optimal codons" may provide useful clues for molecular genetic engineering and evolutionary studying.

The Crystal Structure of Mismatch-specific Uracil-DNA Glycosylase (MUG) from Deinococcus radiodurans Reveals a Novel Catalytic Residue and Broad Substrate Specificity

Deinococcus radiodurans is extremely resistant to the effects of ionizing radiation. The source of the radiation resistance is not known, but an expansion of specific protein families related to stress response and damage control has been observed. DNA repair enzymes are among the expanded protein families in D. radiodurans, and genes encoding five different uracil-DNA glycosylases are identified in the genome. Here we report the three-dimensional structure of the mismatch-specific uracil-DNA glycosylase (MUG) from D. radiodurans (drMUG) to a resolution of 1.75 angstroms. Structural analyses suggest that drMUG possesses a novel catalytic residue, Asp-93. Activity measurements show that drMUG has a modified and broadened substrate specificity compared with Escherichia coli MUG. The importance of Asp-93 for activity was confirmed by structural analysis and abolished activity for the mutant drMUGD93A. Two other microorganisms, Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Rhodopseudomonas palustris, possess genes that encode MUGs with the highest sequence identity to drMUG among all of the bacterial MUGs examined. A phylogenetic analysis indicates that these three MUGs form a new MUG/thymidine-DNA glycosylase subfamily, here called the MUG2 family. We suggest that the novel catalytic residue (Asp-93) has evolved to provide drMUG with broad substrate specificity to increase the DNA repair repertoire of D. radiodurans.

Fine structure of the Deinococcus radiodurans nucleoid revealed by cryoelectron microscopy of vitreous sections

Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the nucleoid of the extremely radioresistant bacteria Deinococcus radiodurans may adopt an unusual ring shape. This led to the hypothesis that the tight toroidal package of the D. radiodurans genome might contribute to radioresistance by preventing diffusion of ends of double-stranded DNA breaks. The molecular arrangement of DNA in the nucleoid, which must be determined to test this hypothesis, is not discernible by conventional methods of electron microscopy. We have applied cryoelectron microscopy of vitreous sections and found that the DNA arrangement in D. radiodurans differs from toroidal spooling. Diffuse coralline nucleoids of exponentially growing D. radiodurans do not reveal any particular molecular order. Electron-dense granules are generally observed in the centers of nucleoids. In stationary-phase cells, the nucleoid segregates from cytoplasm and DNA filaments show locally parallel arrangements, with increasing aspects of cholesteric liquid crystalline phase upon prolonged starvation. The relevance of the observed nucleoid organization to the radiation resistance of D. radiodurans is discussed.

Key science questions from the second conference on early Mars: geologic, hydrologic, and climatic evolution and the implications for life

In October 2004, more than 130 terrestrial and planetary scientists met in Jackson Hole, WY, to discuss early Mars. The first billion years of martian geologic history is of particular interest because it is a period during which the planet was most active, after which a less dynamic period ensued that extends to the present day. The early activity left a fascinating geological record, which we are only beginning to unravel through direct observation and modeling. In considering this time period, questions outnumber answers, and one of the purposes of the meeting was to gather some of the best experts in the field to consider the current state of knowledge, ascertain which questions remain to be addressed, and identify the most promising approaches to addressing those questions. The purpose of this report is to document that discussion. Throughout the planet's first billion years, planetary-scale processes-including differentiation, hydrodynamic escape, volcanism, large impacts, erosion, and sedimentation-rapidly modified the atmosphere and crust. How did these processes operate, and what were their rates and interdependencies? The early environment was also characterized by both abundant liquid water and plentiful sources of energy, two of the most important conditions considered necessary for the origin of life. Where and when did the most habitable environments occur? Did life actually occupy them, and if so, has life persisted on Mars to the present? Our understanding of early Mars is critical to understanding how the planet we see today came to be.

Analysis of interaction between DNA and Deinococcus radiodurans PprA protein by atomic force microscopy

A DNA repair-promoting protein, PprA, was isolated from a radiation resistant bacterium, Deinococcus radiodurans [I. Narumi, K. Sato, S. Cui, T. Funayama, S. Kitayama, H. Watanabe, PprA: a novel protein from Deinococcus radiodurans that stimulates DNA ligation, Mol. Microbiol. 54 (2004) 278-285]. Despite several studies, however, the function of PprA is not still clear. We used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to elucidate the role of this protein in the DNA repair pathway. In the present study, interaction between the linear DNA and PprA protein was imaged and analyzed by AFM without any fixation or staining. Though both end-bound and internally bound PprA was observed, the affinity of the end-bound protein was greater considering the proportion of features of binding analyzed by AFM. In some conditions, looping forms of the DNA-PprA complex were observed. Gel filtration high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was also conducted to estimate the molecular weight of this protein. The result of the HPLC analysis suggested that PprA formed multimers in buffer solution without DNA.

Abundances, identity, and growth state of actinobacteria in mountain lakes of different UV transparency

The occurrence, identity, and activity of microbes from the class Actinobacteria was studied in the surface waters of 10 oligo- to mesotrophic mountain lakes located between 913 m and 2,799 m above sea level. Oligonucleotide probes were designed to distinguish between individual lineages within this group by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Bacteria of a single phylogenetic lineage (acI) represented >90% of all Actinobacteria in the studied lakes, and they constituted up to 70% of the total bacterial abundances. In the subset of eight lakes situated above the treeline, the community contribution of bacteria from the acI lineage was significantly correlated with the ambient levels of solar UV radiation (UV transparency, r(2) = 0.72; P < 0.01). Three distinct genotypic subpopulations were distinguished within acI that constituted varying fractions of all Actinobacteria in the different lakes. The abundance of growing actinobacterial cells was estimated by FISH and immunocytochemical detection of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation into de novo-synthesized DNA. The percentages of Actinobacteria with visible DNA synthesis approximately corresponded to the average percentages of BrdU-positive cells in the total assemblages. Actinobacteria from different subclades of the acI lineage, therefore, constituted an important autochthonous element of the aquatic microbial communities in many of the studied lakes, potentially also due to their higher UV resistance.

Comparative genomics of Thermus thermophilus and Deinococcus radiodurans: divergent routes of adaptation to thermophily and radiation resistance

Background

Thermus thermophilus and Deinococcus radiodurans belong to a distinct bacterial clade but have remarkably different phenotypes. T. thermophilus is a thermophile, which is relatively sensitive to ionizing radiation and desiccation, whereas D. radiodurans is a mesophile, which is highly radiation- and desiccation-resistant. Here we present an in-depth comparison of the genomes of these two related but differently adapted bacteria.

Results

By reconstructing the evolution of Thermus and Deinococcus after the divergence from their common ancestor, we demonstrate a high level of post-divergence gene flux in both lineages. Various aspects of the adaptation to high temperature in Thermus can be attributed to horizontal gene transfer from archaea and thermophilic bacteria; many of the horizontally transferred genes are located on the single megaplasmid of Thermus. In addition, the Thermus lineage has lost a set of genes that are still present in Deinococcus and many other mesophilic bacteria but are not common among thermophiles. By contrast, Deinococcus seems to have acquired numerous genes related to stress response systems from various bacteria. A comparison of the distribution of orthologous genes among the four partitions of the Deinococcus genome and the two partitions of the Thermus genome reveals homology between the Thermus megaplasmid (pTT27) and Deinococcus megaplasmid (DR177).

