Biochemical basis of the constitutive repressor cleavage activity of recA730 protein. A comparison to recA441 and recA803 proteins

A sensitive, portable, and smartphone-based whole-cell biosensor device for salicylic acid monitoring

Considerable effort has been invested in developing salicylic acid (SA) biosensors for various application purposes. Here, by engineering the sensing modules and host cell chassis, we have gradually optimized the NahR-Psal/Pr-based SA biosensor, increasing the sensitivity and maximum output by 17.2-fold and 9.4-fold, respectively, and improving the detection limit by 800-fold, from 80 μM to 0.1 μM. A portable SA sensing device was constructed by embedding a gelatin-based hydrogel containing an optimized biosensor into the perforations of tape adhered to glass slide, which allowed good determination of SA in the range of 0.1 μM-10 μM. Then, we developed a customized smartphone App to measure the fluorescence intensity of each perforation and automatically calculate the corresponding SA concentration so that we could detect SA concentrations in real cosmetic samples. We anticipate that this smartphone-based imaging biosensor, with its compact size, higher sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, and easy data transfer, will be useful for long-term monitoring of SA.

RecA and SSB genome-wide distribution in ssDNA gaps and ends in Escherichia coli

Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) gapped regions are common intermediates in DNA transactions. Using a new non-denaturing bisulfite treatment combined with ChIP-seq, abbreviated 'ssGap-seq', we explore RecA and SSB binding to ssDNA on a genomic scale in E. coli in a wide range of genetic backgrounds. Some results are expected. During log phase growth, RecA and SSB assembly profiles coincide globally, concentrated on the lagging strand and enhanced after UV irradiation. Unexpected results also abound. Near the terminus, RecA binding is favored over SSB, binding patterns change in the absence of RecG, and the absence of XerD results in massive RecA assembly. RecA may substitute for the absence of XerCD to resolve chromosome dimers. A RecA loading pathway may exist that is independent of RecBCD and RecFOR. Two prominent and focused peaks of RecA binding revealed a pair of 222 bp and GC-rich repeats, equidistant from dif and flanking the Ter domain. The repeats, here named RRS for replication risk sequence, trigger a genomically programmed generation of post-replication gaps that may play a special role in relieving topological stress during replication termination and chromosome segregation. As demonstrated here, ssGap-seq provides a new window on previously inaccessible aspects of ssDNA metabolism.

Single strand gap repair: The presynaptic phase plays a pivotal role in modulating lesion tolerance pathways

During replication, the presence of unrepaired lesions results in the formation of single stranded DNA (ssDNA) gaps that need to be repaired to preserve genome integrity and cell survival. All organisms have evolved two major lesion tolerance pathways to continue replication: Translesion Synthesis (TLS), potentially mutagenic, and Homology Directed Gap Repair (HDGR), that relies on homologous recombination. In Escherichia coli, the RecF pathway repairs such ssDNA gaps by processing them to produce a recombinogenic RecA nucleofilament during the presynaptic phase. In this study, we show that the presynaptic phase is crucial for modulating lesion tolerance pathways since the competition between TLS and HDGR occurs at this stage. Impairing either the extension of the ssDNA gap (mediated by the nuclease RecJ and the helicase RecQ) or the loading of RecA (mediated by RecFOR) leads to a decrease in HDGR and a concomitant increase in TLS. Hence, we conclude that defects in the presynaptic phase delay the formation of the D-loop and increase the time window allowed for TLS. In contrast, we show that a defect in the postsynaptic phase that impairs HDGR does not lead to an increase in TLS. Unexpectedly, we also reveal a strong genetic interaction between recF and recJ genes, that results in a recA deficient-like phenotype in which HDGR is almost completely abolished.

Positive Charges Are Important for the SOS Constitutive Phenotype in recA730 and recA1202 Mutants of Escherichia coli K-12

In Escherichia coli K-12, RecA binds to single-strand DNA (ssDNA) created by DNA damage to form a protein-DNA helical filament that serves to catalyze LexA autoproteolysis, which induces the SOS response. The SOS constitutive (SOS^C) mutations recA730(E38K) and recA1202(Q184K) are both on the outside of the RecA filament, opposite to the face that binds DNA. recA730(E38K) is also able to suppress the UV sensitivity caused by recF mutations. Both SOS^C expression and recF suppression are thought to be due to RecA730's ability to compete better for ssDNA coated with ssDNA-binding protein than the wild type. We tested whether other positively charged residues at these two positions would lead to SOS^C expression and recF suppression. We found that 5/6 positively charged residues were SOS^C and 4/5 of these were also recF suppressors. While other mutations at these two positions (and others) were recF suppressors, none were SOS^C. Three recF suppressors could be made moderately SOS^C by adding a recA operator mutation. We hypothesize two mechanisms for SOS^C expression: the first suggests that the positive charge at positions 38 and 184 attract negatively charged molecules that block interactions that would destabilize the RecA-DNA filament, and the second involves more stable filaments caused by increases in mutant RecA concentration. IMPORTANCE In Escherichia coli K-12, SOS constitutive (SOS^C) mutants of recA turn on the SOS response in the absence of DNA damage. Some SOS^C mutants are also able to indirectly suppress the UV sensitivity of recF mutations. Two SOS^C mutations, recA730(E38K) and recA1202(Q184K), define a surface on the RecA-DNA filament opposite the surface that binds DNA. Both introduce positive charges, and recA730 is a recF suppressor. We tested whether the positive charge at these two positions was required for SOS^C expression and recF suppression. We found a high correlation between the positive charge, SOS^C expression and recF suppression. We also found several other mutations (different types) that provide recF suppression but no SOS^C expression.

Effect of mismatch repair on the mutational footprint of the bacterial SOS mutator activity

The bacterial SOS response to DNA damage induces an error-prone repair program that is mutagenic. In Escherichia coli, SOS-induced mutations are caused by the translesion synthesis (TLS) activity of two error-prone polymerases (EPPs), Pol IV and Pol V. The mutational footprint of the EPPs is confounded by both DNA damage and repair, as mutations are targeted to DNA lesions via TLS and corrected by the mismatch repair (MMR) system. To remove these factors and assess untargeted EPP mutations genome-wide, we constructed spontaneous SOS mutator strains deficient in MMR, then analyzed their mutational footprints by mutation accumulation and whole genome sequencing. Our analysis reveals new features of untargeted SOS-mutagenesis, showing how MMR alters its spectrum, sequence specificity, and strand-bias. Our data support a model where the EPPs prefer to act on the lagging strand of the replication fork, producing base pair mismatches that are differentially repaired by MMR depending on the type of mismatch.