Conclusion

After the radiation from their common ancestor, the Thermus and Deinococcus lineages have taken divergent paths toward their distinct lifestyles. In addition to extensive gene loss, Thermus seems to have acquired numerous genes from thermophiles, which likely was the decisive contribution to its thermophilic adaptation. By contrast, Deinococcus lost few genes but seems to have acquired many bacterial genes that apparently enhanced its ability to survive different kinds of environmental stresses. Notwithstanding the accumulation of horizontally transferred genes, we also show that the single megaplasmid of Thermus and the DR177 megaplasmid of Deinococcus are homologous and probably were inherited from the common ancestor of these bacteria.

The radiation responsive promoter of the Deinococcus radiodurans pprA gene

In a previous study, we identified a novel radiation-inducible protein PprA that plays a critical role in the radiation resistance of Deinococcus radiodurans [Narumi, I., Satoh, K., Cui, S., Funayama, T., Kitayama, S., Watanabe, H., 2004. PprA: a novel protein from Deinococcus radiodurans that stimulates DNA ligation. Mol. Microbiol. 54, 278-285.]. Despite the interest in mechanisms underlying radiation responses in D. radiodurans, little is known about the radiation responsive promoter for radiation-inducible proteins. In this study, three transcriptional start points for pprA mRNA were identified by primer extension analysis, located at positions -156, -154 and -22 upstream from the pprA translation initiation site. The amount of the three extended products increased in cells exposed to 2 kGy followed by a 0.5-h post-incubation. This suggested the existence of at least two radiation responsive promoters for pprA expression. Functional characterization of the upstream region of the pprA gene using a luciferase reporter assay revealed that the distal promoter is located between positions -208 and -156 from the translation initiation site, while the proximal promoter is located between positions -57 and -22. The region located between positions -57 and -38 was indispensable for proximal promoter activity. Site-directed mutagenesis of a thymine positioned at -33 resulted in severe impairment of promoter activity, and suggested that the thymine functions as a master base for the proximal radiation responsive promoter. The product of the D. radiodurans pprI gene is thought to be a general switch in the radiation response [Hua, Y., Narumi, I., Gao, G., Tian, B., Satoh, K., Kitayama, S., Shen, B., 2003. PprI: a general switch responsible for extreme radioresistance of Deinococcus radiodurans. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 306, 354-360.]. We examined the effect of pprI disruption on pprA promoter activity. The results suggested that up-regulation of pprA expression by the pprI gene product is triggered at the promoter level.

Extensive diversity of ionizing-radiation-resistant bacteria recovered from Sonoran Desert soil and description of nine new species of the genus Deinococcus obtained from a single soil sample

The ionizing-radiation-resistant fractions of two soil bacterial communities were investigated by exposing an arid soil from the Sonoran Desert and a nonarid soil from a Louisiana forest to various doses of ionizing radiation using a (60)Co source. The numbers of surviving bacteria decreased as the dose of gamma radiation to which the soils were exposed increased. Bacterial isolates surviving doses of 30 kGy were recovered from the Sonoran Desert soil, while no isolates were recovered from the nonarid forest soil after exposure to doses greater than 13 kGy. The phylogenetic diversities of the surviving culturable bacteria were compared for the two soils using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. In addition to a bacterial population that was more resistant to higher doses of ionizing radiation, the diversity of the isolates was greater in the arid soil. The taxonomic diversity of the isolates recovered was found to decrease as the level of ionizing-radiation exposure increased. Bacterial isolates of the genera Deinococcus, Geodermatophilus, and Hymenobacter were still recovered from the arid soil after exposure to doses of 17 to 30 kGy. The recovery of large numbers of extremely ionizing-radiation-resistant bacteria from an arid soil and not from a nonarid soil provides further ecological support for the hypothesis that the ionizing-radiation resistance phenotype is a consequence of the evolution of other DNA repair systems that protect cells against commonly encountered environmental stressors, such as desiccation. The diverse group of bacterial strains isolated from the arid soil sample included 60 Deinococcus strains, the characterization of which revealed nine novel species of this genus.

Proteomic analysis of Deinococcus radiodurans recovering from gamma-irradiation

In order to reveal the mechanisms of the extreme radioresistance and DNA repair in Deinococcus radiodurans, we examined proteome changes in a wild-type strain following gamma-irradiation using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Silver-staining. The expression levels of 26 protein spots showed significant changes under radiation stress. Of these spots, 21 were identified with peptide mass fingerprinting using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry after tryptic in-gel digestion. These proteins exhibited various cellular functions, including (i) translation; (ii) transcription; (iii) signal transduction; (iv) post-translational modification, protein turnover, chaperones; (v) carbohydrate transport and metabolism; (vi) energy production and conversion; (vii) nucleotide transport and metabolism; (viii) inorganic ion transport and metabolism; (ix) DNA replication, recombination and repair; and (x) yet unknown. Most of the proteins have not previously been reported to be relevant to radioresistance.

Lithopanspermia in star-forming clusters

This paper considers the lithopanspermia hypothesis in star-forming groups and clusters, where the chances of biological material spreading from one solar system to another is greatly enhanced (relative to action in the field) because of the close proximity of the systems and lower relative velocities. These effects more than compensate for the reduced time spent in such crowded environments. This paper uses approximately 300,000 Monte Carlo scattering calculations to determine the cross sections <sigma(cap)> for rocks to be captured by binaries and provides fitting formulae for other applications. We assess the odds of transfer as a function of the ejection speed v (eject) and number N(.) of members in the birth aggregate. The odds of any given ejected meteoroid being recaptured by another solar system are relatively low, about 1:10(3)-10(6) over the expected range of ejection speeds and cluster sizes. Because the number of ejected rocks (with mass m > 10 kg) per system can be large, N (R) approximately 10(16), virtually all solar systems are likely to share rocky ejecta with all of the other solar systems in their birth cluster. The number of ejected rocks that carry living microorganisms is much smaller and less certain, but we estimate that N (B) approximately 10(7) rocks can be ejected from a biologically active solar system. For typical birth environments, the capture of life-bearing rocks is expected to occur N (bio) asymptotically equal to 10-16,000 times (per cluster), depending on the ejection speeds. Only a small fraction (f (imp) approximately 10(4)) of the captured rocks impact the surfaces of terrestrial planets, so that N (lps) asymptotically equal to 10(3)-1.6 lithopanspermia events are expected per cluster (under favorable conditions). Finally, we discuss the question of internal versus external seeding of clusters and the possibility of Earth seeding young clusters over its biologically active lifetime.

HspR is a global negative regulator of heat shock gene expression in Deinococcus radiodurans

The HspR protein functions as a negative regulator of chaperone and protease gene expression in a diversity of bacteria. Here we have identified, cloned and deleted the Deinococcus radiodurans HspR homologue, DR0934. Delta hspR mutants exhibit moderate growth defects when shifted to mild heat shock temperatures, but are severely impaired for survival at 48 degrees C. Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and global transcriptional analysis, we have identified 14 genes that are derepressed in the absence of stress in the delta hspR background, 11 of which encode predicted chaperones and proteases, including dnaKJgrpE, ftsH, lonB, hsp20 and clpB. Promoter mapping indicated that the transcription of these genes initiates from a promoter bearing a sigma70-type consensus, and that putative HspR binding sites (HAIR) were present in the 5'-untranslated regions. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that HspR binds to these promoters at the HAIR site in vitro. These results strongly suggest that DR0934 encodes the HspR-like global negative regulator of D. radiodurans that directly represses chaperone and protease gene expression by binding to the HAIR site in close proximity to promoter regions.

Global transcriptional and proteomic analysis of the Sig1 heat shock regulon of Deinococcus radiodurans

The sig1 gene, predicted to encode an extracytoplasmic function-type heat shock sigma factor of Deinococcus radiodurans, has been shown to play a central role in the positive regulation of the heat shock operons groESL and dnaKJ. To determine if Sig1 is required for the regulation of additional heat shock genes, we monitored the global transcriptional and proteomic profiles of a D. radiodurans R1 sig1 mutant and wild-type cells in response to elevated temperature stress. Thirty-one gene products were identified that showed heat shock induction in the wild type but not in the sig1 mutant. Quantitative real-time PCR experiments verified the transcriptional requirement of Sig1 for the heat shock induction of the mRNA of five of these genes-dnaK, groES, DR1314, pspA, and hsp20. hsp20 appears to encode a new member of the small heat shock protein superfamily, DR1314 is predicted to encode a hypothetical protein with no recognizable orthologs, and pspA is predicted to encode a protein involved in maintenance of membrane integrity. Deletion mutation analysis demonstrated the importance in heat shock protection of hsp20 and DR1314. The promoters of dnaKJE, groESL, DR1314, pspA, and hsp20 were mapped and, combined with computer-based pattern searches of the upstream regions of the 26 other Sig1 regulon members, these results suggested that Sig1 might recognize both sigma70-type and sigma(W)-type promoter consensus sequences. These results expand the D. radiodurans Sig1 heat shock regulon to include 31 potential new members, including not only factors with cytoplasmic functions, such as groES and dnaK, but also those with extracytoplasmic functions, like pspA.

Differential DNA binding and protection by dimeric and dodecameric forms of the ferritin homolog Dps from Deinococcus radiodurans

Bacterial iron storage proteins such as ferritin serve as intracellular iron reserves. Members of the DNA protection during starvation (Dps) family of proteins are structurally related to ferritins, and their function is to protect the genome from iron-induced free radical damage. Some members of the Dps family bind DNA and are thought to do so only as fully assembled dodecamers. We present the cloning and characterization of a Dps homolog encoded by the radiation-resistant eubacterium Deinococcus radiodurans and show that DNA binding does not require its assembly into a dodecamer. D.radiodurans Dps-1, the product of gene DR2263, adopts a stably folded conformation, as demonstrated by circular dichroism spectroscopy, and undergoes a transition to a disordered state with a melting temperature of 69.2(+/-0.1) degrees C. While a dimeric form of Dps-1 is observed under low-salt conditions, a dodecameric assembly is highly favored at higher concentrations of salt. Both oligomeric forms of Dps-1 exhibit ferroxidase activity, and Fe(II) oxidation/mineralization is seen for dodecameric Dps-1. Notably, addition of Ca(2+) (to millimolar concentrations) to dodecameric Dps-1 can result in the reduction of bound Fe(III). Dimeric Dps-1 protects DNA from both hydroxyl radical cleavage and from DNase I-mediated cleavage; however, dodecameric Dps-1 is unable to provide efficient protection against hydroxyl radical-mediated DNA cleavage. While dodecameric Dps-1 does bind DNA, resulting in formation of large aggregates, cooperative DNA binding by dimeric Dps-1 leads to formation of protein-DNA complexes of finite stoichiometry.

Analysis of Deinococcus radiodurans's transcriptional response to ionizing radiation and desiccation reveals novel proteins that contribute to extreme radioresistance

During the first hour after a sublethal dose of ionizing radiation, 72 genes were upregulated threefold or higher in D. radiodurans R1. Thirty-three of these loci were also among a set of 73 genes expressed in R1 cultures recovering from desiccation. The five transcripts most highly induced in response to each stress are the same and encode proteins of unknown function. The genes (ddrA, ddrB, ddrC, ddrD, and pprA) corresponding to these transcripts were deleted, both alone and in all possible two-way combinations. Characterization of the mutant strains defines three epistasis groups that reflect different cellular responses to ionizing radiation-induced damage. The ddrA and ddrB gene products have complementary activities and inactivating both loci generates a strain that is more sensitive to ionizing radiation than strains in which either single gene has been deleted. These proteins appear to mediate efficient RecA-independent processes connected to ionizing radiation resistance. The pprA gene product is not necessary for homologous recombination during natural transformation, but nevertheless may participate in a RecA-dependent process during recovery from radiation damage. These characterizations clearly demonstrate that novel mechanisms significantly contribute to the ionizing radiation resistance in D. radiodurans.

A ring-like nucleoid is not necessary for radioresistance in the Deinococcaceae

Background

Transmission electron microscopy images of Deinococcus radiodurans R1 suggest that the nucleoid of this species exists as a "ring-like" body, and have led to speculation that this structure contributes to the radioresistance of the species. Since extreme radioresistance is characteristic of six other species of Deinococcus, we have attempted to correlate nucleoid morphology and radioresistance by determining whether the genomic DNA of each of these species exhibit similar structures.

Results

The nucleoid morphologies of seven recognized species of Deinococcus, the radioresistant bacterium Rubrobacter radiotolerans, and the more radiosensitive deinococcal relative Thermus aquaticus were evaluated using epifluorescence and deconvolution techniques. Although the nucleoids of Deinococcus murrayi, Deinococcus proteolyticus, Deinococcus radiophilus, and Deinococcus grandis have structures similar to D. radiodurans, the majority of nucleoids found in Deinococcus radiopugnans and Deinococcus geothermalis lack any specific organization. The nucleoid of R. radiotolerans consists of multiple highly condensed spheres of DNA scattered throughout the cell. The genomic DNA of Thermus aquaticus is uniformly distributed throughout the cell.

Conclusion

There is no obvious relationship between the shape of a species' nucleoid and extreme radioresistance. However, the genomes of all extremely radioresistance species examined are highly condensed relative to more radiosensitive species. Whether DNA in this tightly packed configuration contributes to the radioresistance of these bacteria remains unknown, but this common structural feature appears to limit diffusion of fragments generated post-irradiation even in cells incapable of repairing strand breaks.