Development of a single-stranded DNA-binding protein fluorescent fusion toolbox

Bacterial single-stranded DNA-binding proteins (SSBs) bind single-stranded DNA and help to recruit heterologous proteins to their sites of action. SSBs perform these essential functions through a modular structural architecture: the N-terminal domain comprises a DNA binding/tetramerization element whereas the C-terminus forms an intrinsically disordered linker (IDL) capped by a protein-interacting SSB-Ct motif. Here we examine the activities of SSB-IDL fusion proteins in which fluorescent domains are inserted within the IDL of Escherichia coli SSB. The SSB-IDL fusions maintain DNA and protein binding activities in vitro, although cooperative DNA binding is impaired. In contrast, an SSB variant with a fluorescent protein attached directly to the C-terminus that is similar to fusions used in previous studies displayed dysfunctional protein interaction activity. The SSB-IDL fusions are readily visualized in single-molecule DNA replication reactions. Escherichia coli strains in which wildtype SSB is replaced by SSB-IDL fusions are viable and display normal growth rates and fitness. The SSB-IDL fusions form detectible SSB foci in cells with frequencies mirroring previously examined fluorescent DNA replication fusion proteins. Cells expressing SSB-IDL fusions are sensitized to some DNA damaging agents. The results highlight the utility of SSB-IDL fusions for biochemical and cellular studies of genome maintenance reactions.

A Comprehensive View of Translesion Synthesis in Escherichia coli

The lesion bypass pathway, translesion synthesis (TLS), exists in essentially all organisms and is considered a pathway for postreplicative gap repair and, at the same time, for lesion tolerance. As with the saying "a trip is not over until you get back home," studying TLS only at the site of the lesion is not enough to understand the whole process of TLS. Recently, a genetic study uncovered that polymerase V (Pol V), a poorly expressed Escherichia coli TLS polymerase, is not only involved in the TLS step per se but also participates in the gap-filling reaction over several hundred nucleotides. The same study revealed that in contrast, Pol IV, another highly expressed TLS polymerase, essentially stays away from the gap-filling reaction. These observations imply fundamentally different ways these polymerases are recruited to DNA in cells. While access of Pol IV appears to be governed by mass action, efficient recruitment of Pol V involves a chaperone-like action of the RecA filament. We present a model of Pol V activation: the 3' tip of the RecA filament initially stabilizes Pol V to allow stable complex formation with a sliding β-clamp, followed by the capture of the terminal RecA monomer by Pol V, thus forming a functional Pol V complex. This activation process likely determines higher accessibility of Pol V than of Pol IV to normal DNA. Finally, we discuss the biological significance of TLS polymerases during gap-filling reactions: error-prone gap-filling synthesis may contribute as a driving force for genetic diversity, adaptive mutation, and evolution.

RecBCD- RecFOR-independent pathway of homologous recombination in Escherichia coli

The RecA protein is a key bacterial recombination enzyme that catalyzes pairing and strand exchange between homologous DNA duplexes. In Escherichia coli, RecA protein assembly on DNA is mediated either by the RecBCD or RecFOR protein complexes. Correspondingly, two recombination pathways, RecBCD and RecF (or RecFOR), are distinguished in E. coli. Inactivation of both pathways in recB(CD) recF(OR) mutants results in severe recombination deficiency. Here we describe a novel, RecBCD- RecFOR-independent (RecBFI) recombination pathway that is active in ΔrecBCD sbcB15 sbcC(D) ΔrecF(OR) mutants of E. coli. In transductional crosses, these mutants show only four-fold decrease of recombination frequency relative to the wild-type strain. At the same time they recombine 40- to 90-fold better than their sbcB⁺ sbcC⁺ and ΔsbcB sbcC counterparts. The RecBFI pathway strongly depends on recA, recJ and recQ gene functions, and moderately depends on recG and lexA functions. Inactivation of dinI, helD, recX, recN, radA, ruvABC and uvrD genes has a slight effect on RecBFI recombination. After exposure to UV and gamma irradiation, the ΔrecBCD sbcB15 sbcC ΔrecF mutants show moderately increased DNA repair proficiency relative to their sbcB⁺ sbcC⁺ and ΔsbcB sbcC counterparts. However, introduction of recA730 allele (encoding RecA protein with enhanced DNA binding properties) completely restores repair proficiency to ΔrecBCD sbcB15 sbcC ΔrecF mutants, but not to their sbcB⁺ sbcC⁺ and ΔsbcB sbcC derivatives. Fluorescence microscopy with UV-irradiated recA-gfp fusion mutants suggests that the kinetics of RecA filament formation might be slowed down in the RecBFI pathway. Inactivation of 3'-5' exonucleases ExoVII, ExoIX and ExoX cannot activate the RecBFI pathway in ΔrecBCD ΔsbcB sbcC ΔrecF mutants. Taken together, our results show that the product of the sbcB15 allele is crucial for RecBFI pathway. Besides protecting 3' overhangs, SbcB15 protein might play an additional, more active role in formation of the RecA filament.

The recombination mediator proteins RecFOR maintain RecA* levels for maximal DNA polymerase V Mut activity

DNA template damage can potentially block DNA replication. Cells have therefore developed different strategies to repair template lesions. Activation of the bacterial lesion bypass DNA polymerase V (Pol V) requires both the cleavage of the UmuD subunit to UmuD' and the acquisition of a monomer of activated RecA recombinase, forming Pol V Mut. Both of these events are mediated by the generation of RecA* via the formation of a RecA-ssDNA filament during the SOS response. Formation of RecA* is itself modulated by competition with the ssDNA-binding protein (SSB) for binding to ssDNA. Previous observations have demonstrated that RecA filament formation on SSB-coated DNA can be favored in the presence of the recombination mediator proteins RecF, RecO, and RecR. We show here using purified proteins that in the presence of SSB and RecA, a stable RecA-ssDNA filament is not formed, although sufficient RecA* is generated to support some activation of Pol V. The presence of RecFOR increased RecA* generation and allowed Pol V to synthesize longer DNA products and to elongate from an unpaired primer terminus opposite template damage, also without the generation of a stable RecA-ssDNA filament.

Stable Nuclei of Nucleoprotein Filament and High ssDNA Binding Affinity Contribute to Enhanced RecA E38K Recombinase Activity

RecA plays central roles in the homologous recombination to repair double-stranded DNA break damage in E. coli. A previously identified recA strain surviving high doses of UV radiation includes a dominant RecA E38K mutation. Using single-molecule experiments, we showed that the RecA E38K variant protein assembles nucleoprotein filaments more rapidly than the wild-type RecA. We also used a single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) experiment to compare the nucleation cluster dynamics of wild-type RecA and RecA E38K mutants on various short ssDNA substrates. At shorter ssDNA, nucleation clusters of RecA E38K form dynamically, while only few were seen in wild-type RecA. RecA E38K also forms stable nuclei by specifically lowering the dissociation rate constant, k_d. These observations provide evidence that greater nuclei stability and higher ssDNA binding affinity contribute to the observed enhanced recombination activity of the RecA E38K mutant. Given that assembly of RecA nucleoprotein filaments is the first committed step in recombinational repair processes, enhancement at this step gives rise to a more efficient recombinase.