Crystal structure and DNA-binding analysis of RecO from Deinococcus radiodurans

The RecFOR pathway has been shown to be essential for DNA repair through the process of homologous recombination in bacteria and, recently, to be important in the recovery of stalled replication forks following UV irradiation. RecO, along with RecR, RecF, RecQ and RecJ, is a principal actor in this fundamental DNA repair pathway. Here we present the three-dimensional structure of a member of the RecO family. The crystal structure of Deinococcus radiodurans RecO (drRecO) reveals possible binding sites for DNA and for the RecO-binding proteins within its three discrete structural regions: an N-terminal oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding domain, a helical bundle and a zinc-finger motif. Furthermore, drRecO was found to form a stable complex with RecR and to bind both single- and double-stranded DNA. Mutational analysis confirmed the existence of multiple DNA-binding sites within the protein.

Crystal structure of RecA from Deinococcus radiodurans: insights into the structural basis of extreme radioresistance

The resistance of Deinococcus radiodurans (Dr) to extreme doses of ionizing radiation depends on its highly efficient capacity to repair dsDNA breaks. Dr RecA, the key protein in the repair of dsDNA breaks by homologous recombination, promotes DNA strand-exchange by an unprecedented inverse pathway, in which the presynaptic filament is formed on dsDNA instead of ssDNA. In order to gain insight into the remarkable repair capacity of Dr and the novel mechanistic features of its RecA protein, we have determined its X-ray crystal structure in complex with ATPgammaS at 2.5A resolution. Like RecA from Escherichia coli, Dr RecA crystallizes as a helical filament that is closely related to its biologically relevant form, but with a more compressed pitch of 67 A. Although the overall fold of Dr RecA is similar to E.coli RecA, there is a large reorientation of the C-terminal domain, which in E.coli RecA has a site for binding dsDNA. Compared to E.coli RecA, the inner surface along the central axis of the Dr RecA filament has an increased positive electrostatic potential. Unique amino acid residues in Dr RecA cluster around a flexible beta-hairpin that has also been implicated in DNA binding.

Actinide and metal toxicity to prospective bioremediation bacteria

Bacteria may be beneficial for alleviating actinide contaminant migration through processes such as bioaccumulation or metal reduction. However, sites with radioactive contamination often contain multiple additional contaminants, including metals and organic chelators. Bacteria-based bioremediation requires that the microorganism functions in the presence of the target contaminant, as well as other contaminants. Here, we evaluate the toxicity of actinides, metals and chelators to two different bacteria proposed for use in radionuclide bioremediation, Deinococcus radiodurans and Pseudomonas putida, and the toxicity of Pu(VI) to Shewanella putrefaciens. Growth of D. radiodurans was inhibited at metal concentrations ranging from 1.8 microM Cd(II) to 32 mM Fe(III). Growth of P. putida was inhibited at metal concentrations ranging from 50 microM Ni(II) to 240 mM Fe(III). Actinides inhibited growth at mM concentrations: chelated Pu(IV), U(VI) and Np(V) inhibit D. radiodurans growth at 5.2, 2.5 and 2.1 mM respectively. Chelated U(VI) inhibits P. putida growth at 1.7 mM, while 3.6 mM chelated Pu(IV) inhibits growth only slightly. Pu(VI) inhibits S. putrefaciens growth at 6 mM. These results indicate that actinide toxicity is primarily chemical (not radiological), and that radiation resistance does not ensure radionuclide tolerance. This study also shows that Pu is less toxic than U and that actinides are less toxic than other types of metals, which suggests that actinide toxicity will not impede bioremediation using naturally occurring bacteria.

PprA: a novel protein from Deinococcus radiodurans that stimulates DNA ligation

The extraordinary radiation resistance of Deinococcus radiodurans results from the efficient capacity of the bacterium to repair DNA double-strand breaks. By analysing the DNA damage repair-deficient mutant, KH311, a unique radiation-inducible gene (designated pprA) responsible for loss of radiation resistance was identified. Investigations in vitro showed that the gene product of pprA (PprA) preferentially bound to double-stranded DNA carrying strand breaks, inhibited Escherichia coli exonuclease III activity, and stimulated the DNA end-joining reaction catalysed by ATP-dependent and NAD-dependent DNA ligases. These results suggest that D. radiodurans has a radiation-induced non-homologous end-joining repair mechanism in which PprA plays a critical role.

An unusual tryptophanyl tRNA synthetase interacts with nitric oxide synthase in Deinococcus radiodurans

In mammals, nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) produce nitric oxide for signaling and defense functions; in Streptomyces, NOS proteins nitrate a tryptophanyl moiety in synthesis of a phytotoxin. We have discovered that the NOS protein from the radiation-resistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans (deiNOS) associates with an unusual tryptophanyl tRNA synthetase (TrpRS). D. radiodurans contains genes for two TrpRSs: the first has approximately 40% sequence identity to typical TrpRSs, whereas the second, identified as the NOS-interacting protein (TrpRS II), has only approximately 29% identity. TrpRS II is induced after radiation damage and contains an N-terminal extension similar to those of proteins involved in stress responses. Recombinantly expressed TrpRS II binds tryptophan (Trp), ATP, and D. radiodurans tRNA(Trp) and catalyzes the formation of 5' adenyl-Trp and tRNA(Trp), with approximately five times less activity than TrpRS I. Upon coexpression in Escherichia coli, TrpRS II binds to, copurifies with, and dramatically enhances the solubility of deiNOS. Dimeric TrpRS II binds dimeric deiNOS with a stoichiometry of 1:1 and a dissociation constant of 6-30 muM. Upon forming a complex, deiNOS quenches the fluorescence of an ATP analog bound to TrpRS II, and increases its affinity for substrate l-arginine. Remarkably, TrpRS II also activates the NOS activity of deiNOS. These findings reveal a link between bacterial NOS and Trp metabolism in a second organism and may indicate yet another novel biological function for bacterial NOS.

Developing a genetic system in Deinococcus radiodurans for analyzing mutations

We have applied a genetic system for analyzing mutations in Escherichia coli to Deinococcus radiodurans, an extremeophile with an astonishingly high resistance to UV- and ionizing-radiation-induced mutagenesis. Taking advantage of the conservation of the beta-subunit of RNA polymerase among most prokaryotes, we derived again in D. radiodurans the rpoB/Rif(r) system that we developed in E. coli to monitor base substitutions, defining 33 base change substitutions at 22 different base pairs. We sequenced >250 mutations leading to Rif(r) in D. radiodurans derived spontaneously in wild-type and uvrD (mismatch-repair-deficient) backgrounds and after treatment with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG) and 5-azacytidine (5AZ). The specificities of NTG and 5AZ in D. radiodurans are the same as those found for E. coli and other organisms. There are prominent base substitution hotspots in rpoB in both D. radiodurans and E. coli. In several cases these are at different points in each organism, even though the DNA sequences surrounding the hotspots and their corresponding sites are very similar in both D. radiodurans and E. coli. In one case the hotspots occur at the same site in both organisms.

DNA-repair potential of Halomonas spp. from the Salt Plains Microbial Observatory of Oklahoma

The Great Salt Plains (GSP), an unvegetated, barren salt flat that is part of the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge near Cherokee, Oklahoma, is the site of the Salt Plains Microbial Observatory. At the GSP the briny remains of an ancient sea rise to the surface, evaporate under dry conditions, and leave crusts of white salt. Adaptation to this environment requires development of coping mechanisms providing tolerance to desiccating conditions due to the high salinity, extreme temperatures, alkaline pH, unrelenting exposure to solar UV radiation, and prevailing winds. Several lines of evidence suggest that the same DNA repair mechanisms that are usually associated with UV light or chemically induced DNA damage are also important in protecting microbes from desiccation. Because little is known about the DNA repair capacity of microorganisms from hypersaline terrestrial environments, we explored the DNA repair capacity of microbial isolates from the GSP. We used survival following exposure to UV light as a convenient tool to assess DNA repair capacity. Two species of Halomonas (H. salina and H. venusta) that have been isolated repeatedly from the GSP were chosen for analysis. The survival profiles were compared to those of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Halomonas spp. from aquatic saline environments. Survival of GSP organisms exceeded that of the freshwater organism P. aeruginosa, although they survived no better than E. coli. The GSP isolates were much more resistance to killing by UV than were the aquatic species of Halomonas reported in the literature [Martin et al. (2000) Can J Microbiol 46:180-187]. Unlike E. coli, the GSP isolates did not appear to have an inducible, error-prone repair mechanism. However, they demonstrated high levels of spontaneous mutation.

Halotolerant aerobic heterotrophic bacteria from the Great Salt Plains of Oklahoma

The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge (SPNWR) near Cherokee, Oklahoma, contains a barren salt flat where Permian brine rises to the surface and evaporates under dry conditions to leave a crust of white salt. Rainfall events dissolve the salt crust and create ephemeral streams and ponds. The rapidly changing salinity and high surface temperatures, salinity, and UV exposure make this an extreme environment. The Salt Plains Microbial Observatory (SPMO) examined the soil microbial community of this habitat using classic enrichment and isolation techniques and phylogenetic rDNA studies. Rich growth media have been emphasized that differ in total salt concentration and composition. Aerobic heterotrophic enrichments were performed under a variety of conditions. Heterotrophic enrichments and dilution plates have generated 105 bacterial isolates, representing 46 phylotypes. The bacterial isolates have been characterized phenotypically and subjected to rDNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Fast-growing isolates obtained from enrichments with 10% salt are predominantly from the gamma subgroup of the Proteobacteria and from the low GC Gram-positive cluster. Several different areas on the salt flats have yielded a variety of isolates from the Gram-negative genera Halomonas, Idiomarina, Salinivibrio, and Bacteroidetes. Gram-positive bacteria are well represented in the culture collection including members of the Bacillus, Salibacillus, Oceanobacillus, and Halobacillus.

Mismatch repair ensures fidelity of replication and recombination in the radioresistant organism Deinococcus radiodurans

We have characterized the mismatch repair system (MMR) of the highly radiation-resistant type strain of Deinococcus radiodurans, ATCC 13939. We show that the MMR system is functional in this organism, where it participates in ensuring the fidelity of DNA replication and recombination. The system relies on the activity of two key proteins, MutS1 and MutL, which constitute a conserved core involved in mismatch recognition. Inactivation of MutS1 or MutL resulted in a seven-fold increase in the frequency of spontaneous RifR mutagenesis and a ten-fold increase in the efficiency of integration of a donor point-mutation marker during bacterial transformation. Inactivation of the mismatch repair-associated UvrD helicase increased the level of spontaneous mutagenesis, but had no effect on marker integration--suggesting that binding of MutS1 and MutL proteins to a mismatched heteroduplex suffices to inhibit recombination between non identical (homeologous) DNAs. In contrast, inactivation of MutS2, encoded by the second mutS -related gene present in D. radiodurans, had no effect on mutagenesis or recombination. Cells devoid of MutS1 or MutL proteins were as resistant to gamma-rays, mitomycin C and UV-irradiation as wild-type bacteria, suggesting that the mismatch repair system is not essential for the reconstitution of a functional genome after DNA damage.

Vectors for regulated gene expression in the radioresistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans

Deinococcus radiodurans possesses an exceptional capacity to withstand the lethal and mutagenic effects of most form of DNA damage and has received considerable interest for use in both fundamental and applied research. Here we describe vectors that allow regulated expression of Deinococcal genes for functional analysis. The vectors contain the IPTG-regulated Spac system (Pspac promoter and lacI repressor gene), originally designed for Bacillus subtilis, that we have adapted to be functional in D. radiodurans. We show that the Spac system can control the expression of a lacZ reporter gene over two orders of magnitude depending on the inducer concentration and the copy number of the lacI regulatory gene. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the Spac system can be used to regulate the synthesis of a critical repair protein, such as RecA, resulting in a conditional mitomycin-resistant cell phenotype. We have also developed tools for the construction of conditional mutants where the expression of the target gene is regulated by an inducible promoter. The utility of these conditional gene inactivation systems is exemplified by the conditional lethal phenotype of a mutant expressing gyrA from the Pspac promoter.

DNA helicase activity of the RecD protein from Deinococcus radiodurans

The bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans is extremely resistant to high levels of DNA-damaging agents, including gamma rays and ultraviolet light that can lead to double-stranded DNA breaks. Surprisingly, the organism does not appear to have a RecBCD enzyme, an enzyme that is critical for double-strand break repair in many other bacteria. The D. radiodurans genome does encode a protein whose closest characterized homologues are RecD subunits of RecBCD enzymes in other bacteria. We have purified this novel D. radiodurans RecD protein and characterized its biochemical activities. The D. radiodurans RecD protein is a DNA helicase that unwinds short (20 base pairs) DNA duplexes with either a 5'-single-stranded tail or a forked end, but not blunt-ended or 3'-tailed duplexes. Duplexes with 10-12 nucleotide (nt) 5'-tails are good unwinding substrates and are bound tightly, while DNA with shorter tails (4-8 nt) are poor unwinding substrates and are bound much less tightly. The RecD protein is much less efficient at unwinding slightly longer substrates (52 or 76 base pairs, with 12 nt 5'-tails). Unwinding of the longer substrates is stimulated somewhat (4-5-fold) by the single-stranded DNA-binding protein from D. radiodurans. These results show that the D. radiodurans RecD protein is a DNA helicase with 5'-3' polarity and low processivity.

Characterization and distribution of IS8301 in the radioresistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans

The insertion sequence element IS8301 isolated from the radiation resistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans strain KD8301 was characterized. IS8301 is comprised of 1,736-bp, lacks terminal inverted repeats and does not duplicate target DNA upon its insertion. The amino acid sequence homology of two open reading frames encoded in IS8301 indicates that this insertion sequence element belongs to the IS200/IS605 group. There were seven loci completely identical with the IS8301 sequence in the published D. radiodurans R(1) genome sequence. The genome distribution profiles of IS8301 in strain KD8301 as well as in the three different laboratory isolates (KR(1), MR(1), and R(1)) of wild-type D. radiodurans were investigated using genomic hybridization analysis. At least 21 strong hybridization signals were detected in strain KD8301 while only one hybridization signal was detected in strain KR(1), the parent strain of KD8301. In strain MR1, a different wild-type isolate, six strong hybridization signals were detected. In spite of the identification of seven copies of IS8301 in the published D. radiodurans R(1) genome sequence, only one hybridization signal was detected in strain R(1) purchased from American Type Culture Collection. Using inverse PCR and sequencing analyses, total 13 different insertion loci of IS8301 in the D. radiodurans genome were identified. Sequence comparison of the flanking region of insertion sites indicated that the sequence 5'-TTGAT-3' preceded the left end of IS8301 in all cases.