RecA-SSB Interaction Modulates RecA Nucleoprotein Filament Formation on SSB-Wrapped DNA

E. coli RecA recombinase catalyzes the homology pairing and strand exchange reactions in homologous recombinational repair. RecA must compete with single-stranded DNA binding proteins (SSB) for single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) substrates to form RecA nucleoprotein filaments, as the first step of this repair process. It has been suggested that RecA filaments assemble mainly by binding and extending onto the free ssDNA region not covered by SSB, or are assisted by mediators. Using the tethered particle motion (TPM) technique, we monitored individual RecA filament assembly on SSB-wrapped ssDNA in real-time. Nucleation times of the RecA E38K nucleoprotein filament assembly showed no apparent dependence among DNA substrates with various ssDNA gap lengths (from 60 to 100 nucleotides) wrapped by one SSB in the (SSB)₆₅ binding mode. Our data have shown an unexpected RecA filament assembly mechanism in which a RecA-SSB-ssDNA interaction exists. Four additional pieces of evidence support our claim: the nucleation times of the RecA assembly varied (1) when DNA substrates contained different numbers of bound SSB tetramers; (2) when the SSB wrapping mode conversion is induced; (3) when SSB C-terminus truncation mutants are used; and (4) when an excess of C-terminal peptide of SSB is present. Thus, a RecA-SSB interaction should be included in discussing RecA regulatory mechanism.

3'-Terminated Overhangs Regulate DNA Double-Strand Break Processing in Escherichia coli

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) are lethal DNA lesions, which are repaired by homologous recombination in Escherichia coli To study DSB processing in vivo, we induced DSBs into the E. coli chromosome by γ-irradiation and measured chromosomal degradation. We show that the DNA degradation is regulated by RecA protein concentration and its rate of association with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). RecA decreased DNA degradation in wild-type, recB, and recD strains, indicating that it is a general phenomenon in E. coli On the other hand, DNA degradation was greatly reduced and unaffected by RecA in the recB1080 mutant (which produces long overhangs) and in a strain devoid of four exonucleases that degrade a 3' tail (ssExos). 3'-5' ssExos deficiency is epistatic to RecA deficiency concerning DNA degradation, suggesting that bound RecA is shielding the 3' tail from degradation by 3'-5' ssExos. Since 3' tail preservation is common to all these situations, we infer that RecA polymerization constitutes a subset of mechanisms for preserving the integrity of 3' tails emanating from DSBs, along with 3' tail's massive length, or prevention of their degradation by inactivation of 3'-5' ssExos. Thus, we conclude that 3' overhangs are crucial in controlling the extent of DSB processing in E. coli This study suggests a regulatory mechanism for DSB processing in E. coli, wherein 3' tails impose a negative feedback loop on DSB processing reactions, specifically on helicase reloading onto dsDNA ends.

A non-catalytic role of RecBCD in homology directed gap repair and translesion synthesis

The RecBCD complex is a key factor in DNA metabolism. This protein complex harbors a processive nuclease and two helicases activities that give it the ability to process duplex DNA ends. These enzymatic activities make RecBCD a major player in double strand break repair, conjugational recombination and degradation of linear DNA. In this work, we unravel a new role of the RecBCD complex in the processing of DNA single-strand gaps that are generated at DNA replication-blocking lesions. We show that independently of its nuclease or helicase activities, the entire RecBCD complex is required for recombinational repair of the gap and efficient translesion synthesis. Since none of the catalytic functions of RecBCD are required for those processes, we surmise that the complex acts as a structural element that stabilizes the blocked replication fork, allowing efficient DNA damage tolerance.

RadB acts in homologous recombination in the archaeon Haloferax volcanii, consistent with a role as recombination mediator

Homologous recombination plays a central role in the repair of double-strand DNA breaks, the restart of stalled replication forks and the generation of genetic diversity. Regulation of recombination is essential since defects can lead to genome instability and chromosomal rearrangements. Strand exchange is a key step of recombination - it is catalysed by RecA in bacteria, Rad51/Dmc1 in eukaryotes and RadA in archaea. RadB, a paralogue of RadA, is present in many archaeal species. RadB has previously been proposed to function as a recombination mediator, assisting in RadA-mediated strand exchange. In this study, we use the archaeon Haloferax volcanii to provide evidence to support this hypothesis. We show that RadB is required for efficient recombination and survival following treatment with DNA-damaging agents, and we identify two point mutations in radA that suppress the ΔradB phenotype. Analysis of these point mutations leads us to propose that the role of RadB is to act as a recombination mediator, which it does by inducing a conformational change in RadA and thereby promoting its polymerisation on DNA.

The Borrelia burgdorferi telomere resolvase, ResT, anneals ssDNA complexed with its cognate ssDNA-binding protein

Spirochetes of the genus Borrelia possess unusual genomes that consist in a linear chromosome and multiple linear and circular plasmids. The linear replicons are terminated by covalently closed hairpin ends, referred to as hairpin telomeres. The hairpin telomeres represent a simple solution to the end-replication problem. Deoxyribonucleic acid replication initiates internally and proceeds bidirectionally toward the hairpin telomeres. The telomere resolvase, ResT, forms the hairpin telomeres from replicated telomere intermediates in a reaction with similarities to those promoted by type IB topoisomerases and tyrosine recombinases. ResT has also been shown to possess DNA single-strand annealing activity. We report here that ResT promotes single-strand annealing of both free DNA strands and ssDNA complexed with single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB). The annealing of complementary strands bound by SSB requires a ResT-SSB interaction that is mediated by the conserved amphipathic C-terminal tail of SSB. These properties of ResT are similar to those demonstrated for the recombination mediator protein, RecO, of the RecF pathway. Borrelia burgdorferi is unusual in lacking identifiable homologs of the RecFOR proteins. We propose that ResT may provide missing RecFOR functions.

The Walker A motif mutation recA4159 abolishes the SOS response and recombination in a recA730 mutant of Escherichia coli

In bacteria, the RecA protein forms recombinogenic filaments required for the SOS response and DNA recombination. In order to form a recombinogenic filament, wild type RecA needs to bind ATP and to interact with mediator proteins. The RecA730 protein is a mutant version of RecA with superior catalytic abilities, allowing filament formation without the help of mediator proteins. The mechanism of RecA730 filament formation is not well understood, and the question remains as to whether the RecA730 protein requires ATP binding in order to become competent for filament formation. We examined two mutants, recA730,4159 (presumed to be defective for ATP binding) and recA730,2201 (defective for ATP hydrolysis), and show that they have different properties with respect to SOS induction, conjugational recombination and double-strand break repair. We show that ATP binding is essential for all RecA730 functions, while ATP hydrolysis is required only for double-strand break repair. Our results emphasize the similarity of the SOS response and conjugational recombination, neither of which requires ATP hydrolysis by RecA730.

Suppression of the E. coli SOS response by dNTP pool changes

The Escherichia coli SOS system is a well-established model for the cellular response to DNA damage. Control of SOS depends largely on the RecA protein. When RecA is activated by single-stranded DNA in the presence of a nucleotide triphosphate cofactor, it mediates cleavage of the LexA repressor, leading to expression of the 30⁺-member SOS regulon. RecA activation generally requires the introduction of DNA damage. However, certain recA mutants, like recA730, bypass this requirement and display constitutive SOS expression as well as a spontaneous (SOS) mutator effect. Presently, we investigated the possible interaction between SOS and the cellular deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) pools. We found that dNTP pool changes caused by deficiencies in the ndk or dcd genes, encoding nucleoside diphosphate kinase and dCTP deaminase, respectively, had a strongly suppressive effect on constitutive SOS expression in recA730 strains. The suppression of the recA730 mutator effect was alleviated in a lexA-deficient background. Overall, the findings suggest a model in which the dNTP alterations in the ndk and dcd strains interfere with the activation of RecA, thereby preventing LexA cleavage and SOS induction.

Active displacement of RecA filaments by UvrD translocase activity

The UvrD helicase has been implicated in the disassembly of RecA nucleoprotein filaments in vivo and in vitro. We demonstrate that UvrD utilizes an active mechanism to remove RecA from the DNA. Efficient RecA removal depends on the availability of DNA binding sites for UvrD and/or the accessibility of the RecA filament ends. The removal of RecA from DNA also requires ATP hydrolysis by the UvrD helicase but not by RecA protein. The RecA-removal activity of UvrD is slowed by RecA variants with enhanced DNA-binding properties. The ATPase rate of UvrD during RecA removal is much slower than the ATPase activity of UvrD when it is functioning either as a translocase or a helicase on DNA in the absence of RecA. Thus, in this context UvrD may operate in a specialized disassembly mode.

Biochemical characterization of RecA variants that contribute to extreme resistance to ionizing radiation

Among strains of Escherichia coli that have evolved to survive extreme exposure to ionizing radiation, mutations in the recA gene are prominent and contribute substantially to the acquired phenotype. Changes at amino acid residue 276, D276A and D276N, occur repeatedly and in separate evolved populations. RecA D276A and RecA D276N exhibit unique adaptations to an environment that can require the repair of hundreds of double strand breaks. These two RecA protein variants (a) exhibit a faster rate of filament nucleation on DNA, as well as a slower extension under at least some conditions, leading potentially to a distribution of the protein among a higher number of shorter filaments, (b) promote DNA strand exchange more efficiently in the context of a shorter filament, and (c) are markedly less inhibited by ADP. These adaptations potentially allow RecA protein to address larger numbers of double strand DNA breaks in an environment where ADP concentrations are higher due to a compromised cellular metabolism.

DNA polymerase V activity is autoregulated by a novel intrinsic DNA-dependent ATPase

Escherichia coli DNA polymerase V (pol V), a heterotrimeric complex composed of UmuD'2C, is marginally active. ATP and RecA play essential roles in the activation of pol V for DNA synthesis including translesion synthesis (TLS). We have established three features of the roles of ATP and RecA. (1) RecA-activated DNA polymerase V (pol V Mut), is a DNA-dependent ATPase; (2) bound ATP is required for DNA synthesis; (3) pol V Mut function is regulated by ATP, with ATP required to bind primer/template (p/t) DNA and ATP hydrolysis triggering dissociation from the DNA. Pol V Mut formed with an ATPase-deficient RecA E38K/K72R mutant hydrolyzes ATP rapidly, establishing the DNA-dependent ATPase as an intrinsic property of pol V Mut distinct from the ATP hydrolytic activity of RecA when bound to single-stranded (ss)DNA as a nucleoprotein filament (RecA*). No similar ATPase activity or autoregulatory mechanism has previously been found for a DNA polymerase.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02384.001.

RecX facilitates homologous recombination by modulating RecA activities

The Bacillus subtilis recH342 strain, which decreases interspecies recombination without significantly affecting the frequency of transformation with homogamic DNA, carried a point mutation in the putative recX (yfhG) gene, and the mutation was renamed as recX342. We show that RecX (264 residues long), which shares partial identity with the Proteobacterial RecX (<180 residues), is a genuine recombination protein, and its primary function is to modulate the SOS response and to facilitate RecA-mediated recombinational repair and genetic recombination. RecX-YFP formed discrete foci on the nucleoid, which were coincident in time with RecF, in response to DNA damage, and on the poles and/or the nucleoid upon stochastic induction of programmed natural competence. When DNA was damaged, the RecX foci co-localized with RecA threads that persisted for a longer time in the recX context. The absence of RecX severely impaired natural transformation both with plasmid and chromosomal DNA. We show that RecX suppresses the negative effect exerted by RecA during plasmid transformation, prevents RecA mis-sensing of single-stranded DNA tracts, and modulates DNA strand exchange. RecX, by modulating the “length or packing” of a RecA filament, facilitates the initiation of recombination and increases recombination across species.

This study describes mechanisms employed by the bacterium Bacillus subtilis to survive DNA damages by recombinational repair (RR) and to provide genetic variation via genetic recombination (GR). At the center of homologous recombination (HR) is the recombinase RecA, which forms RecA·ssDNA filaments to mediate SOS induction and to promote DNA strand exchange, a step needed for both RR and GR. Genetic data presented here highlight the complexity of the network of RecA accessory factors that regulate HR activities, with RecX counteracting the role of RecF in SOS induction. The absence of both RecA modulators, however, blocked RR and GR. Insights into the spatio-temporal recruitment of RecA to preserve genome integrity, to overcome the barriers of gene flow, and its regulation by mediators and modulators are provided. Chromosomal transformation, which declines with increasing evolutionary distance, depends on HR. Indeed, the presence of the RecX modulator decreases the genetic barrier between closely related organisms. The role of RecA mediators and modulators on the preservation of genome integrity and long-term genome evolution is discussed.

Homologous Recombination-Enzymes and Pathways

Homologous recombination is an ubiquitous process that shapes genomes and repairs DNA damage. The reaction is classically divided into three phases: presynaptic, synaptic, and postsynaptic. In Escherichia coli, the presynaptic phase involves either RecBCD or RecFOR proteins, which act on DNA double-stranded ends and DNA single-stranded gaps, respectively; the central synaptic steps are catalyzed by the ubiquitous DNA-binding protein RecA; and the postsynaptic phase involves either RuvABC or RecG proteins, which catalyze branch-migration and, in the case of RuvABC, the cleavage of Holliday junctions. Here, we review the biochemical properties of these molecular machines and analyze how, in light of these properties, the phenotypes of null mutants allow us to define their biological function(s). The consequences of point mutations on the biochemical properties of recombination enzymes and on cell phenotypes help refine the molecular mechanisms of action and the biological roles of recombination proteins. Given the high level of conservation of key proteins like RecA and the conservation of the principles of action of all recombination proteins, the deep knowledge acquired during decades of studies of homologous recombination in bacteria is the foundation of our present understanding of the processes that govern genome stability and evolution in all living organisms.