Involvement of an X family DNA polymerase in double-stranded break repair in the radioresistant organism Deinococcus radiodurans

DNA polymerases of the X family have been implicated in a variety of DNA repair processes in eukaryotes. Here we show that Deinococcus radiodurans, a highly radioresistant bacterium able to mend hundreds of radiation-induced double-stranded DNA breaks, expresses a DNA polymerase belonging to the X family. This novel bacterial polymerase, named PolX(Dr), was identified as the product of the Deinococcal DR0467 gene. The purified PolX(Dr) protein possesses a DNA polymerase activity that is stimulated by MnCl2, a property of the X family DNA polymerases. Antibodies raised against PolX(Dr) recognized human pol lambda, rat pol beta and yeast Pol4 and, conversely, antibodies raised against these proteins recognized PolX(Dr). This immunological cross-reactivity suggests a high degree of structural conservation among the polymerases of the X family. Lack of PolX(Dr) reduced the rate of repair of double-stranded DNA breaks and increased cell sensitivity to gamma-rays. PolX(Dr) thus appears to play an important role in double-stranded DNA break repair in D. radiodurans.

Protein recycling is a major component of post-irradiation recovery in Deinococcus radiodurans strain R1

Exposure to 6kGy dose of (60)Co gamma-rays resulted in immediate growth arrest, followed by complete recovery of Deinococcus radiodurans strain R1 cells. Selective degradation and resynthesis of several predicted highly expressed proteins (including major chaperones, key TCA cycle enzymes, and few stress proteins) and several hypothetical proteins marked the lag period, preceding resumption of growth. A major exercise in protein recycling appears to be an integral component of post-irradiation recovery in D. radiodurans and complements the extensive DNA repair, characteristic of this extremely radioresistant bacterium.

Field study on changes in viability of airborne fungal propagules exposed to UV radiation

The responses of airborne fungi to UV-B under natural conditions were investigated at the coastal station in Preila, Lithuania. Results of this investigation demonstrated that solar radiation has a marked lethal effect on outdoor airborne fungi. Sensitivity to solar radiation was the highest for the fungal propagules collected late in the evening (relative recovery 6.2%) and early morning (25.3%). The lowest sensitivity to solar radiation was observed for fungal propagules collected at midday (50.0%) and in the afternoon (53.0%). The reason for the lethal effect is thought to be elimination of the sensitive fraction of the night-time fungal populations as solar radiation gradually increases beginning at dawn. Among 356 fungus strains isolated during the investigations, 128 can be characterized as potential pathogens, and 21 strains among those most common in fungal populations belonging to plant, animal, and human pathogen groups. The collected fungal populations were exposed to solar UV-B irradiation for 2 h (from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.). Fungal communities in the air samples were composed of saprotrophs, some of which are regarded as potential phytopathogens (Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Fusarium) or as entomopathogens (Beauveria, Paecilomyces, and Metarhizium). The airborne fungal species identified after exposure to solar radiation were predominantly: Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Arthrinium phaerosporum, and dematiaceous sterile mycelium.

Solution structure of hypothetical Nudix hydrolase DR0079 from extremely radiation-resistant Deinococcus radiodurans bacterium

Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) based methods, including residual dipolar coupling restraints, we have determined the solution structure of the hypothetical Deinococcus radiodurans Nudix protein DR0079 (171 residues, MW = 19.3 kDa). The protein contains eight beta-strands and three alpha-helices organized into three subdomains: an N-terminal beta-sheet (1-34), a central Nudix core (35-140), and a C-terminal helix-turn-helix (141-171). The Nudix core and the C-terminal helix-turn-helix form the fundamental fold common to the Nudix family, a large mixed beta-sheet sandwiched between alpha-helices. The residues that compose the signature Nudix sequence, GX5EX7REUXEEXGU (where U = I, L, or V and X = any amino acid), are contained in a turn-helix-turn motif on the face of the mixed beta-sheet. Chemical shift mapping experiments suggest that DR0079 binds Mg2+. Experiments designed to determine the biological function of the protein indicate that it is not a type I isopentenyl-diphosphate delta-isomerase and that it does not bind alpha,beta-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate (AMPCPP) or guanosine 5'-[beta,gamma-imido]triphosphate (GMPPNP). In this article, the structure of DR0079 is compared to other known Nudix protein structures, a potential substrate-binding surface is proposed, and its possible biological function is discussed.

Distinctive protein signatures provide molecular markers and evidence for the monophyletic nature of the deinococcus-thermus phylum

The Deinococcus-Thermus group of species is currently recognized as a distinct phylum solely on the basis of their branching in 16S rRNA trees. No unique biochemical or molecular characteristics that can distinguish this group from all other bacteria are known at present. In this work, we describe eight conserved indels (viz., inserts or deletions) in seven widely distributed proteins that are distinctive characteristics of the Deinococcus-Thermus phylum but are not found in any other group of bacteria. The identified signatures include a 7-amino-acid (aa) insert in threonyl-tRNA synthetase, 1- and 3-aa inserts in the RNA polymerase beta' subunit, a 5-aa deletion in signal recognition particle (Ffh/SR54), a 2-aa insert in major sigma factor 70 (sigma70), a 2-aa insert in seryl-tRNA synthetase (SerRS), a 1-aa insert in ribosomal protein L1, and a 2-aa insert in UvrA homologs. By using PCR primers for conserved regions, fragments of these genes were amplified from a number of Deinococcus-Thermus species, and all such fragments (except SerRS in Deinococcus proteolyticus) were found to contain the indicated signatures. The presence of these signatures in various species from all three known genera within this phylum, viz., Deinococcus, Thermus, and Meiothermus, provide evidence that they are likely distinctive characteristics of the entire phylum which were introduced in a common ancestor of this group. The signature in SerRS, which is absent in D. proteolyticus, was likely introduced after the branching of this species. Phylogenetic studies as well as the nature of the inserts in some of these proteins (viz., sigma70 and SerRS) also support a sister group relationship between the Thermus and the Meiothermus genera. The identified signatures provide strong evidence for the monophyletic nature of the Deinococcus-Thermus phylum. These molecular markers should prove very useful in the identification of new species related to this group.

Extremophiles and their application to veterinary medicine

Extremophiles are organisms that can grow and thrive in harsh conditions, e.g., extremes of temperature, pH, salinity, radiation, pressure and oxygen tension. Thermophilic, halophilic and radiation-resistant organisms are all microbes, some of which are able to withstand multiple extremes. Psychrophiles, or cold-loving organisms, include not only microbes, but fish that live in polar waters and animals that can withstand freezing. Extremophiles are structurally adapted at a molecular level to withstand these conditions. Thermophiles have particularly stable proteins and cell membranes, psychrophiles have flexible cellular proteins and membranes and/or antifreeze proteins, salt-resistant halophiles contain compatible solutes or high concentrations of inorganic ions, and acidophiles and alkaliphiles are able to pump ions to keep their internal pH close to neutrality. Their interest to veterinary medicine resides in their capacity to be pathogenic, and as sources of enzymes and other molecules for diagnostic and pharmaceutical purposes. In particular, thermostable DNA polymerases are a mainstay of PCR-based diagnostics.