Genetic requirements for high constitutive SOS expression in recA730 mutants of Escherichia coli

The RecA protein in its functional state is in complex with single-stranded DNA, i.e., in the form of a RecA filament. In SOS induction, the RecA filament functions as a coprotease, enabling the autodigestion of the LexA repressor. The RecA filament can be formed by different mechanisms, but all of them require three enzymatic activities essential for the processing of DNA double-stranded ends. These are helicase, 5'-3' exonuclease, and RecA loading onto single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). In some mutants, the SOS response can be expressed constitutively during the process of normal DNA metabolism. The RecA730 mutant protein is able to form the RecA filament without the help of RecBCD and RecFOR mediators since it better competes with the single-strand binding (SSB) protein for ssDNA. As a consequence, the recA730 mutants show high constitutive SOS expression. In the study described in this paper, we studied the genetic requirements for constitutive SOS expression in recA730 mutants. Using a β-galactosidase assay, we showed that the constitutive SOS response in recA730 mutants exhibits different requirements in different backgrounds. In a wild-type background, the constitutive SOS response is partially dependent on RecBCD function. In a recB1080 background (the recB1080 mutation retains only helicase), constitutive SOS expression is partially dependent on RecBCD helicase function and is strongly dependent on RecJ nuclease. Finally, in a recB-null background, the constitutive SOS expression of the recA730 mutant is dependent on the RecJ nuclease. Our results emphasize the importance of the 5'-3' exonuclease for high constitutive SOS expression in recA730 mutants and show that RecBCD function can further enhance the excellent intrinsic abilities of the RecA730 protein in vivo.

RecA K72R filament formation defects reveal an oligomeric RecA species involved in filament extension

Using an ensemble approach, we demonstrate that an oligomeric RecA species is required for the extension phase of RecA filament formation. The RecA K72R mutant protein can bind but not hydrolyze ATP or dATP. When mixed with other RecA variants, RecA K72R causes a drop in the rate of ATP hydrolysis and has been used to study disassembly of hydrolysis-proficient RecA protein filaments. RecA K72R filaments do not form in the presence of ATP but do so when dATP is provided. We demonstrate that in the presence of ATP, RecA K72R is defective for extension of RecA filaments on DNA. This defect is partially rescued when the mutant protein is mixed with sufficient levels of wild type RecA protein. Functional extension complexes form most readily when wild type RecA is in excess of RecA K72R. Thus, RecA K72R inhibits hydrolysis-proficient RecA proteins by interacting with them in solution and preventing the extension phase of filament assembly.

Creating directed double-strand breaks with the Ref protein: a novel RecA-dependent nuclease from bacteriophage P1

The bacteriophage P1-encoded Ref protein enhances RecA-dependent recombination in vivo by an unknown mechanism. We demonstrate that Ref is a new type of enzyme; that is, a RecA-dependent nuclease. Ref binds to ss- and dsDNA but does not cleave any DNA substrate until RecA protein and ATP are added to form RecA nucleoprotein filaments. Ref cleaves only where RecA protein is bound. RecA functions as a co-nuclease in the Ref/RecA system. Ref nuclease activity can be limited to the targeted strands of short RecA-containing D-loops. The result is a uniquely programmable endonuclease activity, producing targeted double-strand breaks at any chosen DNA sequence in an oligonucleotide-directed fashion. We present evidence indicating that cleavage occurs in the RecA filament groove. The structure of the Ref protein has been determined to 1.4 Å resolution. The core structure, consisting of residues 77-186, consists of a central 2-stranded β-hairpin that is sandwiched between several α-helical and extended loop elements. The N-terminal 76 amino acid residues are disordered; this flexible region is required for optimal activity. The overall structure of Ref, including several putative active site histidine residues, defines a new subclass of HNH-family nucleases. We propose that enhancement of recombination by Ref reflects the introduction of directed, recombinogenic double-strand breaks.

Modulating cellular recombination potential through alterations in RecA structure and regulation

The wild-type Escherichia coli RecA protein is a recombinase platform with unrealized recombination potential. We have explored the factors affecting recombination during conjugation with a quantitative assay. Regulatory proteins that affect RecA function have the capacity to increase or decrease recombination frequencies by factors up to sixfold. Autoinhibition by the RecA C-terminus can affect recombination frequency by factors up to fourfold. The greatest changes in recombination frequency measured here are brought about by point mutations in the recA gene. RecA variants can increase recombination frequencies by more than 50-fold. The RecA protein thus possesses an inherently broad functional range. The RecA protein of E. coli (EcRecA) is not optimized for recombination function. Instead, much of the recombination potential of EcRecA is structurally suppressed, probably reflecting cellular requirements. One point mutation in EcRecA with a particularly dramatic effect on recombination frequency, D112R, exhibits an enhanced capacity to load onto SSB-coated ssDNA, overcome the effects of regulatory proteins such as PsiB and RecX, and to pair homologous DNAs. Comparisons of key RecA protein mutants reveal two components to RecA recombination function - filament formation and the inherent DNA pairing activity of the formed filaments.

Synthesizing a novel genetic sequential logic circuit: a push-on push-off switch

Design and synthesis of basic functional circuits are the fundamental tasks of synthetic biologists. Before it is possible to engineer higher-order genetic networks that can perform complex functions, a toolkit of basic devices must be developed. Among those devices, sequential logic circuits are expected to be the foundation of the genetic information-processing systems. In this study, we report the design and construction of a genetic sequential logic circuit in Escherichia coli. It can generate different outputs in response to the same input signal on the basis of its internal state, and 'memorize' the output. The circuit is composed of two parts: (1) a bistable switch memory module and (2) a double-repressed promoter NOR gate module. The two modules were individually rationally designed, and they were coupled together by fine-tuning the interconnecting parts through directed evolution. After fine-tuning, the circuit could be repeatedly, alternatively triggered by the same input signal; it functions as a push-on push-off switch.

Single molecule analysis of a red fluorescent RecA protein reveals a defect in nucleoprotein filament nucleation that relates to its reduced biological functions

Fluorescent fusion proteins are exceedingly useful for monitoring protein localization in situ or visualizing protein behavior at the single molecule level. Unfortunately, some proteins are rendered inactive by the fusion. To circumvent this problem, we fused a hyperactive RecA protein (RecA803 protein) to monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP1) to produce a functional protein (RecA-RFP) that is suitable for in vivo and in vitro analysis. In vivo, the RecA-RFP partially restores UV resistance, conjugational recombination, and SOS induction to recA(-) cells. In vitro, the purified RecA-RFP protein forms a nucleoprotein filament whose k(cat) for single-stranded DNA-dependent ATPase activity is reduced approximately 3-fold relative to wild-type protein, and which is largely inhibited by single-stranded DNA-binding protein. However, RecA protein is also a dATPase; dATP supports RecA-RFP nucleoprotein filament formation in the presence of single-stranded DNA-binding protein. Furthermore, as for the wild-type protein, the activities of RecA-RFP are further enhanced by shifting the pH to 6.2. As a consequence, RecA-RFP is proficient for DNA strand exchange with dATP or at lower pH. Finally, using single molecule visualization, RecA-RFP was seen to assemble into a continuous filament on duplex DNA, and to extend the DNA approximately 1.7-fold. Consistent with its attenuated activities, RecA-RFP nucleates onto double-stranded DNA approximately 3-fold more slowly than the wild-type protein, but still requires approximately 3 monomers to form the rate-limited nucleus needed for filament assembly. Thus, RecA-RFP reveals that its attenuated biological functions correlate with a reduced frequency of nucleoprotein filament nucleation at the single molecule level.

Reconstitution of initial steps of dsDNA break repair by the RecF pathway of E. coli

The RecF pathway of Escherichia coli is important for recombinational repair of DNA breaks and gaps. Here ;we reconstitute in vitro a seven-protein reaction that recapitulates early steps of dsDNA break repair using purified RecA, RecF, RecO, RecR, RecQ, RecJ, and SSB proteins, components of the RecF system. Their combined action results in processing of linear dsDNA and its homologous pairing with supercoiled DNA. RecA, RecO, RecR, and RecJ are essential for joint molecule formation, whereas SSB and RecF are stimulatory. This reconstituted system reveals an unexpected essential function for RecJ exonuclease: the capability to resect duplex DNA. RecQ helicase stimulates this processing, but also disrupts joint molecules. RecO and RecR have two indispensable functions: They mediate exchange of RecA for SSB to form the RecA nucleoprotein filament, and act with RecF to load RecA onto the SSB-ssDNA complex at processed ssDNA-dsDNA junctions. The RecF pathway has many parallels with recombinational repair in eukaryotes.

UvrD303, a hyperhelicase mutant that antagonizes RecA-dependent SOS expression by a mechanism that depends on its C terminus

Genomic integrity is critical for an organism's survival and ability to reproduce. In Escherichia coli, the UvrD helicase has roles in nucleotide excision repair and methyl-directed mismatch repair and can limit reactions by RecA under certain circumstances. UvrD303 (D403A D404A) is a hyperhelicase mutant, and when expressed from a multicopy plasmid, it results in UV sensitivity (UV(s)), recombination deficiency, and antimutability. In order to understand the molecular mechanism underlying the UV(s) phenotype of uvrD303 cells, this mutation was transferred to the E. coli chromosome and studied in single copy. It is shown here that uvrD303 mutants are UV sensitive, recombination deficient, and antimutable and additionally have a moderate defect in inducing the SOS response after UV treatment. The UV-sensitive phenotype is epistatic with recA and additive with uvrA and is partially suppressed by removing the LexA repressor. Furthermore, uvrD303 is able to inhibit constitutive SOS expression caused by the recA730 mutation. The ability of UvrD303 to antagonize SOS expression was dependent on its 40 C-terminal amino acids. It is proposed that UvrD303, via its C terminus, can decrease the levels of RecA activity in the cell.

Comparison of responses to double-strand breaks between Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis reveals different requirements for SOS induction

DNA double-strand breaks are particularly deleterious lesions that can lead to genomic instability and cell death. We investigated the SOS response to double-strand breaks in both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. In E. coli, double-strand breaks induced by ionizing radiation resulted in SOS induction in virtually every cell. E. coli strains incapable of SOS induction were sensitive to ionizing radiation. In striking contrast, we found that in B. subtilis both ionizing radiation and a site-specific double-strand break causes induction of prophage PBSX and SOS gene expression in only a small subpopulation of cells. These results show that double-strand breaks provoke global SOS induction in E. coli but not in B. subtilis. Remarkably, RecA-GFP focus formation was nearly identical following ionizing radiation challenge in both E. coli and B. subtilis, demonstrating that formation of RecA-GFP foci occurs in response to double-strand breaks but does not require or result in SOS induction in B. subtilis. Furthermore, we found that B. subtilis cells incapable of inducing SOS had near wild-type levels of survival in response to ionizing radiation. Moreover, B. subtilis RecN contributes to maintaining low levels of SOS induction during double-strand break repair. Thus, we found that the contribution of SOS induction to double-strand break repair differs substantially between E. coli and B. subtilis.

Molecular Design and Functional Organization of the RecA Protein

The bacterial RecA protein participates in a remarkably diverse set of functions, all of which are involved in the maintenance of genomic integrity. RecA is a central component in both the catalysis of recombinational DNA repair and the regulation of the cellular SOS response. Despite the mechanistic differences of its functions, all require formation of an active RecA/ATP/DNA complex. RecA is a classic allosterically regulated enzyme, and ATP binding results in a dramatic increase in DNA binding affinity and a cooperative assembly of RecA subunits to form an ordered, helical nucleoprotein filament. The molecular events that underlie this ATP-induced structural transition are becoming increasingly clear. This review focuses on descriptions of our current understanding of the molecular design and allosteric regulation of RecA. We present a comprehensive list of all published recA mutants and use the results of various genetic and biochemical studies, together with available structural information, to develop ideas regarding the design of RecA functional domains and their catalytic organization.

RecA-mediated SOS induction requires an extended filament conformation but no ATP hydrolysis

The Escherichia coli SOS response to DNA damage is modulated by the RecA protein, a recombinase that forms an extended filament on single-stranded DNA and hydrolyzes ATP. The RecA K72R (recA2201) mutation eliminates the ATPase activity of RecA protein. The mutation also limits the capacity of RecA to form long filaments in the presence of ATP. Strains with this mutation do not undergo SOS induction in vivo. We have combined the K72R variant of RecA with another mutation, RecA E38K (recA730). In vitro, the double mutant RecA E38K/K72R (recA730,2201) mimics the K72R mutant protein in that it has no ATPase activity. The double mutant protein will form long extended filaments on ssDNA and facilitate LexA cleavage almost as well as wild-type, and do so in the presence of ATP. Unlike recA K72R, the recA E38K/K72R double mutant promotes SOS induction in vivo after UV treatment. Thus, SOS induction does not require ATP hydrolysis by the RecA protein, but does require formation of extended RecA filaments. The RecA E38K/K72R protein represents an improved reagent for studies of the function of ATP hydrolysis by RecA in vivo and in vitro.