Crystal structure of the Deinococcus radiodurans single-stranded DNA-binding protein suggests a mechanism for coping with DNA damage

Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding (SSB) proteins are uniformly required to bind and protect single-stranded intermediates in DNA metabolic pathways. All bacterial and eukaryotic SSB proteins studied to date oligomerize to assemble four copies of a conserved domain, called an oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding (OB) fold, that cooperate in nonspecific ssDNA binding. The vast majority of bacterial SSB family members function as homotetramers, with each monomer contributing a single OB fold. However, SSB proteins from the Deinococcus-Thermus genera are exceptions to this rule, because they contain two OB folds per monomer. To investigate the structural consequences of this unusual arrangement, we have determined a 1.8-A-resolution x-ray structure of Deinococcus radiodurans SSB. The structure shows that D. radiodurans SSB comprises two OB domains linked by a beta-hairpin motif. The protein assembles a four-OB-fold arrangement by means of symmetric dimerization. In contrast to homotetrameric SSB proteins, asymmetry exists between the two OB folds of D. radiodurans SSB because of sequence differences between the domains. These differences appear to reflect specialized roles that have evolved for each domain. Extensive crystallographic contacts link D. radiodurans SSB dimers in an arrangement that has important implications for higher-order structures of the protein bound to ssDNA. This assembly utilizes the N-terminal OB domain and the beta-hairpin structure that is unique to Deinococcus and Thermus species SSB proteins. We hypothesize that differences between D. radiodurans SSB and homotetrameric bacterial SSB proteins may confer a selective advantage to D. radiodurans cells that aids viability in environments that challenge genomic stability.

Characterization of a nudix hydrolase from Deinococcus radiodurans with a marked specificity for (deoxy)ribonucleoside 5'-diphosphates

BACKGROUND

Nudix hydrolases form a protein family whose function is to hydrolyse intracellular nucleotides and so regulate their levels and eliminate potentially toxic derivatives. The genome of the radioresistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans encodes 25 nudix hydrolases, an unexpectedly large number. These may contribute to radioresistance by removing mutagenic oxidised and otherwise damaged nucleotides. Characterisation of these hydrolases is necessary to understand the reason for their presence. Here, we report the cloning and characterisation of the DR0975 gene product, a nudix hydrolase that appears to be unique to this organism.

RESULTS

The DR0975 gene was cloned and expressed as a 20 kDa histidine-tagged recombinant product in Escherichia coli. Substrate analysis of the purified enzyme showed it to act primarily as a phosphatase with a marked preference for (deoxy)nucleoside 5'-diphosphates (dGDP > ADP > dADP > GDP > dTDP > UDP > dCDP > CDP). Km for dGDP was 110 microM and kcat was 0.18 s-1 under optimal assay conditions (pH 9.4, 7.5 mM Mg2+). 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-diphosphate (8-OH-dGDP) was also a substrate with a Km of 170 microM and kcat of 0.13 s-1. Thus, DR0975 showed no preference for 8-OH-dGDP over dGDP. Limited pyrophosphatase activity was also observed with NADH and some (di)adenosine polyphosphates but no other substrates. Expression of the DR0975 gene was undetectable in logarithmic phase cells but was induced at least 30-fold in stationary phase. Superoxide, but not peroxide, stress and slow, but not rapid, dehydration both caused a slight induction of the DR0975 gene.

CONCLUSION

Nucleotide substrates for nudix hydrolases conform to the structure NDP-X, where X can be one of several moieties. Thus, a preference for (d)NDPs themselves is most unusual. The lack of preference for 8-OH-dGDP over dGDP as a substrate combined with the induction in stationary phase, but not by peroxide or superoxide, suggests that the function of DR09075 may be to assist in the recycling of nucleotides under the very different metabolic requirements of stationary phase. Thus, if DR0975 does contribute to radiation resistance, this contribution may be indirect.

The structure of the organic hydroperoxide resistance protein from Deinococcus radiodurans. Do conformational changes facilitate recycling of the redox disulfide?

The three-dimensional structure of the organic hydroperoxide resistance protein (OHRP) from Deinococcus radiodurans as determined using single crystal xray diffraction techniques is reported. Comparison of the structure with that obtained for OHRP from Pseudomonas aeruginosa reveals that the polypeptide chain of OHRPs can adopt two significantly different conformations ("in" and "out") in the region of the active site disulfide moiety. It is postulated that the closed configuration is consistent with efficient catalysis of the reduction of organic hydroperoxides, whereas the open form is required for enzyme recycling. Comparison of the structures of OHRP and that of the osmotically induced protein C (OsmC) from Mycoplasma pneumoniae shows that OHRPs and OsmCs are structurally homologous, perhaps indicating related functions for the two families of proteins.

Histone-like Protein HU from Deinococcus radiodurans Binds Preferentially to Four-way DNA Junctions

The histone-like protein HU from Escherichia coli is involved in DNA compaction and in processes such as DNA repair and recombination. Its participation in these events is reflected in its ability to bend DNA and in its preferred binding to DNA junctions and DNA with single-strand breaks. Deinococcus radiodurans is unique in its ability to reconstitute its genome from double strand breaks incurred after exposure to ionizing radiation. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), we show that D.radiodurans HU (DrHU) binds preferentially only to DNA junctions, with half-maximal saturation of 18 nM. In distinct contrast to E.coli HU, DrHU does not exhibit a marked preference for DNA with nicks or gaps compared to perfect duplex DNA, nor is it able to mediate circularization of linear duplex DNA. These unexpected properties identify DrHU as the first member of the HU protein family not to serve an architectural role and point to its potential participation in DNA recombination events. Our data also point to a mechanism whereby differential target site selection by HU proteins is achieved and suggest that the substrate specificity of HU proteins should be expected to vary as a consequence of their individual capacity for inducing the required DNA bend.