Two RecA protein types that mediate different modes of hyperrecombination

RecAX53 is a chimeric variant of the Escherichia coli RecA protein (RecAEc) that contains a part of the central domain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa RecA (RecAPa), encompassing a region that differs from RecAEc at 12 amino acid positions. Like RecAPa, this chimera exhibits hyperrecombination activity in E. coli cells, increasing the frequency of recombination exchanges per DNA unit length (FRE). RecAX53 confers the largest increase in FRE observed to date. The contrasting properties of RecAX53 and RecAPa are manifested by in vivo differences in the dependence of the FRE value on the integrity of the mutS gene and thus in the ratio of conversion and crossover events observed among their hyperrecombination products. In strains expressing the RecAPa or RecAEc protein, crossovers are the main mode of hyperrecombination. In contrast, conversions are the primary result of reactions promoted by RecAX53. The biochemical activities of RecAX53 and its ancestors, RecAEc and RecAPa, have been compared. Whereas RecAPa generates a RecA presynaptic complex (PC) that is more stable than that of RecAEc, RecAX53 produces a more dynamic PC (relative to both RecAEc and RecAPa). The properties of RecAX53 result in a more rapid initiation of the three-strand exchange reaction but an inability to complete the four-strand transfer. This indicates that RecAX53 can form heteroduplexes rapidly but is unable to convert them into crossover configurations. A more dynamic RecA activity thus translates into an increase in conversion events relative to crossovers.

The SOS Regulatory Network

All organisms possess a diverse set of genetic programs that are used to alter cellular physiology in response to environmental cues. The gram-negative bacterium, Escherichia coli, mounts what is known as the "SOS response" following DNA damage, replication fork arrest, and a myriad of other environmental stresses. For over 50 years, E. coli has served as the paradigm for our understanding of the transcriptional, and physiological changes that occur following DNA damage (400). In this chapter, we summarize the current view of the SOS response and discuss how this genetic circuit is regulated. In addition to examining the E. coli SOS response, we also include a discussion of the SOS regulatory networks in other bacteria to provide a broader perspective on how prokaryotes respond to DNA damage.

RecFOR proteins are essential for Pol V-mediated translesion synthesis and mutagenesis

When the replication fork moves through the template DNA containing lesions, daughter-strand gaps are formed opposite lesion sites. These gaps are subsequently filled-in either by translesion synthesis (TLS) or by homologous recombination. RecA filaments formed within these gaps are key intermediates for both of the gap-filling pathways. For instance, Pol V, the major lesion bypass polymerase in Escherichia coli, requires a functional interaction with the tip of the RecA filament. Here, we show that all three recombination mediator proteins RecFOR are needed to build a functionally competent RecA filament that supports efficient Pol V-mediated TLS in the presence of ssDNA-binding protein (SSB). A positive contribution of RecF protein to Pol V lesion bypass is demonstrated. When Pol III and Pol V are both present, Pol III imparts a negative effect on Pol V-mediated lesion bypass that is counteracted by the combined action of RecFOR and SSB. Mutations in recF, recO or recR gene abolish induced mutagenesis in E. coli.

A RecA mutant, RecA(730), suppresses the recombination deficiency of the RecBC(1004)D-chi* interaction in vitro and in vivo

In Escherichia coli, homologous recombination initiated at double-stranded DNA breaks requires the RecBCD enzyme, a multifunctional heterotrimeric complex that possesses processive helicase and exonuclease activities. Upon encountering the DNA regulatory sequence, chi, the enzymatic properties of RecBCD enzyme are altered. Its helicase activity is reduced, the 3'-->5'nuclease activity is attenuated, the 5'-->3' nuclease activity is up-regulated, and it manifests an ability to load RecA protein onto single-stranded DNA. The net result of these changes is the production of a highly recombinogenic structure known as the presynaptic filament. Previously, we found that the recC1004 mutation alters chi-recognition so that this mutant enzyme recognizes an altered chi sequence, chi*, which comprises seven of the original nucleotides in chi, plus four novel nucleotides. Although some consequences of this mutant enzyme-mutant chi interaction could be detected in vivo and in vitro, stimulation of recombination in vivo could not. To resolve this seemingly contradictory observation, we examined the behavior of a RecA mutant, RecA(730), that displays enhanced biochemical activity in vitro and possesses suppressor function in vivo. We show that the recombination deficiency of the RecBC(1004)D-chi* interaction can be overcome by the enhanced ability of RecA(730) to assemble on single-stranded DNA in vitro and in vivo. These data are consistent with findings showing that the loading of RecA protein by RecBCD is necessary in vivo, and they show that RecA proteins with enhanced single-stranded DNA-binding capacity can partially bypass the need for RecBCD-mediated loading.

RecA acts in trans to allow replication of damaged DNA by DNA polymerase V

The DNA polymerase V (pol V) and RecA proteins are essential components of a mutagenic translesion synthesis pathway in Escherichia coli designed to cope with DNA damage. Previously, it has been assumed that RecA binds to the DNA template strand being copied. Here we show, however, that pol-V-catalysed translesion synthesis, in the presence or absence of the beta-processivity-clamp, occurs only when RecA nucleoprotein filaments assemble or RecA protomers bind on separate single-stranded (ss)DNA molecules in trans. A 3'-proximal RecA filament end on trans DNA is essential for stimulation; however, synthesis is strengthened by further pol V-RecA interactions occurring elsewhere along a trans nucleoprotein filament. We suggest that trans-stimulation of pol V by RecA bound to ssDNA reflects a distinctive regulatory mechanism of mutation that resolves the paradox of RecA filaments assembled in cis on a damaged template strand obstructing translesion DNA synthesis despite the absolute requirement of RecA for SOS mutagenesis.

Distinguishing characteristics of hyperrecombinogenic RecA protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa acting in Escherichia coli

In Escherichia coli, a relatively low frequency of recombination exchanges (FRE) is predetermined by the activity of RecA protein, as modulated by a complex regulatory program involving both autoregulation and other factors. The RecA protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (RecA(Pa)) exhibits a more robust recombinase activity than its E. coli counterpart (RecA(Ec)). Low-level expression of RecA(Pa) in E. coli cells results in hyperrecombination (an increase of FRE) even in the presence of RecA(Ec). This genetic effect is supported by the biochemical finding that the RecA(Pa) protein is more efficient in filament formation than RecA K72R, a mutant protein with RecA(Ec)-like DNA-binding ability. Expression of RecA(Pa) also partially suppresses the effects of recF, recO, and recR mutations. In concordance with the latter, RecA(Pa) filaments initiate recombination equally from both the 5' and 3' ends. Besides, these filaments exhibit more resistance to disassembly from the 5' ends that makes the ends potentially appropriate for initiation of strand exchange. These comparative genetic and biochemical characteristics reveal that multiple levels are used by bacteria for a programmed regulation of their recombination activities.

The RecF protein antagonizes RecX function via direct interaction

The RecX protein inhibits RecA filament extension, leading to net filament disassembly. The RecF protein physically interacts with the RecX protein and protects RecA from the inhibitory effects of RecX. In vitro, efficient RecA filament formation onto single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB)-coated circular single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) in the presence of RecX occurs only when all of the RecFOR proteins are present. The RecOR proteins contribute only to RecA filament nucleation onto SSB-coated single-stranded DNA and are unable to counter the inhibitory effects of RecX on RecA filaments. RecF protein uniquely supports substantial RecA filament extension in the presence of RecX. In vivo, RecF protein counters a RecX-mediated inhibition of plasmid recombination. Thus, a significant positive contribution of RecF to RecA filament assembly is to antagonize the effects of the negative modulator RecX, specifically during the extension phase.