Thermococcus marinus sp. nov. and Thermococcus radiotolerans sp. nov., two hyperthermophilic archaea from deep-sea hydrothermal vents that resist ionizing radiation

Enrichments for anaerobic, organotrophic hyperthermophiles were performed with hydrothermal chimney samples collected from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at a depth of 3,550 m (23 degrees 22'N, 44 degrees 57'W) and the Guaymas Basin (27 degrees 01'N, 111 degrees 24'W) at a depth of 2,616 m. Positive enrichments were submitted to gamma-irradiation at doses of 20 and 30 kGy. Two hyperthermophilic, anaerobic, sulfur-metabolizing archaea were isolated. Strain EJ1T was isolated from chimney samples collected from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge after gamma-irradiation at 20 kGy, and strain EJ2T was isolated from the Guaymas Basin after gamma-irradiation at 30 kGy. Only strain EJ2T was motile, and both formed regular cocci. These new strains grew between 55 and 95 degrees C with the optimal temperature being 88 degrees C. The optimal pH for growth was 6.0, and the optimal NaCl concentration for growth was around 20 g l(-1). These strains were obligate anaerobic heterotrophs that utilized yeast extract, tryptone, and peptone as a carbon source for growth. Ten amino acids were essential for the growth of strain EJ1), such as arginine, aspartic acid, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, threonine, tyrosine, and valine, while strain EJ2T was unable to grow on a mixture of amino acids. Elemental sulfur or cystine was required for EJ2T growth and was reduced to hydrogen sulfide. Rifampicin inhibited growth for both strains EJ1T and EJ2T. The G + C contents of the genomic DNA were 52.3 and 54.5 mol% for EJ1T and EJ2T, respectively. As determined by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, these strains were more closely related to Thermococcus gorgonarius, T. celer, T. guaymasensis, T. profundus, and T. hydrothermalis. However, no significant homology was observed between them with DNA-DNA hybridization. These novel organisms also possess phenotypic traits that differ from those of its closest phylogenetic relatives. Therefore, it is proposed that these isolates, which are amongst the most radioresistant hyperthermophilic archaea known to date with T. gammatolerans (Jolivet et al. 2003a), should be described as novel species T. marinus sp. nov. and T. radiotolerans sp. nov. The type strain of T. marinus is strain EJ1T (= DSM 15227T = JCM 11825T) and the type strain of T. radiotolerans is strain EJ2T (= DSM 15228T = JCM 11826T).

Developing a Genetic System in Deinococcus radiodurans for Analyzing Mutations

We have applied a genetic system for analyzing mutations in Escherichia coli to Deinococcus radiodurans, an extremeophile with an astonishingly high resistance to UV- and ionizing-radiation-induced mutagenesis. Taking advantage of the conservation of the β-subunit of RNA polymerase among most prokaryotes, we derived again in D. radiodurans the rpoB/Rif r system that we developed in E. coli to monitor base substitutions, defining 33 base change substitutions at 22 different base pairs. We sequenced &gt;250 mutations leading to Rif r in D. radiodurans derived spontaneously in wild-type and uvrD (mismatch-repair-deficient) backgrounds and after treatment with N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG) and 5-azacytidine (5AZ). The specificities of NTG and 5AZ in D. radiodurans are the same as those found for E. coli and other organisms. There are prominent base substitution hotspots in rpoB in both D. radiodurans and E. coli. In several cases these are at different points in each organism, even though the DNA sequences surrounding the hotspots and their corresponding sites are very similar in both D. radiodurans and E. coli. In one case the hotspots occur at the same site in both organisms.

The single-stranded DNA-binding protein of Deinococcus radiodurans

Background

Deinococcus radiodurans R1 is one of the most radiation-resistant organisms known and is able to repair an unusually large amount of DNA damage without induced mutation. Single-stranded DNA-binding (SSB) protein is an essential protein in all organisms and is involved in DNA replication, recombination and repair. The published genomic sequence from Deinococcus radiodurans includes a putative single-stranded DNA-binding protein gene (ssb; DR0100) requiring a translational frameshift for synthesis of a complete SSB protein. The apparently tripartite gene has inspired considerable speculation in the literature about potentially novel frameshifting or RNA editing mechanisms. Immediately upstream of the ssb gene is another gene (DR0099) given an ssb-like annotation, but left unexplored.

Results

A segment of the Deinococcus radiodurans strain R1 genome encompassing the ssb gene has been re-sequenced, and two errors involving omitted guanine nucleotides have been documented. The corrected sequence incorporates both of the open reading frames designated DR0099 and DR0100 into one contiguous ssb open reading frame (ORF). The corrected gene requires no translational frameshifts and contains two predicted oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding (OB) folds. The protein has been purified and its sequence is closely related to the Thermus thermophilus and Thermus aquaticus SSB proteins. Like the Thermus SSB proteins, the SSB_Dr functions as a homodimer. The Deinococcus radiodurans SSB homodimer stimulates Deinococcus radiodurans RecA protein and Escherichia coli RecA protein-promoted DNA three-strand exchange reactions with at least the same efficiency as the Escherichia coli SSB homotetramer.

Conclusions

The correct Deinococcus radiodurans ssb gene is a contiguous open reading frame that codes for the largest bacterial SSB monomer identified to date. The Deinococcus radiodurans SSB protein includes two OB folds per monomer and functions as a homodimer. The Deinococcus radiodurans SSB protein efficiently stimulates Deinococcus radiodurans RecA and also Escherichia coli RecA protein-promoted DNA strand exchange reactions. The identification and purification of Deinococcus radiodurans SSB protein not only allows for greater understanding of the SSB protein family but provides an essential yet previously missing player in the current efforts to understand the extraordinary DNA repair capacity of Deinococcus radiodurans.

Cysteinyl-tRNA(Cys) formation in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii: the mechanism is still unknown

Most organisms form Cys-tRNA(Cys), an essential component for protein synthesis, through the action of cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase (CysRS). However, the genomes of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus, and Methanopyrus kandleri do not contain a recognizable cysS gene encoding CysRS. It was reported that M. jannaschii prolyl-tRNA synthetase (C. Stathopoulos, T. Li, R. Longman, U. C. Vothknecht, H. D. Becker, M. Ibba, and D. Söll, Science 287:479-482, 2000; R. S. Lipman, K. R. Sowers, and Y. M. Hou, Biochemistry 39:7792-7798, 2000) or the M. jannaschii MJ1477 protein (C. Fabrega, M. A. Farrow, B. Mukhopadhyay, V. de Crécy-Lagard, A. R. Ortiz, and P. Schimmel, Nature 411:110-114, 2001) provides the "missing" CysRS activity for in vivo Cys-tRNA(Cys) formation. These conclusions were supported by complementation of temperature-sensitive Escherichia coli cysS(Ts) strain UQ818 with archaeal proS genes (encoding prolyl-tRNA synthetase) or with the Deinococcus radiodurans DR0705 gene, the ortholog of the MJ1477 gene. Here we show that E. coli UQ818 harbors a mutation (V27E) in CysRS; the largest differences compared to the wild-type enzyme are a fourfold increase in the K(m) for cysteine and a ninefold reduction in the k(cat) for ATP. While transformants of E. coli UQ818 with archaeal and bacterial cysS genes grew at a nonpermissive temperature, growth was also supported by elevated intracellular cysteine levels, e.g., by transformation with an E. coli cysE allele (encoding serine acetyltransferase) or by the addition of cysteine to the culture medium. An E. coli cysS deletion strain permitted a stringent complementation test; growth could be supported only by archaeal or bacterial cysS genes and not by archaeal proS genes or the D. radiodurans DR0705 gene. Construction of a D. radiodurans DR0705 deletion strain showed this gene to be dispensable. However, attempts to delete D. radiodurans cysS failed, suggesting that this is an essential Deinococcus gene. These results imply that it is not established that proS or MJ1477 gene products catalyze Cys-tRNA(Cys) synthesis in M. jannaschii. Thus, the mechanism of Cys-tRNA(Cys) formation in M. jannaschii still remains to be discovered.