Roles of the Escherichia coli RecA protein and the global SOS response in effecting DNA polymerase selection in vivo

The Escherichia coli beta sliding clamp protein is proposed to play an important role in effecting switches between different DNA polymerases during replication, repair, and translesion DNA synthesis. We recently described how strains bearing the dnaN159 allele, which encodes a mutant form of the beta clamp (beta159), display a UV-sensitive phenotype that is suppressed by inactivation of DNA polymerase IV (M. D. Sutton, J. Bacteriol. 186:6738-6748, 2004). As part of an ongoing effort to understand mechanisms of DNA polymerase management in E. coli, we have further characterized effects of the dnaN159 allele on polymerase usage. Three of the five E.coli DNA polymerases (II, IV, and V) are regulated as part of the global SOS response. Our results indicate that elevated expression of the dinB-encoded polymerase IV is sufficient to result in conditional lethality of the dnaN159 strain. In contrast, chronically activated RecA protein, expressed from the recA730 allele, is lethal to the dnaN159 strain, and this lethality is suppressed by mutations that either mitigate RecA730 activity (i.e., DeltarecR), or impair the activities of DNA polymerase II or DNA polymerase V (i.e., DeltapolB or DeltaumuDC). Thus, we have identified distinct genetic requirements whereby each of the three different SOS-regulated DNA polymerases are able to confer lethality upon the dnaN159 strain, suggesting the presence of multiple mechanisms by which the actions of the cell's different DNA polymerases are managed in vivo.

UvrD helicase, unlike Rep helicase, dismantles RecA nucleoprotein filaments in Escherichia coli

The roles of UvrD and Rep DNA helicases of Escherichia coli are not yet fully understood. In particular, the reason for rep uvrD double mutant lethality remains obscure. We reported earlier that mutations in recF, recO or recR genes suppress the lethality of uvrD rep, and proposed that an essential activity common to UvrD and Rep is either to participate in the removal of toxic recombination intermediates or to favour the proper progression of replication. Here, we show that UvrD, but not Rep, directly prevents homologous recombination in vivo. In addition to RecFOR, we provide evidence that RecA contributes to toxicity in the rep uvrD mutant. In vitro, UvrD dismantles the RecA nucleoprotein filament, while Rep has only a marginal activity. We conclude that UvrD and Rep do not share a common activity that is essential in vivo: while Rep appears to act at the replication stage, UvrD plays a role of RecA nucleoprotein filament remover. This activity of UvrD is similar to that of the yeast Srs2 helicase.

Error-prone DNA polymerases: when making a mistake is the only way to get ahead

Cells have high-fidelity polymerases whose task is to accurately replicate the genome, and low-fidelity polymerases with specialized functions. Although some of these low-fidelity polymerases are exceptional in their ability to replicate damaged DNA and restore the undamaged sequence, they are error prone on undamaged DNA. In fact, these error-prone polymerases are sometimes used in circumstances where the capacity to make errors has a selective advantage. The mutagenic potential of the error-prone polymerases requires that their expression, activity, and access to undamaged DNA templates be regulated. Here we review these specialized polymerases with an emphasis on their biological roles.

The C terminus of the Escherichia coli RecA protein modulates the DNA binding competition with single-stranded DNA-binding protein

The nucleation step of Escherichia coli RecA filament formation on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) is strongly inhibited by prebound E. coli ssDNA-binding protein (SSB). The capacity of RecA protein to displace SSB is dramatically enhanced in RecA proteins with C-terminal deletions. The displacement of SSB by RecA protein is progressively improved when 6, 13, and 17 C-terminal amino acids are removed from the RecA protein relative to the full-length protein. The C-terminal deletion mutants also more readily displace yeast replication protein A than does the full-length protein. Thus, the RecA protein has an inherent and robust capacity to displace SSB from ssDNA. However, the displacement function is suppressed by the RecA C terminus, providing another example of a RecA activity with C-terminal modulation. RecADeltaC17 also has an enhanced capacity relative to wild-type RecA protein to bind ssDNA containing secondary structure. Added Mg(2+) enhances the ability of wild-type RecA and the RecA C-terminal deletion mutants to compete with SSB and replication protein A. The overall binding of RecADeltaC17 mutant protein to linear ssDNA is increased further by the mutation E38K, previously shown to enhance SSB displacement from ssDNA. The double mutant RecADeltaC17/E38K displaces SSB somewhat better than either individual mutant protein under some conditions and exhibits a higher steady-state level of binding to linear ssDNA under all conditions.

RecFOR proteins load RecA protein onto gapped DNA to accelerate DNA strand exchange: a universal step of recombinational repair

Genetic evidence suggests that the RecF, RecO, and RecR (RecFOR) proteins participate in a common step of DNA recombination and repair, yet the biochemical event requiring collaboration of all three proteins is unknown. Here, we show that the concerted action of the RecFOR complex directs the loading of RecA protein specifically onto gapped DNA that is coated with single-stranded DNA binding (SSB) protein, thereby accelerating DNA strand exchange. The RecFOR complex recognizes the junction between the ssDNA and dsDNA regions and requires a base-paired 5' terminus at the junction. Thus, the RecFOR complex is a structure-specific mediator that targets recombinational repair to ssDNA-dsDNA junctions. This reaction reconstitutes the initial steps of recombinational gapped DNA repair and uncovers an event also common to the repair of ssDNA-tailed intermediates of dsDNA-break repair. We propose that the behavior of the RecFOR proteins is mimicked by functional counterparts that exist in all organisms.

Conjugational hyperrecombination achieved by derepressing the LexA regulon, altering the properties of RecA protein and inactivating mismatch repair in Escherichia coli K-12

The frequency of recombinational exchanges (FRE) that disrupt co-inheritance of transferred donor markers in Escherichia coli Hfr by F(-) crosses differs by up to a factor of two depending on physiological factors and culture conditions. Under standard conditions we found FRE to be 5.01 +/- 0.43 exchanges per 100-min units of DNA length for wild-type strains of the AB1157 line. Using these conditions we showed a cumulative effect of various mutations on FRE. Constitutive SOS expression by lexA gene inactivation (lexA71::Tn5) and recA gene mutation (recA730) showed, respectively, approximately 4- and 7-fold increases of FRE. The double lexA71 recA730 combination gave an approximately 17-fold increase in FRE. Addition of mutS215::Tn10, inactivating the mismatch repair system, to the double lexA recA mutant increased FRE to approximately 26-fold above wild-type FRE. Finally, we showed that another recA mutation produced as much SOS expression as recA730 but increased FRE only 3-fold. We conclude that three factors contribute to normally low FRE under standard conditions: repression of the LexA regulon, the properties of wild-type RecA protein, and a functioning MutSHL mismatch repair system. We discuss mechanisms by which the lexA, recA, and mutS mutations may elevate FRE cumulatively to obtain hyperrecombination.